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#IPL2019: As it happened
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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.

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.

1. Shane Watson (Rajasthan Royals)

Shane Watson

101 off 61 balls vs Chennai Super Kings: A part of the Rajasthan Royals since 2008, Shane Watson smashed the first ton of IPL and still ended up on the wrong side. Watson will consider himself unfortunate as all the other centuries of the tournament ended up in a winning cause.

2. Chris Gayle (Royal Challengers Bangalore)

Chris Gayle

175* off 66 balls vs Pune Warriors: The giant Jamaican is one of the finest exponents of the T20 game. The lazy gait overshadows the raw power and timing that is generated by minimal footwork. Considering his previous bashings of the bowlers, this one was expected. For Pune Warriors India bowlers, it was their bad luck that Gayle chose them. Records tumbled as Gayle knocked fastest century in history of cricket, highest T20 score and most sixes (17).

3. Suresh Raina (Chennai Super Kings)

Suresh Raina

100* off 53 balls vs Kings XI Punjab: The last time Raina celebrated a century in IPL was when he reached 98 and mistook it for a century in 2009. He had to wait four years to slam his maiden IPL century and he did it in style against Kings XI. Once again he celebrated when on 99 and thankfully he reached his century.

4. David Miller (Kings XI Punjab)

David Miller

101* off 38 balls vs Royal Challengers Bangalore: While everyone were talking about Gayle, David Miller was fancying his chances against RCB. Facing an improbable target after losing three wickets in eight overs, Miller played a blinder and made Virat Kohli pay for one of those rare dropped catches. Such was his ferocity that RCB bowlers ran out of idea and by the time they came up, Miller had finished the game with two overs to spare.

1. Mandeep Singh (Kings XI Punjab)

Mandeep Singh

219 runs from 8 matches with an average of 31.28, he is the top run-scorer in the tally of 'uncapped' players which eventually speaks of his worth.

2. Manprit Juneja (Delhi Daredevils)

Manprit Juneja

As the Daredevils failed to repeat their old form where openers constantly failing short, Juneja in the middle order slot has ensured some quick runs (125 off 7 matches) with a strike 97.65

3. Kevon Cooper (Rajasthan Royals)

Kevon Cooper

A key component in Rajasthan Royals' winning triumphs Cooper being the leading wicket-taker for 'uncapped' players list. Thus far, his card reads: 10 wickets off 7 matches with an economy of 8.46

4. Mohit Sharma (Chennai Super Kings)

Mohit Sharma

A T20 debutant from this IPL, and probably another find for Chennai, Mohit has notched up 6 wickets from 6 matches with a handy economy of 6.16

5. Ashish Reddy (Sunrisers Hyderabad)

Ashish Reddy

Been a bowler for the Hyderabad Ranji team, IPL has discovered a fine lower-order batsman in him where he has collected 120 runs from 9 matches at the strike rate of 144.57

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

The hot and humid weather of Chennai didn’t shatter focus of their captain cool and his army. Clash of two wicketkeeper captain’s clinched by MS Dhoni. Super Kings, who must need a win to rose-up in the points-tally, beat Royals in an easy chase at home.

In the hunt of 3rd consecutive win on cards, Dravid won the toss and decided to bat first. Kevon Cooper who has become a trump card for Royals replaces Johan Botha in playing XI. Instead of Local stars, Royals showed faith in outsiders. Pankaj Singh and Dishant Yagnik failed to mark a place in team and replaced by Stuart Binny and Shreevats Goswami.

Rajasthan Royals, under the captaincy of Rahul Dravid, surprising every IPL team with their performances and commitment towards win. The hunger for win earlier taught by former skipper Shane Warne, reflecting in similar way with Dravid. Of course, team composition too has changed in this season of IPL but their approach reminds seasonal memories of IPL-1.

On the other hand, Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings are shuffling with consistency in performance. Out of their last six matches, they won in just three matches. Playing in home conditions, in front of local crowd could work as winning-mantra and so as it did when Chennai registered 7-wickets win over Rajasthan Royals.

The two classy players – one named as The Wall whereas another expected to be the next of his style, Dravid and Rahane gave steady start to Royals before Ashwin strikes an opening wicket for Chennai. Owais Shah, who came as one down settled Rajasthan’s inning first with Dravid and later with Menaria, concluded by a catch of keeper Dhoni after a sparkling half century.

Good bowling in death overs from Kulasekara and Bollinger saved Super Kings from a big chasing target. Courtesy Bravo and Jadeja who prompted Shah and Menaria for more runs, otherwise Royals would have restricted to 120 runs. The batting cameo of Shah helped Royals to post a total of 146 runs on board.

In reply, Chennai begin their show with likes of Badrinath and their own rising star du Plessis. Though, Menaria came with new ball and justified well. And then Faf, too, showed respect towards Binny and sent him thrice across the boundary line for 4s. du Plessis found the start he needed to click through, so as got Chennai.

The half-century stand between Badri and Faf at last broken by Hogg in 8th over. Raina walked in for extending Badri’s contribution and yes, the charming Sanu scripted the wining note for team. Rotating strikes and giving more chances to in-form batsman, Raina didn’t commit any mistake except for his own.

Just when he had chance to look for more hits and seal the game for team, he got out after 2nd bowl of Faf’s wicket – courtesy Kevin Cooper. It was the 17th over, when Copper turns the game for Royals. Yet, it wasn’t enough because the finisher was still there in the middle – Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Raina’s dismissal left 21-balls game asking 30 more runs to secure a home win.

Another close match for Super Kings and then the same way it was concluded. Bravo and Dhoni played accordingly their name and fame. Clever runs between wickets and some calculated boundaries. Climax turned into extreme pressure when Dhoni converted last ball into a winning chase. An easy single transformed into double. By giving marks to his luck, a late throw took place into the scenario and when, Lions roared with pride at their own den.

Thoughts with Royals to whom a moment has been provided by Cooper but then, luck is also a part of game. Chennai has become a king for their own crowd, once again!

Summarised Scores:

Chennai Super Kings 147/3 (du Plessis 73, Raina 26; Cooper 2/23) beat Rajasthan Royals 146/4 (Owais Shah 52, Menaria 36; Kulasekara 1/17) by 7 wickets.

Man of the Match: du Plessis (Chennai Super Kings)