Richards, Kapil, Imran: the golden-era superstars IPL franchises would have broken the bank for
In its 18th summer, the Indian Premier League is just tiding past adolescent churn. Its roots are deep, the accrued commercial heft is at an all-time high, and its monetary numbers find space in business dailies. And just like mangoes, the IPL is inextricably linked to Indian summers.
Yet, that opening fixture, pitting host Royal Challengers Bangalore against Kolkata Knight Riders on an April night at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in 2008, still remains fresh and also serves as an eternal template. This was Brendon McCullum doing Bazball even before the term was invented.Shot of adrenaline
His 73-ball 158 not out was the adrenaline shot that a league in its infancy needed. Thanks to him, KKR pocketed that night and mortified Bangaloreans spilled a cold frothy liquid into tall glasses. A few o...