Ravi Nyayapati
The lucrative Indian Premier League (IPL) came to a much-anticipated high-profile conclusion on May 24, 2015 with Mumbai Indians (MI) winning the Championship title beating contenders Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by 41 runs.
MI amassed 202 for 5 (Simmons 68, Rohit 50, Bravo 2-36). In reply, only Dwayne Smith managed to stand up to the MI bowling attack and CSK eventually finished on 161 for 8 (Smith 57, McClenaghan 3-25, Harbhajan 2-34).
MI and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) were possibly the two most famous franchisee teams, making it to the finals.
In eight seasons so far, CSK have entered the finals a remarkable six times.
Royal Fellows
In this edition of the IPL, CSK finished top of the pool again. They fumbled in the first qualifier against MI, only to recompose and eliminate Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in a low-scoring second qualifier.
CSK fans would feel heartbroken that after such dominance by team Yellow, Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s men have not lifted the trophy since 2011.
The CSK unit has been well-oiled and intelligent outfit since IPL inception, backed by a star-studded batting line-up, the most famous cricket captain around, and probably the most tactical cricket coach in Stephen Fleming.
Their brand value tops US $100 million, and their popularity worldwide keeps growing, inspired by the delightfully hilarious lungi dance video performed by their international stars to the tune of their theme song ‘Whistle Podu.’
Last Laugh
However, MI had the last laugh as they overcame a sluggish start to the tournament to ultimately claim their second title in three years.
After losing five of their first six matches, MI have had one of the most remarkable turnarounds of the tournament, making Ricky Ponting’s remarkable helm at cricket teams prove successful yet again.
Ponting was appointed Head Coach this season and he stated his objective with the team clearly that he was there to win the IPL, not to qualify for the Champions League.
It was Mission Accomplished.
Ponting’s support unit is also extravagant, yet strategically brilliant.
They have Sachin Tendulkar and Anil Kumble as mentors, Jonty Rhodes as Fielding Coach, Shane Bond as Bowling Coach and John Wright as Talent Scout. This is completed by noted physiotherapists, nutritionists, masseurs and analysts.
Mukesh Ambani’s business sense seems to have rubbed off in the right way for how the how team is managed.
Star Performers
A couple of MI players performed exceptionally well through the season.
West Indian Lendl Simmons finished second only to Aussie David Warner in the batting department and Sri Lankan Lasith Malinga overcame his world cup disappointment to finish the Tournament on 24 wickets, marginally behind West Indian Dwayne Bravo.
Kieran Pollard, another West Indian player, has had his best IPL to-date.
Kiwi Mitch McClenaghan has been a great find and impressive – a good payback for they went hard out to secure him in the auction.
Ponting has also been all praises for Rohit Sharma’ ability to captain the side, especially as the tournament progressed.
Things have certainly fallen in place for Mumbai Indians and the Ambanis would be relieved – the early editions of the tournament had been mediocre for MI.
Shifting Focus
Focus now shifts to international cricket, with India up for a Test series against neighbours Bangladesh.
Harbhajan Singh makes a return to the test squad at the expense of Ravinder Jadeja who has been wayward in the last year.
