Even though the Indian Premier League is a big platform for young and rising talents, their elder counters also look to make it big. They too hope to make comebacks.
Do their hopes fade away like their fading careers? Or rise like a phoenix from ashes?
The stage has been set. The action is about to begin. With the recent conclusion of the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup, all attention now shifts to India's biggest cricketing spectacle, Indian Premier League or simply IPL.
With just days left for the tournament, all franchise look to give finishing touches to the teams. Be it regarding the latest technology, stadium preparations or simply advertising their team for more fan support.
Like every other season of IPL, its 8th edition too brings a lot of hope for young Indian talent. Over the years, IPL has created a brand for itself which provides a platform for young and emerging players.
But it doesn't stop there, many instances of 'elder' players outclassing their younger counterparts have also been witnessed.
Pravin Tambe of Rajasthan Royals is the best example. In the 2013 season of IPL, he bagged 15 wickets for his side. The then 42 year old veteran bowler, was initially a surprise pick in the squad. But he certainly proved his worth when he became the highest wicket taker for his side in that season.
But unlike Tambe, not all fading cricketers fare well during the course of the competition. Praveen Kumar, Zaheer Khan, Ashish Nehra are some examples.
So the question arises, How will fading cricketers fare this IPL?
Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Yuvraj Singh were all kings of the game during their prime. But during recent years, they are losing the fame. Their exclusion from the Indian squad, rise of young talents like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, all indicate an end to their glorious era.
(Yuvraj Singh in action for ICC T20 World Cup with fellow team mate Bhuvaneshwar Kumar)
The BCCI selectors may leave these players out of the squad, but IPL franchises have different notions for them.
They are still ready to shell out huge amounts of money to acquire these 'fading' cricketers. In 2014, Yuvraj Singh was bought by the Royal Challengers Bangalore for a whopping Rs 14 crore. But in the 2015 auction, the Delhi Daredevils outclassed all other bids to acquire the Chandigarh boy for a staggering Rs 16 crore.
(Though he hit a century, Sehwag displayed an average performance for his new side, Kings XI Punjab, in 2014)
On the other hand, the Mumbai Indians spent 5 crore for Micheal Hussey and the King's XI Punjab paid Rs 3.2 crore for Virender Sehwag. Though Viru performed well for his side, also smashing a century, Hussey couldn't prove his worth and played only 9 matches, having an average season.
Kolkata Knight Riders skipper Gautam Gambhir, also had a pretty successful season after having a really bad start. He was the third highest scorer for his side and also led them to their second IPL title. This time he will hope to have another successful outing with the bat and lead the side to their third IPL title.
(Gambhir being bowled out during the 2014 campaign)
Some of the 'older' players sold to franchise this season are,
- S Badrinath to Royal Challengers Bangalore
- Michael Hussey to Chennai Super Kings
- Praveen Kumar to Sunrisers Hyderabad
- Brad Hogg to Kolkata Knight Riders
- Zaheer Khan to Delhi Daredevils
- Ravi Bopara to Sunrisers Hyderabad
Everyone will look to prove their worth and grab a place in the playing squad, provided they're given a chance. These players will surely 'hope for the best'.
But how will these players fare? You'll need to wait and watch, 'cause only time can tell their tale.
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