Wriddhaayan Bhattacharyya

The IPL has become popular in middle school classrooms, with 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi making headlines after scoring a record-breaking T20 century. However, youngsters face challenges managing their workload and expectations. Cricket academies see a surge in applications as parents recognise IPL as a pathway to the national team. Young players like Suryavanshi and Ayush Mhatre are making a mark with fearless and unconventional cricketing styles.

Former India and Mumbai cricketer Abhishek Nayar's coaching prowess has been praised by players like Karthik, Sharma, and Rahul. Sacked by BCCI, Nayar has rejoined KKR to uplift their performance. Players are hopeful his guidance will turn things around. Will big-hitting Powell finally get a chance?

The Indian Premier League has introduced new bat-checking rules, resulting in batters like Sunil Narine and Anrich Nortje failing. Some players argue that it's not just about bats but also about technique and power-hitting, emphasizing the need for balance between bat and ball in T20 cricket. Training patterns have changed, with emphasis on power-hitting. Brands like Hound Cricket Gears follow ICC guidelines for bat manufacturing.

Jofra Archer's longing to return to Test cricket has led to a contract extension with the ECB until 2026. Working to make a comeback through IPL, Archer is gearing up for the Test series against India. Fast bowling coach Steffan Jones believes Archer, with his pace and rhythm, is unstoppable and has the potential to be the best bowler in the world. Training with intense data and science-based methods, Archer's participation in IPL will benefit his comeback to Test cricket.

Punjab is witnessing a cricketing golden generation with stars like Naman Dhir and Ashwani Kumar emerging. Ashwani's rise, supported by coach Varinder Singh, led to an impressive IPL debut, showcasing his skills and potential for the future. Singh's guidance and intense training helped Ashwani make a mark in professional cricket.

At 43, Mahendra Singh Dhoni impresses with his fitness and reflexes as he continues to shine in the Indian Premier League. His daily practice routine, mental strength, and sharp decision-making abilities are keys to his longevity in cricket. Dhoni's record speaks for itself with 191 dismissals in the IPL, showcasing his exceptional skills as a wicketkeeper-batter.