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The Indian Premier League couldn't have asked for a better first week. Ever since I landed in India on April 11, I realised there was quite a bit of nervousness among the organisers, administrators, and players about how the inaugural season was going to turn out. At the end of five days, I think everyone can honestly say the going has been fantastic.
When I signed on for the IPL, I didn't see how it could fail. It seemed such a great concept: to get some of the best cricketers from around the world, integrate them with the best of local talent, and get all of them to play a compact, exciting format.
Viewership was never going to be a problem considering how fanatical Indians are about cricket, and the only concern among some of the players was how to fit into a completely new team and play as a unit. That has pretty much been taken care of, and what with the close games, the controversies, and brilliant individual displays, the future seems to hold plenty of promise.
The opening game for my team - the Chennai Super Kings - saw a brilliant performance from Michael Hussey, and I anticipate a great game against Mumbai Indians tomorrow, because we have a balanced outfit. There are a few excellent local lads like Suresh Raina and Parthiv Patel, and a bowler like Muthiah Muralitharan has been an education for the bowlers. We are also looking forward to the arrival of Makhaya Ntini and Albie Morkel, which will boost the bowling.
MS Dhoni is a very humble, relaxed person, and we are constantly amazed at the attention he has to deal with, even if he so much as steps out of his room. But we have seen how cool he is under pressure, so he's a good guy to have at the helm.
More accomplished
Some of our other members have embarked on some serious sightseeing. Personally, I've been content to sit back and enjoy the wealth of seafood Chennai offers.
I would, of course, been happier to be part of the action, but it has always been understood I am the support act, and will only step on to the pitch once the Australians leave. While I'm not going to pretend this is an ideal situation, I do accept guys like Hussey and Hayden are more experienced and accomplished in Twenty20 and deserve to be in the team ahead of me.
-Gameplan
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