M S Dhoni’s team has staged a glorious come-back. After a two-year ban following the betting scandal, the Chennai Super Kings registered their class yet again in the latest edition of the Indian Premier League. Legendary Captain Cool’s leadership overcame other hardships as well. After the first match at the home ground in Chennai, the CSK had to move out to Pune following protests over the river water dispute with Karnataka.
Yet, experience and class of the team came through even though the average age of the team was above 30. It is remarkable that CSK has made it to seven finals since the inaugural of the popular league in 2008, and won three. Which is a feat in itself. The final in Mumbai saw another strong team, Sunrisers Hyderabad, which faltered somewhat in the last few matches before eventually setting up the clash with CSK in the final.
Meanwhile, thanks to the stupendous success of IPL ever new talent was discovered in each edition of the competition. Some of these players would not have got national exposure without IPL. With such a large pool of talent, India has rightfully emerged as a great cricketing power. Meanwhile, one cannot but commend the discovery of a great young talent from the trouble-torn Afghanistan. The 19-year-old Rashid Khan began as a spin bowler, but in the semi final against Kolkata Knight Riders, he proved himself to be equally adept at batting. He has done his country proud. If there is nothing else to unite Afghans, there is, at least, Rashid Khan.
