Let the battle begin!

Lights.. Camera.. Auction..Practice sessions..!!! Now, we need a little action with a lot of drama, gloss, glitz, glamour and finally glory!! That's what the QPL is all about isn't it??

The team names are --> Spartans, rangers, warriors, avengers, musketeers.. they sound all macho and courageous!! I am having my own doubts about these teams living up to the fancy names...guess what..they also have team logos now!! And new t-shirts with a few bright colours on display! three cheers to the organisers for putting up a great show so far!!

ok..now Lets quickly check out what is happening with each team-

FV-

The reigning champions look "out of sync"...the first thing which should worry them is inflation...Inflation of their captain LSD(lingoo Singh Dhoni)..he seems to be taking it a little too easy this time...I had a short little conversation with him a few days back near the men's room..i couldn't help but think something was missing..it is difficult to point out what exactly..lets just say i did not sense the same fire in his belly or see the same fighting spirit in his eyes...This could well be one of the side effects of his soon to be changed marital status! it is definitely going to hurt FV's chances of reclaiming glory.An unidentified FV player on condition of anonymity also told me that the fitness levels are not being monitored and a few key players are hiding injuries.Team FV needs to realise that they cannot rest on their past laurels(haha- guess who??) or Hardys(i know you guys are thinking Ganesha) as it will be a totally different ballgame this time around..

AOF-

Contrary to my earlier beliefs AOF looks like a very promising team..the new captain- Raajanna is definitely a champion leader of the masses!! he is in perfect shape..the shape of a circle....and yes he has fire in his belly and intensity in his eyes...then there is their trump card--> Austin Powers..According to sources he hits a minimum of 5 chakkas in every practice match..he is also a deadly bowler..the bookies in dubai are already projecting him as one of the most bankable players who will win the All rounder of the series award!!I have a message for you Austin..keep your eyes open for arch rival Dr. Evil..he is out there to foil all your plans!! And yes..do not read my posts!!

NAAS-

The Team owner, Mr.Royal Enfield is also their bowling and batting coach. He will also serve as one of the key players for NAAS...the acute shortage of talent and the inability to groom new players in the NAAS backyard has forced him to take on multiple roles..only time will tell if this kind of a set-up will work but this is already a huge concern for the team and its future..However i heard there is one promising new comer- Singh-am. And of course they have the 'very little master' with the long name in their team..Overall NAAS is a young team which needs to introspect and sort out a few issues before they can cause any real threat to their opposition

SPI-

the best player in this team is still the superwoman of the series from last QPL..she isn't turning up for net practice..but nobody seems to be complaining...chris gayle started blasting sixes for RCB just after getting out of a plane from the west indies..champion players do not need practice..Moreover their most economical bowler Nehra, who specialises in providing partner ecosystem satisfaction is back from Germany, and will join the team...he and Pieterson (who has also found his form- i don't know where he stole it from!!) are expected to partner each other...hunt in pairs..like those great West Indian fast bowlers...SPI has used rock bottom as a solid foundation to build a better team since last QPL...

TCV-

the runners up from last QPL look good this season..they seem to have chiseled out their rough edges by getting rid of their weak players in the auction..they also managed to pack one player away with a few shady internal dealings with SPI...TCV's gain is SPI's loss..A couple of Spartans (Dev D and Chunni babu) have gotten superstitious and are wearing bangles on their right hand..i expect them to wear noserings earrings and anklets as the tournament progresses..the tall and lanky Bose(i don't think he needs a nickname after Delhi Belly) looks good with both bat and ball..the retired legendary off spinner of yesteryears- Kumble is expected to provide some quality tips to all bowlers in the team during weekly one to ones!! The batting looks a little weak but what they lack in arsenal, they will more than make up for with attitude..TCV needs to learn to soak in some pressure and they could well be lifting the winners trophy this time..if not they will be branded as chokers

The fixtures are ready and the battle begins on 18th August. Till then hey.. Khuda haafiz..shukriya... meharbani!!