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Ever since the start of the IPL, there have been numerous youngsters who hit headlines through it. From International stars to the Indian domestic cricketers, the lucrative T20 leagues still might be a topic of long debate; yet the exposure to unknown cricketers has been a boon!

Here are the find-of-the-season amid domestic stars who shined in an IPL season:

1. Ravindra Jadeja (Rajasthan Royals), IPL 2008 :

Ravindra Jadeja

An 'under-rated' rockstar who, by today, has established himself with the honor of 'Sir' - Jadeja came upfront as the key performer for Rajasthan Royals' lone champions triumphs back in 2008.

Before the debutant IPL season, he acknowledged self as a part of victorious Indian U-19 cricket team - led by Virat Kohli in Malaysia, 2008 - followed by a dominated domestic season with 739 runs and 42 wickets in 2008-09.

He might be regarded as a lucky prone who has given weight-age ahead of another deservedly candidates, but the three triple centuries with his name in the domestic circuit surely does make him talent of a kind.

2. Manish Pandey (Royal Challengers Bangalore), IPL 2009 :

Manish Pandey

If it takes just one inning to flash your name in leading media outlets, then Manish Pandey has proved it absolutely right.

Coming from the Under-19 world cup winning squad - Manish is an unknown entity to limelights until he bagged 'First Indian Centurion of the IPL' in Johannesburg, SA where he amassed brave 144 against the then champion Deccan Chargers.

A consistent top-order performer for the Karnataka Cricket team, he has been a reckoned name amid Ranji scorers. Nevertheless, vividly enchanted (yet) for his IPL heroics.

3. Saurabh Tiwary (Mumbai Indians), IPL 2010 :

Saurabh Tiwary

Speaking Ranchi, Jharkhand and if only Dhoni pops out on your mind, then you have to meet this look-a-like MSD clone - Saurabh Tiwary.

Another addition from the U-19 WC team, Saurabh put his power packed hitting on front whilst playing for Mumbai Indians in IPL season 3. Top scorer after Sachin, he has 419 runs off 16 games with 18 sixes alongside his name speaks the volume of his talent.

A southpaw version of Dhoni, Saurabh has got natural ability to hit runs. Though, he is yet to make a mark beside his 2010 find-of-season.

4. Rahul Sharma (Pune Warriors India), IPL 2011 :

Rahul Sharma

A lanky spinner and a trademarked Pune Warriors' find - Rahul Sharma well regarded for his impressive Economy rate on the bowling card.

Back then in IPL 2011, he not only finished as the joint 7th highest wicket-taker but also stand ahead of the likes of Malinga, Vettori and Warne in terms of economy rate.

Soon after, his IPL stat brought national call for the limited overs; where he debuted 3/43 against the West Indies at Indore in December 2011: the same match when Sehwag hit 219.

5. Ajinkya Rahane (Rajasthan Royals), IPL 2012 :

Ajinkya Rahane

The next Dravid-in-making, Ajinkya Rahane well known for his shot selection and timing.

A composed and determined lad from the cricket producing land - Mumbai, he has emerged as a potent batsman who scores beautifully. In IPL 2012, while playing for Rajasthan Royals, he remained leading run-getter for the side with 560 runs with an average of 40.

A regular feature in Mumbai domestic cricket team, Rahane has got sound temperament and good technique, which, in turn, has brought him to the international circuit lately.

6. Sanju Samson (Rajasthan Royals), IPL 2013 :

Sanju Samson

Another find from the 'Talent Academy' Rajasthan Royals, Sanju Samson is the latest sensation what Rajasthan based franchisee could offer to cricket.

Being the youngest cricketer to have secured an IPL contract, Sanju is basically from the state of Kerala.

A promising striker of the ball, who has played instrumental role for Royals this season - Samson' shot selection highly lauded by cricket pundits and cricketers around the corner of IPL. Thus far, he has accumulated 206 runs off 10 matches; where his 41-ball-63 vs RCB made everyone a fan of this teen sensation.

IPL 6: An analysis of opening combinations of teams | Planet "M"

Mumbai Indians' practice session

1. Mumbai Indians :

Even as they have journeyed from the famous Ponting vs. Tendulkar debates during India-Australia clashes to 'Pondulkar', the two batting maestros of cricket failed to create a similar magic for the Mumbai Indians. With only 109-runs between them, Ricky Ponting must either promote Rohit Sharma or Ambati Rayudu ahead of him.

2. Delhi Daredevils :

If the backbone fractured Delhi Daredevils were underwhelming with David Warner-Unmukt Chand as the openers, the the arrival of Virender Sehwag hasn't assuaged their concern. Though, skipper Mahela Jayawardene has been among runs, Delhi yet to find the perfect combination.

