New rules and player trade-offs make Season 16 the most open IPL ever
Grab your whistle. Put on your team jersey. Get ready for IPL 2023. Gujarat Titans’s title defence begins on Friday (March 31) in Ahmedabad as they clash with Chennai Super Kings. The first match of Season 16 also starts the countdown to the farewell of CSK captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
Dhoni is the CSK thala, or leader in Tamil. He’s been around since the inception of the Indian Premier League in 2008. Over 16 years, Dhoni has guided CSK to four IPL and two Champions League titles. And he’s been a witness to the evolution of the best and richest T20 franchise league in the world.
Changes have been a constant in IPL. Over the years, the teams swelled from eight to ten before shrinking to eight. Last year, it became ten again with the introduction of the Gujarat Titans and the Lucknow Super Giants.
More changes have been rung in this year. The impact player rule will be a gamechanger, as matches could turn on its head with the induction of a substitute. The Decision Review System, which is expanded to no-balls and wides, can impact the results, especially in tight contests.
Gulf News experts took a close look at what to expect this year. There was no unanimity of opinion when picking the winner since player trade-offs and the auction has altered the equations. But they sure expect IPL 2023 to continue to be as exciting as the previous editions. For more on that, watch the video.
See more videos at https://gulfnews.com/videos
Read more Gulf News stories here: https://bit.ly/2HLJ2km
Subscribe to Gulf News on YouTube and watch more of our videos: https://www.youtube.com/user/GulfNewsTV
#UAEnews #cricket #IPL2023
Grab your whistle. Put on your team jersey. Get ready for IPL 2023. Gujarat Titans’s title defence begins on Friday (March 31) in Ahmedabad as they clash with Chennai Super Kings. The first match of Season 16 also starts the countdown to the farewell of CSK captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
Dhoni is the CSK thala, or leader in Tamil. He’s been around since the inception of the Indian Premier League in 2008. Over 16 years, Dhoni has guided CSK to four IPL and two Champions League titles. And he’s been a witness to the evolution of the best and richest T20 franchise league in the world.
Changes have been a constant in IPL. Over the years, the teams swelled from eight to ten before shrinking to eight. Last year, it became ten again with the introduction of the Gujarat Titans and the Lucknow Super Giants.
More changes have been rung in this year. The impact player rule will be a gamechanger, as matches could turn on its head with the induction of a substitute. The Decision Review System, which is expanded to no-balls and wides, can impact the results, especially in tight contests.
Gulf News experts took a close look at what to expect this year. There was no unanimity of opinion when picking the winner since player trade-offs and the auction has altered the equations. But they sure expect IPL 2023 to continue to be as exciting as the previous editions. For more on that, watch the video.
See more videos at https://gulfnews.com/videos
Read more Gulf News stories here: https://bit.ly/2HLJ2km
Subscribe to Gulf News on YouTube and watch more of our videos: https://www.youtube.com/user/GulfNewsTV
#UAEnews #cricket #IPL2023
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NewsTranscript
00:00Rajasthan is a force to be reckoned with. They have a lot of match winners on their side. So, I really hope, I think, that Rajasthan will be the champions today, this year.
00:11But I think, for a funny side, if RCB change their slogan like, Isala Kappa Namde, if they change that, they might also win.
00:19Hello, welcome and Ramadan Kareem. The IPL is back for its 16th edition. It all starts again this Friday. The games are going to be played in its original format, which is Home and Away, which is the first time since 2019.
00:39It's going to be a very exciting season. There's plenty to talk about. There's going to be 17 league games to be played across 12 venues, over 50 days. And joining me to talk about it is,
00:50Golf News Senior Associate Editor, Shyam. Golf News Sports Editor, Satish. IPL Superfan, Sai. And last but not least, our special guest, UAE National Team Batsman, CEP Rizwan. Welcome to the show, guys.
01:03Thank you, Brian.
01:04Thank you so much.
01:05Rizwan, how much are you looking forward to the start of the IPL?
01:09Definitely. Really excited for the IPL. It's a time of the year. Everyone is really keen to see some really great action of T20. Lot of superstars playing the game. Really eager to play the IPL. And nothing gets better for the fans than the IPL.
01:28Sai, how are you feeling? I can see you laughing and smiling already.
01:31Yeah, I'm happy having the home and away season. So, it's a fantastic season for us. So, I mean, it's back to the original format. And that gives us more competition and more challenges. So, may the best team win.
01:41Satish and Shyam, you guys are counting down the seconds, aren't you?
01:45Yeah, like you all said, it's the original format that makes a lot of difference, really. And also, there are some changes also, I think, which will make the tournament exciting. So, I just can't wait.
