IPL has given incredible chances to so many youngsters from all over the world, but obviously more so to Indians since it is an Indian tournament. While it remains that T20 players need not be successful in the longer format of the game, what the attendant publicity of the IPL does is to bring to the attention of the nation that there are players out there who have the talent and temperament to go further, writes Sunil Gavaskar in The Times Of India, adding that many a player has fallen by the wayside after a good season of the IPL and have just not been able to get back in the circuit.
“Hopefully, Manvinder Bisla, who won the match for KKR, will realise that one swallow does not make a summer. What he has to do is capitalise on the attention that he has got and train harder, become better at batting and wicket-keeping and also develop a bit of patience. Then his shot selection will become even better. Not that there was much wrong with his choice of shots or placement,” writes Gavaskar.
Meanwhile Dean Jones writes in TOI that undoubtedly, this was the best IPL ever, and the final was a fitting climax to this fantastic league. “It was a final between two completely different captains, and no one lost the game. Kolkata Knight Riders won it,” writes Deano.
“In the end, I would like to present to you my best IPL team, and yes, I could only choose four overseas players. Chris Gayle, Ajinkya Rahane, Gautam Gambhir (captain), Rohit Sharma, Ambati Rayudu, MS Dhoni, R Ashwin, Morne Morkel, Lasith Malinga, L Balaji and Sunil Narine would be my 11,” adds Dean Jones.
Meanwhile a report in Hindustan Times says that a 15-minute session with Sachin Tendulkar was enough to change the fortunes of Robin Bist, who went on to become the highest scorer in Ranji Trophy this season. “During last year’s IPL, I asked Sachin if he could spare a few minutes. He had a chat with me for 15 minutes and gave me a few tips, which helped me a lot,” said the Rajasthan cricketer who will be touring the West Indies with the India-a side.