The story of the IPL so far - brilliant Hussey hundred puts Chennai in good position

Indian Premier League - IPL / Andrew Hughes / 21 April 2008 / Leave a Comment

Cheerleaders, Bollywood stars, record-breaking knocks and a power cut, but it's so far so good in the Indian Premier League, says Andrew Hughes

In the broiling heat of Bangalore, the IPL finally blasted off on Friday. It needed a good launch and it certainly got one. Two hours of pumping music, fireworks, stilt walkers, cheerleaders and a laser show preceded the introduction of the team captains, each receiving a louder reception than the last, building to the crescendo that accompanied the announcement of Sachin Tendulkar's name.

The inaugural game did not disappoint. At this early stage, local loyalties have yet to be cemented, despite the best efforts of the face-painters, flag distributors and the franchise owners, so it was a fairly neutral crowd who watched Brendon McCullum's awe-inspiring and world record setting demolition of the Bangalore attack. An opening ceremony with no embarrassments, a full house and a record score would certainly have ticked the boxes for the IPL's organisers.

Subsequent games have not disappointed in quality nor atmosphere. Though the pyrotechnics of the opening ceremony were always going to be a one-off, all the matches so far have been played in front of packed houses and accompanied by blaring local music and a carnival feeling. It already appears that the IPL has been successful in attracting large numbers of women and children, not to mention a fair few Bollywood celebrities.

Not surprisingly, batsmen have dominated the headlines. Brendon McCullum's 158 at over 2 runs a ball was followed the next day by Mike Hussey's 116 at a similar strike rate and there have been half-centuries for Sangakkara, Ghambir and Hopes. Refreshingly though, bat has not dominated ball totally. After the first two games saw Kolkata and Chennai amass 222 and 240 respectively, Delhi managed to restrict Rajasthan to 129 through some wonderfully accurate bowling from Maharoof and old-timer Glen McGrath and Kolkata's second victory, over the much-fancied Deccan Chargers was a low-scoring affair on a dangerously two-paced wicket. Given that this tournament is played at the end of a long domestic season in searing heat, it's likely that a number of pitches will show signs of deterioration, preventing it being as much of a batting fest as people expected.

Team of the tournament so far are the gold helmeted Kolkata Knight Riders who have provided glorious entertainment and are early favourites at [3.05] in the winners market. Bear in mind as well that we haven't even seen their best batsman Chris Gayle yet. The much fancied Deccan Chargers (Hyderabad) got off to a poor start at Eden Gardens but are still second favourites at [4.6] though as better alternative, the Delhi Daredevils look very strong and are available at [6.8] They easily swept aside Rajasthan in their first game and their economical bowling could be crucial in the weeks ahead. As suggested in last week's article Bangalore's classy batting line-up is not explosive enough and they will rely heavily on their bowlers to restrict the opposition. At the bottom of the heap, Rajasthan Royals (Jaipur) already look outgunned, their batting flimsy and their bowling lacking depth. They are available at [13.5]

It hasn't all been champagne and caviar though. A floodlight failure at Eden Gardens temporarily plunged the place into darkness during yesterday's game and the state of the pitch there is likely to lead to some complaints. And it remains to be seen how the tournament will be affected when both the Australians and the Kiwis depart for their respective tours of the Caribbean and England in the middle of May.

If the IPL can retain its support despite the loss of such high profile performers, it will be considered a success, certainly locally. And it should be remembered that it is above all an Indian League. For all that the world is looking on with fascination and trepidation, the tournament was conceived to cash in on a new format of cricket in an attempt to reach a new audience domestically, in a similar manner to our own Twenty20 competition. Inevitably though, the sums of money involved have the potential to distort cricket far beyond the borders of India. So whilst the carnival rolls on, the longer-term implications for the world game remain unclear.