3. Royal Challengers Bangalore :

With Chris Gayle being their key player, RCB has tried Tilakaratne Dilshan, Mayank Agarwal and Lokesh Rahul in the opening slot and yet to figure out the best. An all-guns-blazing Bangalore have competitive players in them, but none to partner Gayle at top.

4. Sunrisers Hyderabad :

The newbie in the house, SunRisers comprises T20 specialist batsmen but lacks local talents. With four-overseas players rule, they need local talent to post a bug score on the board.

5. Kolkata Knight Riders :

The defending champions, KKR, could open with either Jacques Kallis or Eoin Morgan as opener since Bisla is consistently falling short with runs. With Gautam Gambhir doing well at top, Manoj Tiwary should be promoted to the No.3 slot. Nevertheless, they have been one of the most balanced sides of IPL.

6. Pune Warriors India :

Pune Warriors is one side which is replete with all-rounders. They should persist with Robin Uthappa-Aaron Finch as an opening pair. Middle-order batting is a cause to worry though as the too fragile to convert starts though problem lies in the shaky middle-order which is leaking wickets rather scoring runs.

7. Rajasthan Royals :

The Rahul Dravid-led Royals where the batting revolves around Shane Watson, Ajinkya Rahane and Rahul Dravid at no. 3 has been delivering consistently. Rahane has continued from where he left last year, amassing runs. Brad Hodge has been a reliable finisher for them.

8. Kings XI Punjab :

Kings XI has not been given good starts by Adam Gilchrist and Mandeep Singh. The middle order has been quite consistent but need the openers to fire to exert dominance on the opposition.

9. Chennai Super Kings :

They have always been slow-starters but have also been the most consistent side. With Vijay showing some form, Michael Hussey would be the best man to join him at the top. The middle-order’s over dependence on Dhoni is a worry though.

IPL 2012: Sourav Ganguly and IPL - An unlucky chase | Planet "M"

The IPL journey of the fighter from Kolkata

Very few captains from India dared to walk on the water. Very captains from India dared to throw the newball to an unknown youngster; very few dared to encourage the Youngistaan. Very captains in India could be an engineer of the ‘New India.’

He taught his men to get hungry for win, to chase the impossible dreams. He gave them the self-belief to pull matches out of the fire. He never hesitated to make daring decisions. Overall, he was an aggressive Indian skipper and perhaps the only one.

He was none other than our Dada, Sourav Ganguly.

They say name is enough to reckon. I would say ‘Dada’ was enough to ensure the winning mantra.

After retiring from international cricket, Dada started his career in IPL. The prince of Kolkata – Sourav Ganguly is all set to bid adieu from IPL as a player. So far, the glory he has as an International player; sadly IPL draw some poor sketches in the courageous journey of India’s most successful captain in Tests.

Let’s have a look at Dada’s IPL journey so far:

Season 1 –

It was an oomph moment for Kolkata peoples and DADA fans when Kolkata Knight Riders going to be captained by their own local hero. Being stated among the iconic players for IPL-1, it was a big tournament for him after taking retirement from International Cricket in 2008.

He ended the season as top scorer (349 runs from 13 matches) for his side. The combination of Ganguly and Buchanan failed to make any impression on the team standings.

KKR ended their season with 13 points (6 wins, 7 loss, 1 no result) at No. 6.

Such epic performances raised questions over these two think tanks amongst the franchisee. Ganguly was forced to step down as skipper and Buchanan as coach.

As soon as the news flashed in the media, fans started protesting against SRK (Shah Ruk Khan). With knowing people’ s sentiments towards cricket, some reports from Shah Rukh’s resources claimed to change Kolkata Knight Riders to Knight Riders.

After all, what could remain in KKR without Ganguly as skipper!

Season 2 –

Like their owner, KKR always loves to be in lime light. This time, they came up with “multiple captains” theory, courtesy Australian coach – John Buchanan. It was a slight signal from KKR management that they no more want Ganguly as skipper for the side.

Ganguly was kept in the same franchisee but wasn’t respected with skipper’s cap. Brendon McCullum of New Zealand was declared first person for the side, a sharp and calculated move by the KKR think thank. NO?

They knew that this year IPL would be held in South Africa and why they should care about Ganguly! Poor gesture by SRK but what else he could do as an owner! But remember, it’s a business that demand profits and nothing else.

Words with McCullum who was supposed to be bring-it-all man, KKR this time demoted to number 8 in the points tally with 7 points (3 wins, 10 lose, 1 no result).

