Know the IPL 2014 Extraaa Innings Anchors

IPL extra innings has always been the source of entertainment for the viewers. The experts, hosts, the music and dancing cheerleaders do add a different flavour and keep us glued to watch the post and pre-match comments.This year's panel sees the return of familiar faces while some make their debut. WhileKarishma Kotak and Rochelle Maria Rao do not feature this year, two ex-female anchors make a comeback to the crew. We take a look at the different characters that will entertain us in this year's IPL.

#1 Navjot Singh Sidhu

When entertainment is associated with cricket, there is certainly one man whose name pops up in our minds. Navjot Singh Sidhu has been keeping us engaged with his antics and hilarious one-liners ever since he retired from the game.

And the former Indian opener has returned again to the seventh edition of the IPL, bringing his unique expertise along with him as a part of the expert's panel in the Extraaa Innings show. Sidhu continues to entertain the viewers with his self-made cheesy quotes and that trademark irritating laughs. His combination with Shoaib Akhtar is certainly unique and will certainly adds more entertainment to the show.

#2 Shoaib Akhtar

Nicknamed as the "Rawalpindi Express", Shoaib Akhtar makes his debut in the IPL 7 as a part of the experts' panel in Extraaa Innings. The controversial fast bowler from Pakistan has been a fearful opponent and struck fear into the batsmen's heart whenever he would come steaming in with that signature long run-up.

That aggressiveness has been transformed into words as Shoaib Akhtar has been picking apart fast bowlers in his analysis. The pacer has been direct in his approach to criticise players and has voiced his opinions without holding back.

#3 Ajay Jadeja

We all remember Ajay Jadeja as the middle order saviour for the Azharuddin era Indian team. The all-rounder along with Robin Singh would always be someone we used to count upon when India needed to complete a run chase.

Well, on that note, Ajay Jadeja has been quite a handful when we needed someone to analyse the technical aspect of the game. As a part of the Extraaa Innings expert's panel, where there've been a lot of over-the-top voices, surprisingly Jadeja provides a calmer opinion, though he does has his drawbacks when he joins the panel with Sidhu, getting carried away with the more vocal 'expert'.

#4 Rameez Raja

Rameez Raja is always known for producing unintentional humorous moments in the IPL. The former batsman of Pakistan has been a member of the commentary panel for some time and he has been involved in the IPL for a while now.

The segments involving Rameez Raja, Archana Vijay and Shibani Dandekar have been 'entertaining' for the viewers and have been a part of IPL gossip. He tends to go overboard with his quirky comments but should probably keep in mind that it's a family prime time show after all!

#5 Sameer Kochhar

Sameer Kochhar has been associated with the IPL for seven consecutive seasons now. Along with Gaurav Kapur, he has been one the leading anchors of Extraaa Innings, hosting the pre and post-match show since it began. With a mix of hindi and english, Kochhar has been quite convincing in the host's seat asking fitting questions to the experts.

He has also stated that he feels fortunate to have been involved in this project. Surrounded by crowds, experts and sitting alongside former legends, he has cherished the challenge and has been successful in connecting to the viewers.

He even played as an opener for Mumbai Heroes in this year's Celebrity Cricket League.

#6 Gaurav Kapur

Gaurav Kapur has been another major anchor for the IPL Extraaa Innings. He has hosted the show with his funny and witty character quite well. Gaurav has been involved in the IPL 7 from the early stages as he was involved in the auctions and workshops in Singapore.

Be it on the field talking to players or on the set talking to experts. Gaurav Kapur has established himself as one of the most known faces in the IPL circuit.

#7 Shibani Dandekar

Shibani Dandekar makes a comeback to the IPL this season. This is the 3rd time for her as the host of the event. With her involved, the glamour quotient is certainly added to the show bringing in creative changes for the viewers.

Being a cricket fanatic since childhood, she doesn't look out of place in the middle and knows her cricket.

#8 Archana Vijaya

Another female host who makes a return to the IPL is Archana Vijaya. She was absent during the last edition mainly due to the promos and events she was doing for the IPL teams.

But she has returned to the crew for the seventh season teaming up with Shibani Dandekar as the female anchor duo of extra innings. A regular face for cricket-watchers over the years, she's a glamorous inclusion to grab the fans' attention; someone who has been an experienced cricket-host over the years.

#9 Isa Guha

A former England cricketer of Indian descent, Isa Guha is a familiar face for IPL audience who first were introduced to her in the Extraaa Innings studio in 2012.

With stunning looks and impeccable knowledge of the game (being an ex-cricketer helps; she was a fast bowler!), she brings to the table a refreshing outlook in all the repeated cliches that audience has come to hear over the years.