Royals vs CSK clash revives 2008 memories
A lot has changed in the six years since Rajasthan Royals beat the Super Kings in the final of the inaugural edition. This makes the similarities between the two teams' fates — then and now — all the more glaring. Kaushik Chatterji reports.
A lot has changed in the six years since Rajasthan Royals beat the Super Kings in the final of the inaugural edition. This makes the similarities between the two teams' fates — then and now — all the more glaring.
The Royals, who started the league as dark horses, have gone from being champions to also-rans. This time, though, they are back in contention.
A hitherto unknown Goan, Swapnil Asnodkar, has since fallen from grace, but there is the relatively unknown Sanju Samson.
The wrong-footed highest wicket-taker back then, Sohail Tanvir, is not welcome to take part in the league anymore — neither are his Pakistan compatriots — but the left-arm pace of James Faulkner is contending for the Purple Cap.
The versatile Aussie all-rounder Shane Watson - who was the player of the tournament in 2008 — is still around, but the other Aussie, captain-cum-coach Shane Warne, isn't.
However, in Rahul Dravid, they have another inspirational leader who, having retired, can focus solely on the league.
Get Current Updates on India News, Lok Sabha Election 2024 live, Elections 2024, Election 2024 Date along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.