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There is no question that the Australians have dominated the initial rounds of the DLF Indian Premier League (IPL). The tournament was given an electrifying start by New Zealander Brendon McCullum who cracked a quick-fire 158, but thereafter it's been the Australians and the little known Indians who have stolen the show.
The Twenty20 format of the game suits the Australians too as they are a naturally aggressive lot and who play to win.
It's not just the batsmen but even the bowlers are doing well for their teams and those who say that Twenty20 is for youngsters should look at the manner in which the Australians Glen McGrath and Shane Warne have tied the batsmen up in knots and stifled the runs.
That only proves that great players will make the adjustments necessary for any form of the game and at any age too. Adam Gilchrist too is no spring chicken, but his energy levels are astonishing, for the matches, even the ones being played at 8pm, are played in intense heat and the lights don't make it any easier.
Impressive Indians
The Indians who have impressed have been Yousuf Pathan who has fully justified his price tag, for not only does he belt the ball a fair distance but is also proving pretty useful with the ball, picking up wickets and slowing down the opposition.
There are others too who have made good solid contributions with Gautam Gambhir continuing his superb form of the season. Ishant Sharma has shown that he is not easy to get away and Yuvraj after a stuttering start for him and his team has begun to time the ball, as is his wont.
Not all the youngsters from India have done well, but Shikhar Dhawan and Manpreet Gony certainly have impressed, not just with their talent, but with their temperament too.
Most teams have lost some of their key overseas players, as they had to leave for their national duties. And this will mean more opportunities for the others to pick up the gauntlet. Surprisingly, the three most expensive teams are languishing at the bottom of the table, but it shouldn't be long before they become challengers to those leading the tables.
-Professional Management Group
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