20 things you will not miss during the IPL final
1. Toss
The luck of the toss is going to be crucial in today's IPL final. Generally, teams who have batted second have won at the Wanderers. In any case, the there will be the usual share of thrills, frills and spills before any match is decided.
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2. Dugout
The purists may not like the dugout concept, but let's face it, everyone wants to have a look at the players' expressions u2013 another aspect of the entertainment.
3. All on Board
There will be no shortage of camera grabs of various Indian cricket officials watching the final. They are in South Africa courtesy a junket awarded to state associations by the BCCI. Enjoy the spotlight, sirs.
4. Brand rant
You may hate it but will have to endure it. We are referring to the commentators yelling a brand name whenever a six is hit. There will be times when commentators thank the tournaments sponsors too.
5. Talk time
The organisers are hell bent on proving to the public (sponsors too) how the IPL has been such a hit in South Africa. Sure it is, but to have well known commentators interviewing spectators to drive home that point may be a bit inane to some.
6. Movers and shakers
Direct hits have become an essential part of limited overs cricket. Both teams have their share of quicksilver fielders. Andrew Symonds is a super mover in the field and we don't have to elaborate on his power.
7. Strategy breaks
Sachin Tendulkar believed this interruption caused a break in momentum but Mahendra Singh Dhoni didn't seem to agree. What will be interesting to see is which team's fortunes rise and fall in the seven and a half
minutes break.
8. Butter fingers
Even the safest fielder on the park can mess up a save or run-out chance in a crunch situation. The IPL has afforded many opportunities to see how fielders respond when the ball is near their grasp. These can lead to funny momentsu2026 watch out for them.
9. You beauties...
any international cricketer will vouch for, South Africa matches up well to Australia when it comes to female spectators. Ideally, they like to watch their cricket on grass, but the Wanderers is not high on green.
10. Adam Gilchrist
The Aussie great doesn't miss out on giving it a heave and likes to make his presence felt in big games. He's played a World Cup final at the Wanderers in 2003 where he scored 57. His Deccan teammate Andrew Symonds will remember that.
11. Anil Kumble
Twenty20 is a batsman-friendly game. Try telling Anil Kumble that and he'll give you a what-am-I-here-for? look. Kumble, who started the tournament with a fifer against the Rajasthan Royals, has flummoxed the best with his leg-spin. You'll also see a bit of his anguish when a catch or run out chance is missed.
12. Andrew Symonds
He may not be the darling of Indian cricket fans, but big Symonds can hit his way to glory just like he did in Australia's opening match of the 2003 World Cup at the Wanderers. His Deccan skipper Gilchrist knows all about that unbeaten 143 against Pakistan.
13. Mark Boucher
The perky South African 'keeper is always in the thick of things. As the man guarding the stumps for Bangalore, he is efficient, but when he walks in to bat in the final overs of the innings, be assured of a blast.
14. Rohit Sharma
Soon, he will be called the Mumbai Mauler. Don't ask us why he's not playing for the Mumbai Indians but this young gun knows how to hit them high, wide and handsome.
15. Katrina Kaif
The silver screen personality has made a late entry into the South African safari. The telly never fails to project the bold and the beautiful. So it's worth the wait for her wave. She'll be in Bangalore's red hot colours.
16. Vijay Mallya
You've got to hand it to the king of good times. He spoke his mind when his team dipped last year and did something about it without injuring his big-name players too much. KP was not a good choice as skipper but Kumble was a masterstroke. Like Katrina, he'll probably be all red. Not sure about him being cool though.
17. Lalit Modi
The big boss of the IPL will be seen everywhere with team owners, players and commentators. Yes, and probably even at the toss. Must check out the Italian suit he chooses for the occasion.
18. Ravi Shastri
He's no Tony Greig, who can hype up even a village green match. But commentator Shastri mixes cricket and razzmatazz to a nicety. He's also a great fan of the IPL. Remember his 'cricket has seen the light' comment in April?
19. Mandira Bedi
Short dress, saree, sleeveless topsu2026what's it going to be on Sunday for Mandira Bedi? Whatever the case, it will be talked about by the fashion buffs. So, watch her before and after the finale.
20. Cheerleaders
Chances are that the cameras will pan the dancing girls more since it's a final. They will be viewed more closely be it for their twists, turns or just bodies.
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