Emergence of young talent a triumph for IPL

Depending on the position one takes, the IPL is criticised for its focus on cash, putting commerce ahead of cricket, reducing serious sport to a pastime and so on.

Some of this is true but after 11 seasons it must be admitted that IPL has not just changed Indian cricket but advanced it. When MS Dhoni holds aloft the trophy the real winner is Indian cricket.

At the global level, IPL is a rare example of India’s leadership role, our sole contribution to take the game forward in almost 100 years. India is cricket’s powerhouse with its huge fanbase and economic muscle, and IPL is a ‘make in India’ product which the rest of the world is busy cloning.

Besides bragging rights, IPL brings measurable benefits. By introducing cricketers to the best in the world, quality of domestic cricket has improved and youngsters understand what it takes to succeed.When Manjot Kalra listens to Ricky Ponting in the Delhi Daredevils’ dressing room and Kamlesh Nagarkoti to Jacques Kallis in Kolkata, this is priceless education.

No less valuable is the experience of competing with the best in high pressure situations. When Rishabh Pant takes down death-bowling expert Bhuvneshwar Kumar, it gives hope to other cricketers as they too feel empowered.

As IPL is a finishing school that provides exposure, India’s first-class cricketers are confident professionals ready for tough cricket. Soaking in the environment created by specialist support staff --- strategy sessions, meaningful team meetings, statistical and video analysis, the average cricketer is transported from the medieval to modern age.This change is visible in first-class cricket.

It is fashionable to look back and think the earlier era was better, and there are many who claim first-class cricket standards were higher 10 years ago. But a realistic look, free of emotional nostalgia,would confirm that Ranji post IPL is more competitive. With 30 participating teams, it is not quite Sheffield Shield (which has only six ) but Ranji is tough with bowling attacks built around disciplined medium pace,ably supported by improved fielding standards.

This competitive edge is the legacy of IPL. Players now see first-class cricket as a stepping stone to fame and riches that come with top-grade cricket. When the BCCI positioned IPL as a ‘domestic’ tournament and mandated seven Indians should feature in every 11, some questioned this.

The four foreigners rule meant Steve Smith/Kane Williamson spent time sitting on the bench but this gave U-19 Indians an opportunity to display their talent. When Shubman Gill, Prithvi Shaw or Shivam Mavi come through, it is a triumph for IPL and Indian cricket.