SL players to go: Who will miss whom?

The dilemma now stays as National Duty versus Money. Yeah, “Come back home” says the Sri Lankan Cricket Board to all its players playing in the IPL. Controversy seems to be playing a role here, as this decision is guessed to be taken after the ill-treatment to Rajapaksa and Co during the Finals of WC.

May 5th is the date by which the Lankan players will be back home. By then, we might get to see all teams playing around 9 games each. Two thirds of the League game would have ended.

The first test game for Sri Lanka is on 26th May and the tour games are starting on the 14th. Well, it looks like the team is departing to Britain very early. Many times, we’ve seen teams missing the Tour games and arriving just before the real tournament starts. Practice for the tour from May 5th? Playing the whole of World Cup and some part of IPL isn’t enough? Or do they want to practice more? Looks like some Controversy is knocking the door. May be because of the so proclaimed ill-treatment.

The 9 players who will miss the IPL include former captains Sangakkara (Deccan Chargers) and Mahela Jayawardene (Kochi Tuskers), Suraj Randiv and Nuwan Kulasekara (Chennai Super Kings), Dilhara Fernando and Lasith Mallinga (Mumbai Indians), Angelo Mathews (Pune Warriors) and Muttiah Muralitharan and Thisara Perera (Kochi Tuskers).

This would be a huge loss for Deccan Chargers and Kochi Tuskers Kerala. Chargers are already missing the likes of Kevin Pietersen and now will miss the services of Captain Sangakkara. Who will be their Captain is a big question. It looks like Cameron While will head the team as he is the only big contender. For the Kochi Team, it is quite clear that Brendon McCullum will Captain the team. Surely, both teams will miss the batting of their Captains. Tuskers also miss the Legend Muralitharan badly and this creates a vacuüm in their team.

While, Mumbai Indians will be in great disappointment with the loss of their Spearhead Lasith Malinga. He has well proved his presence in the team in just 2 games and is feared by all. But, with his loss, there is no one who is a match winner. But, for Chennai Super Kings, the departing of Kulasekara and Randiv doesn’t mean a lot. Already, there was no place for Kulasekara in the side and with the return of Michael Hussey, Randiv too won’t find a place.

Another sad story is for Royal Challengers Bangalore as they will miss their opener and batting head TM Dilshan who was in prime form. RCB will have to find a new batting combination. But, it’s the opposite for Pune Warriors as they are in sublime form even without the likes of Angelo Mathews. So, certainly this is not a damage for them.

It is inevitable for some teams with this big loss, while some others are as they are. Hope, the replacements do well for the teams. But, still one question remains in my mind, is this to practice? Or is it any ill-will shown against the Indian board? Time will answer. Until that, enjoy whatever happens.