Introduction In 2008, when the IPL held its first edition, Pakistan’s finest cricketers were free to participate. Sohail Tanvir — a left-arm seamer from Rawalpindi with a slingy, awkward action that troubled every batter he faced — took 22 wickets in the season for Rajasthan Royals, winning the tournament’s inaugural Purple Cap (for most wickets)...
Introduction It was October 27, 2020, in Sharjah. Rajasthan Royals were chasing 224 runs against Kings XI Punjab in an IPL 2020 league match played in the UAE because of the COVID-19 pandemic. With 51 runs needed from the last 3 overs and Tewatia on 17 runs from 23 balls — struggling hopelessly — Rajasthan...
Introduction Hyperbole is cricket journalism’s favourite tool. Everything is the greatest, the most dramatic, the most extraordinary. So it requires something genuinely special to cut through. Chris Gayle’s 175* off 66 balls for Royal Challengers Bengaluru against Pune Warriors India on February 23, 2013, cuts through every time. It is not just the highest individual...
Introduction The 2008 IPL auction was a spending competition. Mumbai Indians splashed cash on top internationals. Chennai Super Kings built methodically around quality. Delhi Daredevils went hard for big names. And then there was Rajasthan Royals — the franchise that spent the least money of any team in the competition, picked up players that nobody...
Introduction Most cricketers spend years building up to their best IPL performance. They need time to understand the conditions, learn the batters, find their rhythm in the unique pressure of the franchise tournament. Alzarri Joseph did none of that. The West Indian fast bowler had never played in the IPL before the night of April...