Arjun
Cricketer Of The Year
If one IPL team could be converted into an Indian team, which one would it be? We may be tempted to label the team winning the IPL to be the team, but it will take a lot more- local players performing, often against internationals, good team dynamics, versatility, and of course- a team that wins a lot.
Chennai Superkings- A popular team, but doesn't have it to be the Indian team. They're heavily reliant on foreign batsmen, and their bowling is toothless and skinny, despite having (albeit off-colour) Muralitharan. None of the locals are good enough for India, bar Dhoni and Raina.
Deccan Chargers- With as many as five foreign stars, they still ended up at the bottom. Obviously, with weak bowling and a local component that isn't much good- reason enough not to choose for an Indian team.
Bangalore Royal Challengers- This team's got a lot going against it. It's heavily dependent on foreign players, and their batsmen don't fit the bill in limited-overs matches. They've got several local players from outside the catchment, but few can make an Indian team- which won't be this one.
Kolkata Knightriders- Another star-studded but under-performing team. Definitely not the team we'd have playing for India, especially when it's way off-balance, lacks all-round options and is weak on the field. And they have dreadful team dynamics.
Kings XI Punjab- Close. Very close. This is as good as can get to make into Kings XI India. But we can't expect Shaun Marsh, even in our wildest dreams, to open the batting for India.
Rajasthan Royals- Lots of local players, who've come together under Shane Warne to work wonders. They seem to lack impact, though, and a lot of them are behind their counterparts from (guess where?) some other teams, but they have a shout- purely for teamwork, versatility and impact- even though they look like they'll miss out.
Mumbai Indians- Could have been THE team, but they couldn't make the semis. For some reason, they've got more than a few problem cases (Uthappa, Saurabh Tiwary, Pinal Shah)- highly promising players who haven't delivered. Tendulkar is still in with an outside chance.
Delhi Daredevils- As Indian as an IPL team can get. But you don't want that team's middle order to go on to play for India! Their bowlers, though, have barely got a chance, and have been inconsistent, but have done well to support McGrath. If wishes came true, McGrath and Maharoof (not the injury-prone, erratic Asif!) were Indians.
So it would have to be a combination of the Punjab Kings bowling with the Delhi top order, Dhoni, Swapnil and Yusuf Pathan- but to start, it would have to be the Kings.
Chennai Superkings- A popular team, but doesn't have it to be the Indian team. They're heavily reliant on foreign batsmen, and their bowling is toothless and skinny, despite having (albeit off-colour) Muralitharan. None of the locals are good enough for India, bar Dhoni and Raina.
Deccan Chargers- With as many as five foreign stars, they still ended up at the bottom. Obviously, with weak bowling and a local component that isn't much good- reason enough not to choose for an Indian team.
Bangalore Royal Challengers- This team's got a lot going against it. It's heavily dependent on foreign players, and their batsmen don't fit the bill in limited-overs matches. They've got several local players from outside the catchment, but few can make an Indian team- which won't be this one.
Kolkata Knightriders- Another star-studded but under-performing team. Definitely not the team we'd have playing for India, especially when it's way off-balance, lacks all-round options and is weak on the field. And they have dreadful team dynamics.
Kings XI Punjab- Close. Very close. This is as good as can get to make into Kings XI India. But we can't expect Shaun Marsh, even in our wildest dreams, to open the batting for India.
Rajasthan Royals- Lots of local players, who've come together under Shane Warne to work wonders. They seem to lack impact, though, and a lot of them are behind their counterparts from (guess where?) some other teams, but they have a shout- purely for teamwork, versatility and impact- even though they look like they'll miss out.
Mumbai Indians- Could have been THE team, but they couldn't make the semis. For some reason, they've got more than a few problem cases (Uthappa, Saurabh Tiwary, Pinal Shah)- highly promising players who haven't delivered. Tendulkar is still in with an outside chance.
Delhi Daredevils- As Indian as an IPL team can get. But you don't want that team's middle order to go on to play for India! Their bowlers, though, have barely got a chance, and have been inconsistent, but have done well to support McGrath. If wishes came true, McGrath and Maharoof (not the injury-prone, erratic Asif!) were Indians.
So it would have to be a combination of the Punjab Kings bowling with the Delhi top order, Dhoni, Swapnil and Yusuf Pathan- but to start, it would have to be the Kings.