Like his captain status, in season-2 Dada failed to score enough runs and was dropped to number 3 (189 runs from 13 matches) in the leading KKR batting list.

However, he was introduced to a new kind of KKR venture in 2009. Kolkata began a talent hunt competition named as “Knight and Angels” to select their cheerleaders. For which Dada was appointed as a judge. But the winning team wasn’t allowed to perform in Africa due to the authorities out there.

Season 3 –

In 2010, IPL and DADA both are back to their deserved places. With non-availability of KKRs supposed to be captain – McCullum and Ponting, Ganguly once again given the responsibility to motivate the low-in-confidence side in order to produce better results, Buchanan replaced by Dave Whatmore as the head coach.

With giving full marks to Ganguly as skipper, KKR had an awesome start to the season comparatively to their old track records. Their evergreen stats of being highlighted in controversies - KKR again ended season with spear of thoughts.

But the season-3 had the most controversies – from player auction to franchisee stack, from IPL management to political connections and corruption within league.

But Dada’s performance used to shine brightly and overshadowed everything. He once again not only scored most runs (493 from 14 matches) for KKR but also ended the season as the 4th highest run-getter.

KKR improved their rank from IPL-2, but equalize their stat with season-1 position – summed up at 6th place with 14 points (7 win, 7 lose).

Season 4 –

Leading the side twice with same results, IPL 2011 brought greatest set back for India’s most successful captain. Ganguly remained unsold in the players’ auction. Height of mockery!

Over-aged, fitness issues, inconsistency in performance, conflicts with franchisee owner and coach, continuous downward curve of results – given reasons by the authorities for Ganguly’s omission.

But look at the popularity graph, entire season of IPL-4 he was more in every cricketing conversations rather than the ongoing cricket. Campaign to bring back Dada got hyped. There was hardly anyone who is not aware of it or not be a part of it.

Efforts didn’t go in vain. After lots of hoo-ha, Pune Warriors bought Dada in their squad on May 3, 2011 as a replacement for injured Nehra and then arrived one of the most sentimental moments of cricket.

Dada fan breached security to meet him in the Pune vs. Hyderabad (IPL 2012)

In a match against Hyderabad, a devotee of Dada breached security to touch his feet. It was his comeback match in IPL and fans were equally excited to witness it as much Dada himself.

That’s what we called worship for cricket, a scenario that DADA too will never forget.

Although, Pune Warriors had the brilliance to go a long way in the tournament, but their inconsistency in defeats powered them to 9th place out of 10.

Ganguly too didn’t impress much with given matches and scored 50 runs from 4 matches.

Season 5 –

The Dada fans were waiting for the IPL to watch him playing again and hours before 2012 IPL auction, a statement from Subrata Roy – PWI owner, shook every cricket fan. The press release from franchisee officials claimed to pull back their all stack in IPL and BCCI from the tournament.

It not just halted many cricketers career, but also for Dada who was once again considered in the lime lights. I, too, felt sad with the given mishap. What irony destiny claiming against him, after all.

Is this the price of being a fighter?

But the drama is not yet over.

February 16, 2011 brought smiles as BCCI and Sahara concluded all the difference within themselves and the Pune Warriors were all set to rock in IPL-5.

In the absence of Yuvraj Singh, captaincy once again handed over to Dada. Their beginning of the IPL-5 campaign too was sound. But as soon as the tournament progressed, the Warriors lost their way.

A string of 8 matches defeat shattered all their chances to survive in the IPL, another disappointing season for Dada and somehow, quite enough to take a call on his IPL career.

Sources from Warriors too claimed that this is the last year for Ganguly to play in IPL as a player and he could be appointed mentor of the side for the next season.

Special mention:

‘Apparently, such farewell moments of cricketers strike fans' heart. It’s the only time, when all your efforts honored and appreciated at once without any criticism.

Today, it’s gonna be his last LIVE performance on the field and that too against his own home team - KKR. A journey that began as Knight Rider is about to end as Warrior. Truly suited to his dignity.’

We salute your spirit and enthusiasm towards cricket.

All hail the Prince of Kolkata!

Often, IPL is described as glamorous cricket – running in the background of corporate money and their calculated risk on players. Big Financial Houses, celebrity and stars from entertainment world, numerous sponsors, social events and parties, high dominance of advertisement world and of course, CRICKET (at last)!

In between all these attractions of money and glamour, what fascinates you to follow IPL – T20 format, your home team, favorite players or what else?

Let me say, isn’t it the formation of players that every club has? Likes of Australians calmly/gracefully sharing dressing room with their ancestor enemies – Poms, merged with pace of Africa, designed with patience of Lankans, electricity of Kiwis, all-rounding ability of Windies and never-say-die attitude of Bangladesh within Indian heroics.

