5 reasons why IPL 2018 got off to a dream start

The wait is now over. IPL 2018 got off to a great start with CSK and RR back in the fray and the team from Chennai scripting a wonderful victory to remind us what the IPL is all about.

The IPL is indeed all about the music, the entertainment and nail-biting finishes. Everything found a place on the opening day as audiences across the world were left spellbound.

Here are 5 reasons why IPL 2018 has got off to a dream start.

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#1 A brilliant opening ceremony

IPL is always a heady cocktail of cricket, Bollywood and entertainment. It is perhaps India’s greatest gift to the world of cricket, having modified the sport to give it a new form and drawn an entirely new viewership base which was unfamiliar with the game.

The IPL opening ceremony is always a grand affair, and even this year, it did not leave anyone disappointed. Bollywood stars like Hrithik Roshan, Varun Dhawan, Jacqueline Fernandez and Tamannaah lit up the event with props, drums and supporting artists all on display.

With Mika Singh belting out his latest chartbusters, Hrithik setting the stage on fire with hit Bollywood numbers like Dhoom and Ek Pal ka Jeena, and the lights, sounds and colours on display, it was simply a sight to take your breath away.

#2 The return of CSK

No one can contest the fact that the verdict to ban CSK and RR was correct given the need to punish improprieties and ensure that the sport is clean at the end of the day. But every diehard CSK fan, and IPL fan, for that matter, was waiting for CSK’s return to IPL this year.

There were many firsts with Harbhajan Singh donning the yellow jersey and taking the field against his former home team. And euphoria and nostalgia for the crowd as former Indian captain – who is back at the helm of CSK – walked out for the toss.

To round it off, a great run chase and a CSK win to announce their comeback was thrilling to watch. The script could not have been written better.

#3 Return of the old boys

Shane Watson did well for CSK in the opening game

While IPL is known for its ability to promote new talent, it also always has a space for the old. Some of the most loved cricketers who do not play international cricket anymore lit up the stadium on the opening day.

Shane Watson shone with the new ball, showing the world he still has it in him to deliver the goods when it mattered the most. Kieron Pollard and Harbhajan Singh had a quiet game but it was great for the crowd to welcome them back.

But the day belonged to the Man of the Match, DJ Bravo, who was good with the ball and played a match-winning innings of 68 to see CSK through. And it was apparent that he was glad to be back at the IPL.

“They waited so long for this moment. I'm happy to contribute to the team with a match-winning performance. The Super Kings have shown a lot of faith in me,” he said.

#4 Unearthing new talent

Mayank Markande did superbly well for Mumbai Indians

What is the IPL all about if not coming up with the unlikeliest of heroes on debut? It is the league where men become boys and begin their journey towards glory. The first match of IPL 2018 was not any different.

After the match, Mayank Markande is the name on everyone’s lips after the 20-year-old made a dream debut for MI. The Punjab leg-spinner bowled a dream spell, coming away with figures of 3 for 23 off his 4 overs.

He also got the prized scalp of MS Dhoni. Markande is an invaluable find for MI this season. An Indian debut might be in the offing if he is on the right track.

#5 A nail-biting finish

Dwayne Bravo

When it comes to the IPL, it is in a league of its own for coming up with close, nail-biting finishes. The first match of IPL 2018 was never short of entertainment as it provided a close encounter.

Chasing a modest total of 165, CSK never looked quite in the game. They lost wickets in heaps, being reduced to 84 for 6 at one stage, when it looked the end was near for them.

But a brave fightback meant they were always in the game and Kedhar Jadhav, with a cool head on his shoulders, ultimately saw them through.