The traditionalists argue that this is the case due to the many differing aspects of the game. In normal cricketing matches, the dress code is very simple,consisting of white trousers and a white shirt, jumper or vest. However, in the Indian Premier League, each team has its own colours, which results in the team wearing these colours on the field of play. This ranges from purple, the colour of the Kolkata Night Riders, to yellow, the colour in which Chennai Super Kingsplay. The main argument that these traditionalist bear is the dynamics of the game and how it should be played. Cricket has long been a game of patience and timing, in contrast to this, the IPL is played with much more flair and spontaneity. For example, in “normal” 5 day test matches there is very rarely a six scored by the batsman. In the Indian Premier League, it is highly unlikely that there will be no sixes scored during the 20 over spell.
Moving onto the matches that will feature in the IPL this weekend, the first of which is to be contested on Saturday at 11:30 BST between the Kolkata Night Riders and the Pune Warriors India. Kolkata, who are owned by national Indian celebrity,Shahrukh Khan and captained by Gautam Gambhir currently lie in second place inthe league. Pune Warriors as they are known are captained by legendary Indiancricketer Saurav Ganguly. They are on a dry run of form at the moment, losing to Delhi Daredevils and more recently, they suffered back to back defeats at the hands of Deccan Chargers. As one game finishes, another starts, the game between Kings XI Punjab and Rajasthan Royals will begin at15:30 BST on Saturday afternoon. With both teams captained by legendary batsmen, Punjab led by the Australian Adam Gilchrist and Rajasthan captained by Rahul Dravid, they will be looking to set a high total on the very profitable wicket at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium in Mohali.Bothteams will be looking for the win and the much sought after 2 points as Rajasthan lie 7th in the table, with Kings XI in 4th position.
The action continues into Sunday with another double header of games, firstly withan 11:30 BST start between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings. Mumbai,having performed extremely well in previous seasons have not reached the sameheights in the current season. With “the little master” Sachin Tendulkarunder-performing and Lasith Malinga being dropped to the bench, Mumbai will belooking to pick up their form with a win. However, the defending champions Chennai led my wicket keeper M.S. Dhoni will be looking to bounce back from two defeats and gain a vital two points. It may prove a tough test for the SuperKings if the inconsistent form shown of late continues into this match up. Following this game is the contest of Royal Challengers Bangalore versus the Deccan Chargers. With both teams led by experienced captains, Daniel Vettori and Kumar Sangakkara respectively, this should prove to be a game of real class. Bangalore are witnessing an average season in this year’s IPL,struggling to string together a run of wins. Also, after a dismal start to the campaign, Deccan have managed a good period of wins which may prove to be the outcome at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangaluru.
All coverage can be picked up on ITV4, Freeview channel 24, Virgin Media on 118 andSky channel 120.
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