01:57This is the time of the year where we always look forward to the festival-like scenario. So, yeah, it's great to be starting the IPL. As Sai rightly said, the home and away format gives the teams that edge or advantage or the disadvantage, which makes the contest even more exciting.
02:18And more importantly, the home fans will have plenty to cheer about. That adds to the drama of what's happening on the field.
02:25The next exciting match is between the defending champions, which is Gujarat Titans. And they're going to be playing against Chennai Super Kings. Now, Gujarat beat CSK twice last season. Rizwan, who do you think is going to win this time and why?
02:38Chennai is tough to beat, Sai. Do you agree?
03:04I totally agree with Rizwan and his perspective is perfectly true. And I mean, the informed batsmen are there in Gujarat Titans, Ashubham Gill and Hardik Pandya. So, Chennai looks a little bit rusty because MSD must not have been playing for quite some time. So, he's come back as a captain. So, it's going to be challenging how he's going to have us, probably, 11.
03:24Shalom, how do you see it going? It's the very first game. It kicks off a whole new season. It's going to be a big occasion. How do you see that first match going?
03:32It's going to be a very nervy encounter because first match, normally, the favourites get upset. That's something which normally happens. But having said that, Chennai has had mixed fortunes in their first encounters. They have won and they have lost also. Like Sai was saying, Gujarat has a team to win. So, it's going to be a tight match. I think in tight matches, Chennai seems to come out better.
04:00Satish, do you agree it's going to be a tight match and Chennai will be reaping the rewards?
04:05I'm a Chennai fan. I would like to see Chennai winning. I'm a hard-core Chennai fan though. There's no two ways about it. I will always go with Chennai. Having said that, I have a few points to note here.
04:16One is, it could be the captaincy skills of Dhoni 1 versus Dhoni 2. Because Hardik Pandya, by and large, is having the same kind of captaincy skills as Dhoni. So, I would say the ideology, the technical aspect or the way they approach is going to be similar. Number one.
04:34And number two is, Dhoni is the swan song here. This is the last team he's going to play as a captain. That man, if he wants to get it done, he can be really difficult to handle. So, even though, as Sai said, or as CP said, he's been out of the game for a while. But still, he knows how to bring his best in big games. So, he's going to be a really potent threat for any team.
05:02And the third, adding to that, is the addition of Ben Stokes to the team, is making the balance slightly towards Chennai. They lost Faf last year to RCB. So, the main backbone was missing. So, in that sense, I would say Chennai is a superior team to the last year. So, I would probably see Chennai winning. But it's going to be tough. It's going to be a close contest. Because Gujarat has got some fabulous cricketers as well.
05:31Speaking of all the big names, Rizwan, after seeing several international ILT players in the ILT Spring, how do these big stars prepare themselves for these big games and these big occasions?
05:44With the experience I had in ILT 20, they are very focused about the game. They really work hard on the game. They don't take anything for granted. If you see their preparations, they are right on time. Their work ethic is very high.
05:59I have seen Chris Jordan, who is the leading wicket-taker and man of the series in our ILT team. He was the first person to be in the training. And he will be the last person leaving out. So, I have seen them close and how they prepare. It just doesn't come accidentally. Success doesn't come that way.
06:18So, even Hekma, for that matter, he hits at least 100 sixes every net session. It doesn't come that easily. There is no shortcut for success. And they have done that all the way long. And I am really excited to see them hit those big sixes in this IPL also.
06:42You hit a six off Rashid Khan, who today has become the world number one. How do you feel about that? And how difficult is it to play against Rashid Khan?
06:50Really fortunate to play against a legend like Rashid Khan. And to have a six out of him, it's a good memory to have. I mean, I just got a stat from somewhere that after that six, he didn't concede even a boundary for almost 100 balls.
07:04Such a legend of the game. Really good memory to have. So, these guys have been doing in-and-out, proving themselves on the big stage. That's how they made a big name for themselves.
07:23And for UAE to play against them, it's a great opportunity. And even we registered a history last month by defeating them with every other superstar they had. So, good memory.
07:38That's fascinating. It's great to have you on, Rizwan, to give us an insight about all these big players and everything. Okay, look, moving on. There's going to be a huge opening ceremony for the beginning of the IPL.
07:48Now, I don't know about you guys, but I don't like those souped-up performance art events with dancers and B-grade pop stars. I don't even know who they are. I just want to see the action start.
08:00Sai, are you a fan of these opening ceremonies?
08:03It builds on the excitement, you know. So, a lot of people get excited and they start watching these entertainment extravaganza. So, it brings up the pop and show, you know.