IPL' player combination by countries

Exactly, this is the term that defines IPL as most reputed T20 Cricket League ever.

Today, let’s talk about some cricket resides in IPL – century holders and their contributions, interesting defense of Daredevils and who is gaining actual benefits of IPL!

Though, IPL snatches all charms and headlines in its debuted match.

That swashbuckling inning of KKR’s Brendon McCullum (158* vs RCB) kicked off IPL in a style. Beginning with a blast, year 2008 brought new investors to cricket.

All different cricket talk and analysis, team formations, hours of debates on predictions, team-strengths and weaknesses, respective performances are given credit. In reply, IPL, too, gave fabulous matches, breath-taking finishes, close-win, unfortunate defeats and much-anticipated tied matches.

IPL Report Card: Century holders, Stats and Analysis | Planet "M" (Monika Arora)

IPL Century holders - Cricketers who scored a hundred in IPL

Season-1 (2008):

Beginning with a ton wasn’t enough though, as Mike Hussey of CSK came with another century (116* vs KXIP) on day-2. A string of 13 sixes in that inning is still an IPL record. T20 league that begun for betterment of Indian players; sadly none of any local boy gestured with a ton.

And at the end of season-1, we have a SIX of IPL tons and entertainers being McCullum, Hussey, Symonds, GilChrist, Jayasuriya and Shaun Marsh – four from Australia and each from New Zealand and Sri Lanka.

Interestingly, season-1 witnessed crazy stat of ‘two Australians’. Symonds & GilChrist scored tons with a strike rate of 220+ for the same franchise – Deccan Chargers. Whereas Rajasthan Royals, winner of 2008 IPL season, witnessed century celebrations of Symonds and Shaun Marsh against themselves.

Season-2 (2009):

In 2009, IPL moved to Rainbow Nation – South Africa. Bouncy track, fast pitches; selection of Africans over other overseas players was an obvious point. Reason being – home conditions. Unlike season-1, IPL-2 had only two centurions – an African and an Indian.

Young Manish Pandey bagged title of ‘First Indian IPL centurion’ (at Centurion, SA). Playing for RCB, his 100 came against mind game of Symonds who constantly tried to distract his focus. This ton is special, not because it came from an Indian player; but also, it came from a 21-year old lad that too on African soil. Whereas, AB de Villiers being another centurion for IPL-2.

Though, Suresh Raina of CSK was supposed to be the first Indian IPL centurion who scored a brave 98 runs against Rajasthan Royals at Centurion, SA. A tough catch by Graeme Smith restricted him; else it could have been a boundary for a ton celebration.

Season-3 (2010):

IPL-3 came and we’re back to India. Drawing inspiration from Manish Pandey, two other Indians – Yusuf Pathan and Murali Vijay impressed with respective art. Pathan, who represented Rajasthan Royals that year, grabbed fastest IPL ton (100 off 37 balls, vs Mumbai Indians). His strike rate of 270.27 is the highest ever by any centurion in all IPL seasons.

Second highest run scorer for CSK in 2010, Murali Vijay’s ton (127 off 56 balls) vs Rajasthan Royals set a record for Chennai – highest team total (246-5) in any IPL season.

With continuing Australians charms to IPL, David Warner joined IPL Century club in season-3. Words with KKR, who were sympathize with two centuries against themselves. Double ‘D’ – David Warner and Mahela Jayawardene (abbreviated for Denagamage Proboth Mahela de Silva Jayawardene) did this honor for Delhi Daredevils and Kings XI Punjab respectively.

Season-4 (2011):

A year to be written in golden words for Indian cricket and their dominance towards World Cup 2011. World Champions, India, without enough celebrations shattered in club teams to fill IPL outfits.

And no surprises, Indians sparkled in front of club spectators, too. One hand, Sachin and Sehwag treated themselves with an IPL century; on the other hand, a new name has been added to IPL stars – Paul Valthathy. Recognized as next sensation after Yusuf Pathan, his inning of 120* runs against CSK did the job. Most 4s in an IPL inning (19 fours) and the boy from Mumbai has become a local star for Punjab.

Though, IPL-4 had lots more to remember for. Who can forget Gayle-force and that too twice; wrapped in a single season. Playing for RCB, century-knock against Kolkata (102*) and Punjab (107) made him first IPL player to have two century in the kitty. Moreover, he is the only player to score two IPL centuries under the same club and the only holder of two centuries in single season.

