India's cricketing extravaganza has reached its final stage. The 11th edition of the Indian Premier League is about to finish, with the Chennai Super Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad in the final.
The Chennai Super Kings have been consistent, the only team to consistently be in the playoffs; they are also the favourites to win the tournament according to Indians residing in Australia.
Let's take a look at what Indian cricket fans are saying for the Indian Premier League's grand finale.
Chennai Super Kings fan Sonu Patil. Source: Sonu
Sonu Patil who is studying in Melbourne says, "I am an avid fan of the game. I follow every match of IPL. I am supporting CSK right from the inception of the tournament. It is a team of experienced players like captain MS Dhoni, batsman Suresh Raina, Ambati Raydu, Australian star Shane Watson.
"They have the firepower to take down any team. I think they have an excellent chance to clinch the title this year."
One positive aspect for CSK is that their top order batsmen are in great touch. Ambati Raydu has enjoyed his best outing in nine seasons, scoring 586 runs with a century against Sunrisers. Australian star Shane Watson is also adding some flavour to CSK’s batting line up as he has put 438 runs on the board.
The presence of captain MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina and Caribbean star Dwayne Bravo also gives CSK a psychological advantage over the opponent.
On the other hand, the Sunrisers have played outstanding cricket throughout the season. Afghan all-rounder Rashid Khan dominated with the bat, ball and in the field helped SRH outplayed KKR on Friday to advance to their second IPL final.
The presence of captain MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina and Caribbean star Dwayne Bravo also gives CSK a psychological advantage over the opponent.
Chennai Super Kings batsman Faf Du Plessis in action during the first qualifier of IPL 2018. Source: IPL T20
Kane Williamson led “Orange Army” – SRH has a bunch of match-winning players who can turn the match to their side. Opener Shikhar Dhawan, captain Kane Williamson has the ability to give the team a quick start.
Sunrisers Hyderabad players celebrates their victory over Kolkata Knight Riders. Source: IPL T20
Allrounder Carlos Brathwaite and Rashid Khan, can fire with the bat and ball. Seam bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar is recognized as one of the best bowlers at the death overs who can put CSK’s batsman in trouble. As a team SRH will need to stick to their recent form to beat the Yellow brigade in the final.
Another Cricket follower Karan Shah says Chennai has shown why they are called the super kings.
Chennai Super Kings fan Karan Shah. Source: Karan Shah
CSK to play its record seventh final.
Chennai Super Kings have dominated the Indian Premier League from the inaugural season. They are in their seventh final out of nine appearances. They have won the tournament twice in 2010 and 2011 and are the only team to defend the title. Sunrisers Hyderabad has won the IPL once in 2016 beating the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the final.
The Grand Finale could break the all-time viewership record.
The Indian Premier League is the most celebrated cricketing tournament throughout the world. Its popularity is not limited to India only, but it has attracted fans of other countries as well. The 2017 edition of the final is the most viewed final so far. Television viewership for last year’s finals reached around 39.4 million. Cricketing analyst believe this year’s final may break the all-time viewership record.
IPL is like a festival for Indian sports
The Indian Premier League T20 cricket tournament is a massive undertaking by the BCCI, and it has a festival like status among the Indian sports industry.
Its success has opened an opportunity for other sports to start the Indian Super League for football, Indian Hockey League for hockey, Premier Badminton League for badminton, and that has boosted sports tourism and event management industry in the country as well.
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