08:11So, it brings a lot of people not interested in cricket to watch cricket. So, it is a must in any gala.
08:17Shyam, do you agree or do you just want the action to start?
08:20I'm not a fan of these shows, but I mean, I would rather have to see the action start. But having said that, the IPL is something which marries cricket and Bollywood. So, this is escape. So, you can't escape this.
08:31So, if you don't like it, wait till the action starts. So, it's going to be there and it has to be there. Otherwise, without these shows, IPL won't be IPL.
08:42That's very true. The Razzmatazz definitely adds to the sparkle of it all.
08:46Aikil, the tournament is going to be played across 12 venues. There's 10 teams divided into 2 groups. Groups A and B. Satish, who do you see progressing from those 2 groups?
08:57Over the years, the record says Chennai, Mumbai, you cannot eliminate them. They somehow make it to the playoffs. They are starting once or twice a year. They have missed it out.
09:08But generally, these are traditional favourites. I would still go with Gujarat because they have done it in the first year. Maybe the advantage the rivals would have is that the nobility factor might be missing about what they will do.
09:25But still, I would go with Gujarat as another one. Favourite for the playoffs. And the fourth would be… I am sure Virat Kohli would be keen to at least finally make it count for RCB. So, my bet would be on Virat Kohli doing it as a fourth team into the playoffs.
09:46Sai, do you agree with Satish's assessment?
09:50Yes, for RCB. But I have a strong feeling that SRX, Sunrise Hyderabad is a fantastic team. They have come out as one of the best teams in the tournament. Their selections were good. They have got a good captain also.
10:03So, I have a strong feeling that Sunrise Hyderabad will bless this tournament. And along with Sunrise Hyderabad, I believe it will be Gujarat Titans and Rajasthan Royals. So, my playoffs will be RCB, Sunrise Hyderabad. My choices for playoffs will be Rajasthan Royals and Gujarat Titans.
10:23Rizwan, who do you think can be the dark horse this time? There is always a team that sneaks up and surprises a few teams and gets on to the last stages. Anyone can do it this time. Who do you think?
10:32Always, Rajasthan Royals' name comes last in the discussions. But actually, they are the ones to look out for. If you see their team combination, they have covered all bases.
10:43They have Josh Butler. If you see Hitman, they have Hitman who can hit long way. And they have Trent Boult. The new bowler can be lethal. They have Chahal, who is one of the best T20 spinners.
10:58And now they have, I think, even got Joe Root, who can be playing an anchor role with the likes of Butler and Sanju. He has a big point to prove. World Cup coming up. His name has been excluded. So, it will be a huge season for him. So, their team, I am sure, will make a big impact.
11:20And Sharm, any particular team that you are looking forward to seeing play?
11:23I have been a lifelong RCB fan. So, I would like them to do well. But have a look at the team. It is not an improvement from last year. But I am sure they will make the semi-finals this year. But beyond that, I don't see them progressing.
11:41Because over 16 seasons, the title has been elusive for them. I think this time also would be elusive for them. But that wouldn't stop me from backing them.
11:51Okay. Sharm is backing them. Right, guys. Look, the two most successful teams in the IPL, which is Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings, they are going to be playing the first match on April 8th. And then the second match on May 6th is going to be the 1000th match in IPL since it started in 2008.
12:09Rizwan, how big of an occasion is that going to be?
12:12Definitely, it has grown over the years. It has become a big brand over the years. So, whenever a franchise tournament name comes up, IPL is right there. So, it has built a huge brand over the years.
12:27Playing the 1000th match, it will be huge for IPL. So, Dhoni to be there from the first season to this season, witnessing 1000th match, it's a huge testament for his longevity also. So, it will be a great moment.
12:44Sai, did you think the IPL would take off the way it has when it first launched back then in 2008?
12:49No, never. I expected it to. After 5 years, it may die down. But I think the promoters have done a fantastic job. And also, the players. I mean, the matches have come up. They played with a lot of competition. And it was a fantastic extravaganza.
13:03I mean, it's the second richest sporting event in the world. So, after the NFA, it's the second richest. So, it is also reaping a lot of dividends to the people who are promoting it. And also, the players and the fans are having a blast.
13:16Yeah. Clearly, it is just getting bigger and bigger. And I think it's just going to continue to do so. Right, guys. Look, ahead of the new season, the BCCI has introduced a couple of new rules. The main one is the impact player rule, which is new to the tournament.
13:30It means that teams can have four substitutes and one of those can be used in the match. Now, Shyam has written a nice piece in gulfnews.com. Make sure you go and read that all about the impact player rule.
