Take Two India Roundtable: Indian Premier League 2020

|Coordinator- Parshva Shah|

Indian Premier League is one of the most-anticipated cricket tournaments in the world. We, at Take Two India, are ardent cricket fans too. Hence, I decided to do a roundtable article regarding the IPL. Here are everyone’s thought on the questions that I asked them:

1. Which team do you support this year and why?

Janvi Merchant: I always support Mumbai Indians. I've been a fan of the ‘MI Paltan’ since the very beginning, no particular reason for this but yeah, Mumbai fever from the start!

Sahej Kaur: I am supporting Mumbai Indians this year because MI is my heart and I just love the way they play, compete, and defend. I just want them to win this year’s IPL because I feel they have the capability to do so.

Jyoti Palan: Chennai Super Kings! I’m a Dhoni fan, so obviously CSK!

Gayatri Tilgulkar: Good, bad, or even in worse situations, Kolkata Knight riders will always be my best bet. This year, balance is not the key for Kolkata Knight riders. They have chosen a strong batting line up. With new and experienced players added to the team and few fresh faces ready to prove their worth, Kolkata Knight Riders’ fans can still pin their hopes.

Ajay Tomar: Chennai Super Kings. Supporting CSK because the obvious reason is MS Dhoni. But apart from that, they have a good and experienced team which can win a match in any condition on their day. Apart from CSK, Delhi Capitals and Sunrisers Hyderabad have a good team.

Alok Parekh: I support Chennai Super Kings this year. I support the team because I love the way how MS Dhoni manages any given situation and the team members very nicely and with a very calm mind.

Parshva Shah: Ever since the inaugural edition in 2008, my heart has only beaten for Mumbai Indians. It’s the city I have grown up in, the city I was born in. No matter which sport, I will support teams from Mumbai.

2. What are your thoughts on MS Dhoni's retirement and how does it feel to see him play after over 14 months?

Janvi Merchant: This legendary player never gets old. It's always such a huge moment when he is on the field, giving out his best. I was shook seeing his retirement news but again, that's life. You have to make way for new players to shine. But MS Dhoni will always be our Mahi!

Sahej Kaur: MS Dhoni is an incredibly talented player. To be honest, I was super sad when he announced his retirement but it's a part of everyone's plate and hence, I accepted his retirement in a positive way. Sure, Dhoni looks a bit fat and out of shape but he is surely going to nail his IPL performances like every season.

Jyoti Palan: I missed him. I want to see him knock a six on the last ball and win the game.

Gayatri Tilgulkar: There are no easy answers to this question. It's overwhelming, like the main character departing from the show. Indian cricket storyline will alter after his exit.

Ajay Tomar: It was a very emotional moment for every MSDian for sure. The best part is to see him return to action with his vintage attitude and style. It’s really good to see him back. I am super excited for the upcoming matches. I feel we are going to see the best of MSD in this IPL.

Alok Parekh: I think the way he announced his retirement was the quietest possible way any player could announce it, with just an Instagram post, without anybody coming to know about it. Him playing after a span of 14 months would be quite difficult for him too. I think regardless of how good he is, this would definitely be a tough time for him after such a long time on pitch.

Parshva Shah: To be honest, MS Dhoni earned the right to choose when and how he wanted to retire, so I am not upset that he chose to announce his retirement the way he did. However, I would have obviously loved to see him play for India one last time. As for the IPL, it’s good to see him back in action. The three sixes in the last over against Rajasthan Royals is a proof that he still has some steam left in his tank.

3. Who is your favourite IPL player and why?

Janvi Merchant: So I was a huge, huge, huge fan of Hardik Pandya, and I am still one. But other than Hardik, it’s MS Dhoni.

Sahej Kaur: Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni are the most adored players for me in international cricket as well as the IPL. Although no one is from MI, they both have super sportsmanship and yes, they both are incredibly talented. Just stupendous and amazing!

Jyoti Palan: As I mentioned earlier, MS Dhoni!

Gayatri Tilgulkar: Sunil Narine dominates the field. He is calm and sincere. His explosive batting style is a great asset for the team.

Ajay Tomar: MSD without any doubt! Whether it’s his batting, wicketkeeping, vision, or leadership, coming in front every time the team is in trouble speaks about his character. He has every single quality of being a great cricketer and more than that, he is a perfect role model for everyone. He’s an idol for me in many things. I always try to learn from him. His struggle, dedication, mindset, and everything else, I always try to implement his good qualities in my life. He’s indeed a true inspiration!

Alok Parekh: My favourite IPL player is Hardik Pandya. Although he comes in the middle order, he does his work very efficiently. He helps in increasing the team’s score and holds the morale of the team. He lifts the confidence of his team members.

Parshva Shah: Kieron Pollard for me. He is just from another planet. Yes, he is not very consistent, but he just needs a few innings to lighten up the tournament. Don’t forget, he won the best IPL debutant for the 2010 season. He is my favourite Mumbai Indians player.

4. Which team can pull off a surprise this year (except Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, and Sunrisers Hyderabad)?

Janvi Merchant: PUNJAAABBB!!! It’s a strange year. New surprises are bound to occur.

Sahej Kaur: Kolkata Knight Riders maybe?

Jyoti Palan: Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Gayatri Tilgulkar: Royal Challengers Bangalore. Even though RCB can't sigh in relief for the all-rounder department, they sure can loosen up when it comes to ‘spinner storm.’ If RCB capitalises on this advantage, we might see a new trophy holder.

Ajay Tomar: I feel Delhi Capitals has that potential. They can do wonders with young lads. The captaincy of Shreyas Iyer is amazing. Also, Kolkata Knight Riders as usual can stun anyone on their day.

Alok Parekh: I think there are chances for Rajasthan Royals or Delhi Capitals to surprise us this time. Having seen their squads, I definitely think they are very much capable of surprising us.

Parshva Shah: I think Rajasthan Royals have a realistic shot at the title this time around. We saw how they played against Chennai Super Kings the other day. Just imagine how good this team can look once Jos Buttler and Ben Stokes return to the team. Under Steve Smith’s stewardship, they are heading in the right direction and although it might be too early to say this, but they have a squad capable of taking the team to the playoffs with ease.

5. Who will win this year's IPL according to you?

Janvi Merchant: Tough call but again, I love Mumbai Indians so Mumbai Indians is always my first preference.

Sahej Kaur: I feel it will be another CSK vs MI final. But I will pray for MI to win!

Jyoti Palan: Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Gayatri Tilgulkar: Kolkata Knight Riders. The team whose all-rounders are a class apart and is led by a level-headed skipper in Dinesh Karthik could gain victory this year. Kolkata Knight Riders have shortcomings which can be lethal for the team, but with the right selection and good fielding, Kolkata Knight Riders are the cup holders, no doubt.

Ajay Tomar: Apart from Mumbai Indians and Sunrisers Hyderabad, CSK have full chances of winning. However, cricket is a bag full of surprises. So, anything could happen.

Alok Parekh: I think that Rajasthan Royals might win this year. Looking at their batting and bowling lineups, I definitely think they can lift the cup this time.

Parshva Shah: Being a Mumbai Indians fan, I will be loyal to my team. I think they will win this year and defend their IPL title for the first time ever. They have a good squad and losing the first game is just a tradition that they follow every year.