Former Indian cricket players Suresh Raina, Robin Uthappa, Lakshmipathy Balaji, and Hanuma Vihari discussed how the IPL has changed cricket, developed talent, and established new standards as the 18th season approaches.
From creating elite athletes to becoming a worldwide athletic event, the experts considered the league’s influence and future prospects.
Raina used the success of players like Tilak Varma, Yashavi Jaiswal, and Rinku Singh—all of whom made their way into the Indian teams thanks to their IPL exploits—to illustrate how the IPL has influenced Indian cricket and given young players a chance to succeed at the international level.
In India and around the world, the Indian Premier League is a festival. Numerous athletes have developed their skills and made the move to the global scene. We have seen young players develop into captains, and India has won the T20 World Cup, the Champions Trophy, and the World Cup. Observe Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and numerous more fast bowlers who came out of the league. We have a thrilling new crop of cricket players now. Rinku Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Tilak Varma are all huge fans of mine. Axar Patel is our new captain as well,” Raina told JioStar.
“For young athletes, the most crucial things are to be consistent, stay present, and concentrate on their game. You can play for your country if you score 500 runs in a season. Every IPL season offers the chance to develop, gain courage, and enhance your skills and disposition. Stepping up on important situations and consistently improving your game is what the IPL is all about,” Raina continued.
Uthappa, a former Indian opener, considered how the IPL has changed cricket over the last 17 seasons and advanced the sport to new heights. Additionally, he forecast that the 300-run barrier might be crossed in the forthcoming season, particularly following a record-breaking season in which teams eclipsed the 250-mark several times.
“Cricket has advanced two or three levels in the last 17 seasons thanks to the Indian Premier League. Some people have even found it difficult to keep up with the quick evolution. There was once a certain romance to cricket, but it has since changed to something faster, more intense, and more adrenaline-fueled. The IPL has fully matured and is now without a doubt the “daddy” of T20 leagues around the world. IPL’s success has been mostly attributed to innovation, and even if it seems like we’ve seen it all, I’m confident there is still a ton more to come.
We could see a team score 300 runs in an innings, 1,000 sixes, or even a chase of more than 275 runs this season.
Balaji, a former pacer for India, emphasized how the IPL has shaped modern cricket not only in India but also globally, calling it a “global brand” similar to the English Premier League and Formula 1.
“The IPL has elevated cricket to a whole new level over the last 17 years, setting the standard for leagues all around the world. The IPL is viewed by people all around the world as an example of how to develop talent, improve the economy, and raise the bar for international cricket. India has won two big trophies in just six months, and the IPL—its franchise owners, leadership teams, and the ecosystem they have created—deserves a great deal of the credit. The league has evolved into what it is now thanks to their combined efforts.
The Indian Premier League has evolved into a worldwide brand that is watched, followed, and admired by people all over the world. The IPL has established itself as one of the biggest sporting events, much like Formula 1 and the English Premier League. As a former player, coach, and current analyst, I have had the honor of directly observing the IPL’s development. The IPL’s ascent from its early days of bilateral series and ICC events to its current status as a worldwide sporting sensation has been absolutely astounding.
Vihari, meanwhile, talked about the IPL’s expanding importance and commended its role in providing young players with a stage on which to thrive. He said:
“Where Talent Meets Opportunity” is the IPL’s tagline, and I believe it lives up to its promise. Considering how the league has changed since its debut, a great number of gifted athletes have been given the chance to succeed and play for their nations, not just India, but all over the world. Some players were unknown at home, but after establishing themselves in the IPL, they were selected for their national teams and were able to live out their dreams.
“The IPL has changed many cricket players’ life in a financial way as well. Our perspective on sport has evolved. The IPL has evolved into a carnival rather than just cricket. Fans are enthralled by two months of nonstop entertainment. This season will undoubtedly be twice as exciting as the previous one, which was amazing. The 18th season is always unique, and I am confident that it will set many records, whether they are related to runs, wickets, or new benchmarks.
India
