JAI HO: IPL resumes with a bang after ‘war break’ on Saturday

The Indian Premier League will resume on May 17 after a forced break with uncertainty now looming over how the teams will regroup. When the IPL came to a halt with the match in Dharamsala called off between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals, there was chatter if the 2025 edition of the IPL would be postponed till August or September.

Without any exaggeration, the IPL is back on its feet, of course, minus a few stars, thanks to the excellent work done by the Indian Defence Forces. It was fantastic coordination between the potent Indian Air Force, where attack, destruction and also defending the air bases in India was magical. Likewise, the work done by the Indian Army in protecting the forward areas plus the Paramilitary forces continues. Last but not the least, the way Indian Navy war vessel INS Vikrant is strategically placed, it can destroy the Karachi port any time. The ship is fully loaded.

Compare and contrast how via Operation Sindoor, India has been able to provide more than a fitting reply to the terror state of Pakistan. Sample this, even as teams in the IPL have been allowed to find replacements, as some overseas players are unable to return due to a combination of factors, the PSL in Pakistan is buried. There is no way it will resume, and even if it does, overseas players will not fly to Pakistan. The best part, to rub it in, Kushal Mendis will leave the PSL and come in as a replacement at Gujarat Titans.

Those who live in India and NRIs as well are aware, the way the Indian Defence Forces have fought a war against the terror state of Pakistan, normalcy has returned in so many ways. Malls, movies and now the IPL. Of course, momentum lost in the IPL will be hard for some teams and players. Yet, there is hope, IPL action will rock at the Southern Centres in India with the final most likely to be held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

One team which has been hit badly is Delhi Capitals as many overseas players have dropped out. Mitch Starc has cried off and his absence will be felt. As for RCB, there was more than a doubt if they would be at full steam. Perhaps, now, a more relaxed Virat Kohli will show to the world how he is still passionate about the IPL and will hope the Bengaluru side can peak again.

When the IPL came to a halt, it was clear, which teams were in the top. One expects, Gujarat Titans, Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings to continue with the same intensity. Teams have been training at their bases in a quiet way. Can Delhi Capitals compensate for the loss of players remains to be seen.

From a fans’ point of view, the IPL resumption is good news. War is good only in ‘reel life,’ not real life. The price one pays for a war is massive, and it is not about just money. People are distraught, nerves frayed, and tense. Hopefully, even as Pakistan will watch with jealousy, the IPL will again rock in India.