IPL 2020: Where rising stars meet the legends

Dubai - Youngsters get their lifetime opportunities to meet their childhood heroes who share their knowledge and experience

The annual cricket festival has begun, but this time, without the usual roar and extravagant fanfare. This league has been entertaining people for the last 12 years.
The format of the game is fast, energetic and physically demanding. Many youngsters rose to instant fame and made it to the national side and many foreign players were immediately selected to their national teams soon after their IPL accomplishments.
The competition for berths is intense and only the best of the best makes it to the playing XI. The beauty of the competition is such that young cricketers are coached and mentored by the same legends whom they have idolised while growing up.
Youngsters get their lifetime opportunities to meet their childhood heroes who share their knowledge and experience.
It was such a pleasing moment to see Ravi Bishnoi, the leading wicket-taker in the recently concluded U19 World Cup, making his debut under the mentorship of none other than the great Anil Kumble - the king of the googly.
The league brings to the fore a perfect blend of raw talent and experiences of the legends that sets the stage on fire.
But to stay on top of this, one needs to be at their prime physical and mental health. And it is not an easy task especially for the players who are in their mid 30s. The pressure is persistent, and expectations are enormous from all the senior players. Yet we have witnessed that the likes of ABD, Dhoni, Du Plessis, Steyn rising to the occasions and producing match-winning contributions for their respective teams.
This year is no different and we have already seen outstanding match-winning knocks from Rayudu, Faf du Plessis and AB de Villiers in the first three matches of the season itself.
On the other hand, youngsters like Devdutt Padikkal and Ravi Bishnoi had perfect debuts in the league making brilliant contributions to their respective teams.
Going ahead, the competition is only going to be intense and we foresee only fireworks in the coming two months!
 

• IPL 2019