Adam GilChrist is the second who has two IPL centuries under his belt. His second ton came against RCB while playing for Punjab in 2011.

Season-5 (2012):

IPL-5 and now slightly tagged with boredom. Reason could be too much cricket or debacle of Indians at International arena. After all, we’re playing in India and how can see them losing again.

Yet, a new ray for India’s future has arrived in form of Ajinkya Rahane. New centurion in list and thankfully, an Indian addition. Rahane who is playing as an opener, a ton (103*) against strong RCB adds more value to his role and style. Representing Rajasthan Royals this year, Son of Mumbai expected to be the next Dravid in line.

Kevin Pietersen hardly has a complete IPL season (due to national responsibilities); this year gifted him with a ton.

Conceptual benefit:

After all excuses, for most of the overseas players; IPL is a platform to find form and fitness. If BCCI began this league for calculating Indian benefits, then sorry to say we need to be smarter though. Inclusion of four foreign players is a key point for other boards to count on.

A fair comparison: IPL hundreds' distribution between Indian and non-Indian players

A Skipper has seven nations to choose four foreign players; but for rest of the team, Indians are the only options. Henceforth, it demands more fitness and performing skills comparatively.

However, from beginning it’s been a place for young lads to perform and attract selectors for promotion – national cap. Likes of Watson, Marsh, Wayne Parnell, Angelo Mathews, and JP Duminy are the prime examples of it. Their potential at international level is alike of IPL where Indians stands? Remember Yusuf Pathan, Ravinder Jadeja, Ashwin, Murali Vijay, Umesh Yadav, Sudeep Tyagi and Rahul Sharma. These are few examples, list is quite long though.

Still, tournament is in progress and more gems are expected to extend this list. Hope they will keep promising performances at supreme level too.

In the end, just a surprising stat.

You know, Delhi Daredevils being the only team who don’t have a single century against them (considering all IPL seasons; else count on Pune too).

Graphics: Monika Arora

IPL 2012 – Ryder, Smith reverted unit fielding into team win | Planet "M"

Rejoiced Jesse Ryder and Steve Smith celebrating their team' win against #CSK.

In the battle of India’s two most reckoned skippers, Sahara Stadium of Pune witnessed a dadagiri win over luck of MS Dhoni. Though, captaincy tactics from the beginning till end brought full marks for Ganguly. Not just the team selection, but also the on field performance – Dada overshadowed Mahi. Stick to their impressive fielding, Ryder named a win for much anticipated Warrior’s game.

After winning toss, Chennai invited Warriors for fielding. Proving on captain’s faith, Murali Karthik justified with his selection. Some tight bowling along with well-supported fielding efforts increases woes for Super Kings. Thanks to Ashish Nehra who came in as 2nd seamer and provided room of runs by disturbing the disciplined efforts of his colleagues. Super Kings didn’t committed any mistake and hit him over the roof for boundaries and sixes.

Soon then, the arrival of Warriors’ invention – Rahul Sharma did the damage in form of grabbing du Plessis and Suresh Raina just when they were looking for big scores. Although, Jadeja and skipper Dhoni contributed score-board with their efforts but the anticipation of Warriors’ fielding left a remark between both sides. As a result, Chennai posted a total of 155 runs in their allotted 20 overs quota. Though, at a stage they were 100/3 after 13 overs and were supposed to end on a sum of 170-175.

In reply, Warriors got the handsome start. Couple of good hits and lavishing boundaries boosted the entire stadium. After electrifying fielding, none of any Warriors' seemed tired. Even the eagerness to score more runs lead a run out in form of Uthappa. Ryder, a hard hitter of ball, built a platform for Pune win along with aggression of Ganguly.

Two wickets fall within 4 overs and Warriors were 90/3 after 13 — just 10-runs short from Super Kings comparatively. But it wasn’t enough for Dhoni to be concerned about as Smith joined Ryder for more fire-works at home ground. Both hit Super Kings’ for stylish boundaries and huge sixes.

And then match went into last over thrill. Yo Mahesh who replaced Jakati in today’s match was failed to be a hero for his side. Might be, Chennai fans were considering him as Joginder Sharma who became hero after the final over against Pakistan in 2007 T20 World Cup.

But the beauty of IPL is totally different. Ryder hit young led for marvelous boundary and sealed the win with a six. The reward of quality fielding turned into win by good batting.

Summarised Scores:

Pune Warriors India 156/3 (Ryder 73*, Smith 44*; Yo Mahesh 1/22) beat Chennai Super Kings 155/5 (du Plessis 43, Jadeja 44; Rahul Sharma 2/16) by 7 wickets.

Man of the Match: Ryder (Pune Warriors India)