13:39But Shyam, just tell us, how do you think this new rule is going to spice up the tournament? And what can we expect with these substitutions?
13:46It's almost like having a 12th player, really. Like an extra player. Like, when you bat, you have an extra batsman. When you bowl, you have an extra bowler. A full-fledged, a thoroughbred bowler. It's not a kind of bits and pieces bowler or an all-rounder. You will get a full-fledged batsman.
14:01And I think that could make a difference especially in both ways. When you are bowling and batting. Because you have that extra resource to go in. Not just that, he is not just substituting. He is a full-fledged player. Like, let's say if he is a bowler, he gets to bowl the quota of all four overs. Like a batsman, he could be just like any other batsman.
14:22So I think that is actually a game-changer for this season. And I think we would see, it could impact results and several close matches, I think it could change it. I am looking forward to seeing how it works. Because this is one thing missing from cricket over so many years. I think more than 100 years of cricket we have had. And in cricket, substitute is restricted to a substitute fielder. That is until we had this concussion substitute.
14:51Now here, just like any other sport, you are getting a full-fledged substitute. So I think that will make a huge change. And like Sai was saying, we were surprised that IPL is still alive after 16 years. These kinds of inventions or reinventions which is what keeping IPL alive. And I think this will be a huge flip to IPL and T20 Games.
15:15Definitely, Shah. I mean, it keeps the game fresh. It keeps it exciting. And for sure, Rizwan, I mean, there is going to be a lot of drama now, surely. You know, when a captain makes a substitution, thinking he needs a new batsman in there to get a few quick runs or a bowler because the pitch is particularly swinging or spinning. How do you think it's going to impact the IPL this season?
15:34Definitely, it will be a huge thing. I mean, I just was wondering what will be the role of the all-rounders now. Their impact might be lesser. Because the all-rounder before used to have that impact. They could chip in with their batting and bowling.
15:52Now, with this rule, they might attempt to play a specialist batsman instead of an all-rounder. Because they know that they can even replace later with a bowler. So, the role of all-rounders might slightly get lessened with this. But having said that, it will be a new thing. Something to look off looking forward. And it will be huge for cricket.
16:13Do you agree? Do you think the role of the all-rounder is going to diminish now because of this new substitution rule?
16:43Maybe 10 without the wicket-keeper. So, the more and more all-rounders you have, the better chances of you winning a T20 game. Because that's what it's been proving off late. Saying that the depth of the team, whether it is batting or bowling, determines your outcome of the game.
17:01So, in that sense, this is going to be a really interesting period to watch. Because it also throws a surprise to the rivals. They will not be able to strategise for the impact player, what the role will be. So, this will all give that extra combination that comes into play and it gives you more headache. Which is a very nice headache, I would say.
17:25It's a nice headache. Yeah, definitely true. It will make the games a lot more interesting than they are. Let's have a quick word about the auction that took place earlier. England all-rounder Sam Curran has become the most expensive player in IPL history. Now, having that tag on his neck, on his shoulders, Rizwan, will that put a lot of pressure on him when he's playing for Punjab Kings?
17:47It's a question that has been circulating around. But I don't think as a professional, it might bother you. Obviously, they want to put up the performance to keep that value again and again. That's for sure. But I don't think that would be a burden. But obviously, in franchise cricket, they do expect. But it's very important for the player to focus on the process rather than thinking the things which he cannot control.
18:14These are things which nobody can control, right? They can only control the performance. These are the things which will fall in place. So, obviously, they are mature enough to understand these things. And if you take care of the performance, other things will take care of itself.
18:28Yeah, wise words. But with that hefty price tag on him, we've seen in many other sports, players buckling under the pressure because they've got this on their mind. They have to rise to the occasion. They've got to play in a particular way now because they've been elevated to such a status, having been bought for such a huge amount of money. Has he got that personality, that character to be a success in the IPL?
18:52I think so. Because I think in the case of Sam Curran, it wouldn't matter. Because I remember in the past when Jaydev Vinodkar was the most expensive player, it really weighed him down. He had sleepless nights thinking how he's going to live up to that tag. But I think that is taking it to an extreme. Like Rizwan said about being professional. A professional player should be able to take it in his stride.
19:18A professional player earns a huge salary. So, you should be able to manage that. But the thing is, when you have a hefty price tag, comes the expectations. But I think if you are delivering, it shouldn't be a problem. You just go and perform as usual, it's fine. It's a question of how you deal with pressure. And I think all these players deal with immense pressure on the field. So, off the field, I think they should be able to manage better.
