Season 22 - Game time!!

If Season 21 helped us all get our mojo back, Season 22 promises to do one better. Two highly experienced cricketers leading their squads, it almost feels like the leaders have upon them an extra responsibility to keep the maidaan cricket flag flying high. 

The squads itself were picked up fairly unceremoniously with both captains fairly clear about whom they wanted in their respective teams. There was as always talk about a few folks not being available and not wanting to play cricket to focus on other worldly pleasures but come game time you will see that the usual suspects will always be there. 

A few minor tweaks were added to the playing rules to ensure everyone on the teams has an opportunity to show their wares and an earlier game start time while seems a pipe dream could become a reality. 

Game 1 Preview:  

Both teams have a solid 9 that will be stacked up against one another. This could mean one of two things, a low scoring thriller or a median scoring one man show. Either way, it promises to be a good game with all the stars aligned, 

Raptors : 

Potential Batting order: 

Kings, Bipin, Vicky, Samir, KG, Vikram, Arjun, Ayush, Dhruv. 

On paper they look a stronger bowling team with Harsha, Gopi and Aashish missing. With Dhruv back, there is extra fire power and Ayush will look to continue his rich vein of form. The Tim David of the Raptors will play a single game and we all hope he lights up the maidaan with his bat. 

Samir will look to anchor the batting and will hope that Kings, KG and Vikram play smartly around him. 

Watch out for Vicky who will float in the line up and hope that his batting is talked about more than his running. 

Pacers: 

Potential Batting order: 

Naren, Kiran, HK, Hari, Mohanty, Dinesh , Manoj, Satya. 

While Satya has been under the gun all week, he will expect his team and his game to do all the talking. The headline is that HaHa has been retired only for HaKa to take over. How much this 1-2 punch will land will determine the fortunes for the Pacers. 

Hari seems to be after the inevitable MVP title again this season and whether he plays for himself or the team remains to be seen. Mohanty will love to play pressure free and Dinesh will love to bowl in this team where there will always be pressure from the other end. Naren will potentially team up with Kiran upfront and that could be an interesting combo that can go about run making without any fuss. 

Manoj will like to put last season behind him and hope he finds his batting touch. Satya will need luck and ear plugs to ensure he can focus on his game. 

Final word: 

Satya : " My goal this season is to elevate our competitive spirit while ensuring everyone gets plenty of opportunities to express themselves—both on and off the field. Winning, to me, will be the natural outcome of doing the right things consistently: following the process, competing hard, never giving up, and coming back stronger with every game.

Over the years at the maidan, I’ve noticed that teams who show up a bit early, warm up properly, get into the rhythm, and connect as a group gain a real advantage. I’d love for the Pacers to build that habit—it truly sets the tone for great performances.

At our stage, it’s not always easy for individuals to fix every weakness, so my focus will be on amplifying each player’s strengths and finding ways to support one another. That’s how we’ll build a strong, collective force. Both teams look well-balanced, and with Samir returning to captaincy after a while, it’ll be exciting to see his leadership in action again.

I’m genuinely happy and positive about how the Pacers team looks. I know each of us has match-winning potential—I’ve seen it over and over again in the past. If I can help bring out the best in everyone, I’ll consider that a great success.

The bigger goal is to keep getting more out of the maidan, which has already given us so much, and to create lasting memories together—ones we’ll look back on with pride and joy in the years to come."

Samir: Since he has a real job, the quote will be included once received :-) 

For now please refer to this " Satya's AI gibberish does not inspire much. We will be ruthless and focussed. The Raptors are coming off a great season and there is no reason we cannot repeat our success"