From Kapil Dev's power-hitting to Srikkanth's fearless strokes, these cricketers from the 80s and 90s could have ignited bidding wars in the IPL
In an alternate reality, the golden era of Indian cricket in the 1980s and 90s might have met the flashy world of the IPL. Imagine Kapil Dev, the man who led India to its first World Cup title, making his way through the IPL auction. Or Kris Srikkanth, the fearless opener, sending the ball into the stands at will.
The IPL, with its glitz and glamour, could have been the perfect stage for these legendary cricketers, who ruled the hearts of millions but missed out on the chance to feature in the world's most lucrative cricketing event. But how would the bidding have played out?
If Kapil Dev had been around in the IPL's early days, his presence would have been a game-changer. As one of India's greatest all-rounders, the Haryana Hurricane could have been the heartbeat of any team. With the bat, he could have played explosive knocks reminiscent of his six-hitting prowess during the 1983 World Cup.
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On the ball, he would have opened the attack with pace and swing and then returned at the death, wrapping up innings with his lethal line and length. If you could picture an IPL side back then, teams would have fought tooth and nail for his signature. A marquee player with both leadership qualities and explosive skills, he would've been the perfect fit for any team looking to set the tone early.
Srikkanth was an innovator in his own right. His reckless abandon in the 80s, when he took on the West Indian pace battery, would have thrilled IPL crowds. Picture him attempting to hook a bouncer from Dale Steyn or pulling one from Mitchell Johnson. The IPL, where an attacking mindset is treasured, would have embraced his aggressive style.
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His ability to find gaps, score at a brisk pace, and keep the fielders on their toes would have made him a valuable asset. Imagine him in a yellow jersey, breaking the silence of Chepauk with his unique flamboyance. Chennai Super Kings, with their penchant for fearless cricket, could have been the ideal franchise to choose him.
Vinod Kambli, with his aggressive batting and larger-than-life personality, would have been tailor-made for the IPL. In an era when stardom and cricket went hand in hand, Kambli's flair was just what the IPL craved. He was the quintessential entertainer, a batsman who could destroy spinners with his dazzling shots.
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Kambli's presence would have ignited the IPL's glitzy appeal. Pairing him alongside Sachin Tendulkar in the Mumbai Indians would have been a spectacle. Like Hardik Pandya today, Kambli could have been a game-changer in the middle order, creating chaos in the opposition's bowling plans.
If Mohammad Azharuddin were part of the IPL, his elegance at the crease would have been a sight to behold. His ability to find gaps with ease and play late cuts against pacers would have suited T20 cricket perfectly.
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His smooth running between the wickets and cricketing intellect would have made him a prime candidate for a captaincy role. Perhaps the Kolkata Knight Riders would have been his home, where his calm, composed leadership could have managed the glittering squad of the future.
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On the other hand, Ajay Jadeja would have been a captain's dream. His knack for finishing games, electric fielding, and cricketing acumen would have ensured he was in high demand.
Similar to MS Dhoni's finishing prowess, Jadeja had the temperament to rise to the occasion in crunch moments. His athleticism and sharp cricketing brain could have made him a regular fixture in teams like the Delhi Capitals, which valued all-rounders.
Javagal Srinath, India's premier pacer during the 90s, could have been a force to be reckoned with in the IPL. His ability to swing the ball both ways and his pace would have added an edge to any fast-bowling unit. Teams like Royal Challengers Bangalore, which thrives on pace and bounce, could have selected him to lead their attack.
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Similarly, Ravi Shastri's versatile bowling and capacity to bat at any position made him a player of significant value. A T20 cricket universe could have seen Shastri commanding the Chennai Super Kings with his leadership qualities.
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Manoj Prabhakar, with his swing and ability to control the death overs, could have been a valuable asset for Rajasthan Royals, whose model was based on efficiently utilising all-rounders.
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