19:44We'll see how he deals with that when it all kicks off on Friday. Right guys, look, every season there's a start of a new career. There's always a newbie that comes up and surprises all the teams with some fantastic bowling and batting. There's several newbies this time. We've got England's Harry Brooks, who's going to be playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad. I mean, he's burst onto the international scene. He got 800 runs in his first, I think, nine tests. Something like that. He's an aggressive batsman. He plays with positivity.
20:14He's basbouled through and through. Rizwan, how do you think he's going to get on in the IPL?
20:44Another newbie is going to be Australian Cameron Green, who's going to be playing for Mumbai Indians. Sai, look, Rohit Sharma has already said that he's willing to drop down the order to let Green open with Ishan Kishan. Do you think those two can make a good partnership? Opening partnership?
21:02Definitely. But I think what Rohit Sharma should, in my opinion, he should bat along with Cameron Green and put Ishan Kishan down the order. One down. So, that would be much more suitable for the format of the game. Because Rohit Sharma is an opening batsman. And he has mesmerized people with his batting. Unfortunately, for the last couple of seasons, he has not been playing well. So, Cameron Green is a very ideal start for them.
21:26Yeah, Harry Brooks is a start to watch for. And totally, that's one of the reasons why Sunrise Hyderabad is one of my favourites to be in this last spot.
21:34Yeah, he's going to make a big impression, I think. And Satish, lastly, there's many other players. We're only going to focus on a couple. Josh Little for Gujarat Titans. He's the first Irish player to play in the IPL. Can he make the IPL champions stronger?
21:48I don't know how much of a role he will get. Because the four-team-member cap is there. So, again, unfortunately, coming from an associate country or smaller countries, you will be fighting for a place against these bigger, established stars. So, I don't know how much of a role he will get.
22:10But yes, again, another point which I would like to add here is, they are all professionals. So, whether they are the richest or the smallest paid, whether they get the chance or whether they don't get the chance, they are always prepared and they always give their best. So, I would say, if you get the chance, you would make it count. But the chances are very limited.
22:32Okay, thanks Satish. Right guys, final question. Let's wrap this up. Prediction time. Who is going to win the IPL, starting with Shyam?
22:40I wish you hadn't thrown that question at me. I've been going through all these teams and I just couldn't make up my mind who is going to win. Because I know my team is not going to win. RCB is not going to win. But I've had a hard look at it and I think Gujarat has the ability to win.
23:01See, finally, the best team need not always win. Winning is… If you look at how Dhoni or Rojthamma win, they didn't always have the best team to win. But they still won. Which is why predicting a winner at the start of a tournament is very, very tricky. So, I am going to play it safe and expect Gujarat Titans to retain the title.
23:25Cool. Sai, can they defend their title?
23:27I have my doubts. I mean, I really want Sunrisers to come back and win the title. Because I don't think… In my opinion, Gujarat Titans may not come to the playoffs. May come to the playoffs, yes. But Sunrisers is my choice. I mean, they have the most balanced team. But it's difficult. It's a very tight situation for others also. There are some other good teams too. But let me give it to Sunrisers this term.
23:50Okay, that's a different team. Rizwan, who do you think is going to win the IPL?
23:54As I said, Rajasthan is a force to be reckoned with. They have a lot of match-winners in their side. So, I really hope or think that Rajasthan will be the champions today, this year. But I think, for a funny side, if RCB change their slogan like, Isala Kappa Namde, if they change that, they might also win.
24:15That's a nice one.
24:16I will back Rajasthan.
24:19Right. And finally, Satish, who is your money and who is going to win?
24:22It has to be Chennai. No way. Satish, it has to be Chennai.
24:27It has to be Chennai. No way. Satish, it has to be Chennai.
24:58Whichever big teams that have won, like big tournaments you are talking about, whether it's football or World Cup cricket or World Cup football or IPL, the teams that just managed to win, come out with some scraps, close scraps, these are the teams that win.
25:14So, in that sense, Chennai doesn't have the best of best teams. But somehow, they will come back and start winning. And once that happens, they are unstoppable. So, I expect them to win it because they are also playing in Chennai.
25:26And this is going to be a final year for Dhoni to hold a chance of… Rather, final chance for Dhoni to hold a trophy. So, I will go with Chennai.
25:35I got that right. I said Satish will pick Chennai. I got that right.
25:41No surprises there from Satish. We knew what he was going to say.
25:45Okay, guys. We will see how the teams get on in our weekly catch-up. So, be sure to watch. In the meantime, head to golf.com for all the latest news and reviews and much more.
25:56And of course, follow us on our social media channels too. Thank you to Shyam, thanks to Saiz, thanks to Satish and special thanks to Rizwan. Thanks for watching and we will see you next time.