Are you a die hard Sachin Tendulkar fan, core resident of Delhi, in awe of Shane Warne, and consider Vijay Mallaya a rockstar? If this is true, how do you pick your favourite IPL team? That is something I am still coming to terms with when it comes to IPL. Make no mistake, I love what IPL brings to table. Sports clubs and domestic competitions are life of all sports around the world and cricket should not be any exception. Soccer clubs are at the heart of Europe and South America. North America runs on their unique sports and dunkin donuts. Take for example the city of Chicago, people are in love with their sports clubs namely the bears, cubs, sox and bulls. A USA vs Japan game in baseball will go un-noticed, but a game at Wrigley field ballpark, home of The Cubs, will always be a sellout.

It all comes down to history of the sport and league. Cricket has legendary history around the battles between English and Australian’s, the birth of the ashes, India’s first tour of England, South Africa re-entry to International cricket, West Indies in England, India Vs Pakistan…and so much more. People don’t follow Victoria vs Queensland, Delhi vs Kolkatta, or Lancashire vs Yorkshire. These domestic cricket competition don’t have a fan following, they are build to create international level players, umpires and administrators. Basically, all domestic cricket is played to break into the national team. However, IPL has changed it all forever in cricket. This domestic Indian competition involves 8 clubs, 50 plus international players, huge pay checks, best supporting staffs, players auction and player transfers, essentially covers all aspects that makes domestic leagues super popular around the world. In years to come as people really start understanding their favorites, as the league see’s its gems, its controversial games, the history of it’s winners and the history of it’s close losers, I am sure it will capture the imagination of millions more around the world.

I clearly don’t have a favourite now, but I do know the teams I’d like to see win, the teams I really don’t care about and the teams I actually will enjoy seeing loose.

Teams that rock for me:

Delhi Daredevils: Besides the fact that I am core Delhi’et and I love the city, I think Sehwag and Gambhir are 2 super Indian players that I really like. Also, I became a huge fan of AB Devilliars in the last 6 months of seeing him destroy the Australians regularly.

Mumbai Indians: Sachin Tendulkar is true champion, has given me countless moments of happiness in past 2 decades. He leads the Mumbai Indians team and I will always cherish his side winning. Also, they recently bought JP Dumminy for $950,000 USD and I thought it was a great move. If you saw the recent matches between SA and Australia, I can tell you JP Dumminy is the new rockstar in the world of cricket.

Bangalore Royal Challengers: Mr Vijay Mallaya is a dude. He owns Bangalore Royal Challengors team, and after last years defeats, he made some solid changes this year and I think they deserve to get to the top 4, if not win it. I like Kevin Peiterson, their new buy for USD 1.35 Million and also thier new captain. He brings a lot to the table. Also, not to forget the likes of Dravid, Kumble, Kallis, Boucher in this team. The team was tagged last years as Test X1, and I would like to really see them prove everyone wrong.

Rajasthan Royals: You beauty! Defending champions of IPL. Their journey to from season one to win the cup is legendary. Ian Chappel and Richie Benaud has said on record many times in the past decade that Shane Warne is the best captain Australia never had. IPL season 1 proved it that they were spot on. Warney is not only the best cricketer along side Sachin that I have ever seen, he is an inspiration. He converted a bunch of average cricketers to become street smart and win the series. Rajasthan is the most beautiful state in India and I guess the name Royals is just spot on.

Teams I am neutral towards:

Chennai Super Kings: A creepy Australian opener, ugly yellow uniform, and too many unsynchronized players. For me, this team does not have a theme. There is nothing really to love and nothing really to hate. MSD and Flintoff are probably their only players that have the kind of attitude I look forward in a cricketer. Runners up in season 1 and with someone like MSD at the helm, you can never count them out.

Deccan Chargers: Same problem as Chennai. The team lacks a overall character. They have some good quality players and now an excellent captain in Gilchrist but no x factor. They are singing the right notes in season 2 and I think change of captaincy has payed dividends. Bring back Roy, and they may complete as a team.

Team I would enjoy seeing loose:

Kolkatta Night Riders: As much as my love for Bengal, I got to say that the team owner makes me sick in the stomach. SRK brings too much unwanted attention to the sport. Everything is just all talk, too much hype and no substance, just like his most of his movies. Then comes the team coach, John Buchanan. This guy has the best track record as a coach in all sports, period! But his way is not an Indian way. He will create more problems than to solve them. I like some players in this team like McCullum, Gayle and Ishant. Other than that this team is as tacky as their golden uniform.

Kings XI Punjab: The owners are smart. I like Miss Zinta and Mr Wadia, they work for me. But Yuvi and bunch of Sri Lankan cricketers don’t inspire me at all. They don’t have a single player with charm and skills that makes your heart stop. It’s an average team with no flavor.

It is clear that I still learning the art of being a genuine IPL fan, but I am sure with some more seasons under my belt, I will get there. And hopefully you all will too.