KKR's dilemma - traffic chaos at Chennai - IPL 5

It was another nightmarish day for residents of Chennai – thousands thronged the Chepauk stadium for the inaugural IPL match between Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians  resulting in heavy traffic congestion lasting over three hours on arterial Kamarajar Salai (Beach Road).   On a hot day evening, elderly people cursing the game had to wait for hours, not knowing when the next bus would come and whether they would be able to board the packed buses.  

The defending champions CSK faded losing badly to MI is another matter.  It is baffling to say the least to read of the composition of teams and players.  For example, Koklatta Knight Riders led by Gautam Gambhir and having Trevor Bayliss as their Coach, Wasim Akram as bowling coach and Andrew Leipus as physio have embarrass de riches – they need to pick 4 from the pack of foreign players consisting of  Jacques Kallis, Brendon McCullum, Brad Haddin, Eoin Morgan, Ryan Tendoeschate, Sakib al Hasan, De Lange, Pattinson, Brett Lee and high price Sunil Naraine….

Here is something on IPL 5  -  every player would love to perform in front of audience  - Three stands G, H & I which can accommodate almost 12000 persons continue to remain empty – for want of clearance from Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) – no Q on why TNCA constructed the stands without proper permission !

IPL 5 started with a  match between blues and yellows – and a wide from Lasith Malinga bowling to Du Plessis -   remember Sri Lanka is playing its 2^nd Test at Colombo against touring England.  Malinga who is not available for national duties (even mentioned of injuries earlier) is bowling fast for the MI team !!  He is not alone.

Sunil Narine, the West Indies spinner who was bought by Kolkata Knight Riders for $700,000 in the January player auction, will be available for the entire duration of the 2012 IPL even though, the  IPL overlaps with West Indies' home Tests against Australia.  Narine does not have a WICB contract and hasn't played a Test yet, but  his excellent form in the limited-overs series against Australia could have resulted in a call-up.  West Indies coach, Otis Gibson admitted it would be difficult to stop Narine playing in the IPL if that was his preference.

The biggest purchase of IPL - CSK's  Ravindra Jadeja walked in at 15.6 – yes with only 25 balls left – if he is touted to be a big hitter who can swing the match, why so low – eventually he made only 3 off 5 balls is another matter.  

That is IPL for you……….

With regards – S. Sampathkumar.