As we hit the midpoint of the IPL season, there’s a good chance that one of the four teams without a championship title—Delhi, Punjab, Lucknow, and Bengaluru—might break their duck come May 25. These teams have been delivering some pretty solid cricket. Sure, they’ve had their ups and downs, which is totally normal in this fast-paced format, but they’ve proven they can bounce back when needed. Meanwhile, slow starters like Mumbai seem to be finding their groove lately. If they keep batting like this, they might just find themselves in the running for another championship.
On the flip side, it’s looking tough for former champions like Chennai, the very first winners, Rajasthan, and last year’s title holders, Kolkata, to make the cut this time around. But, as we know in T20 cricket, one great delivery or a couple of big sixes can turn a game on its head in no time.
This season has shown that a single standout performance can really put an unknown player on the map. Just think about it: when someone shines, it’s not just about them. Their family, friends, coaches, and even those well-meaning neighbors who always seem to be watching get a moment in the spotlight, and that’s something they might never have had before. It’s such a stark contrast to other tournaments like the Ranji Trophy, where even the best performances sometimes barely register in the headlines.
Take for instance Yash Rathod and Harsh Dubey from Vidarbha. Have you heard anything about the support systems—family and coaches—behind these guys during this year’s Ranji season? Or what about the Kerala team, who made it all the way to the finals without their star player Sanju Samson due to injury? Their achievement deserves way more recognition than it has gotten.
It’s a real shame that every year, there’re so many consistent performers in Ranji being overlooked while the glitz and glamour of the IPL takes over. Just one great performance in the IPL can steal the headlines, often more than what’s fair. And let’s not forget, some of these one-time stars might not even see much success in a season or two after their brief moment in the sun, while a single season of IPL success could overshadow an entire career in the Ranji Trophy.
Of course, we get it—the IPL brings in the crowds and the big bucks through broadcasting and sponsorship, but that doesn’t make the situation any less frustrating for players who are out there slogging through many more matches year-round compared to those few weeks of hype we see with the IPL. It leaves you feeling like there’s a bit of injustice going on, especially for all those passionate players dedicated to the domestic scene.
