The ascendency of India as an economic world power

The first impression I had is that IPL Jaipur could not yet make balanced side. In fact, they have arranged only eight cricketers in the squad during the player auction held recently. IPL Jaipur officials even failed to spend the minimum amount of bidding criteria, $3.3 million. Jaipur franchise could spend only US$2,925,000 to include eight cricketers from home and abroad. Falling short to the required bidding criteria, they have reportedly been penalized by IPL. The squad does not have any icon player.

Though they have included only eight players so far, you will be surprised to see some players like Shane Warne, Graeme Smith etc. Actually, it would be unfair to comment on the squad as the officials are still working on filling up the squad with some out of pull players. Besides Graeme Smith, the team includes some more star batsmen like Mohammad Kaif, Younis Khan, Justin Langer. I do not know if Langer would be effective in Twenty20 format of cricket as he is known as a test specialist. However, their middle order line up is very strong in the presence of Kaif and Younis Khan. Kaif attracted the highest bid in the squad and he is expected to lead IPL Jaipur.

You will find Kamran Akmal behind the wicket and his big hitting quality will be tested once again during the tournament. However, the most sought-after big hitter of the squad is Yusuf Pathan. Among the bowlers, Shane Warne will lead their spin department, while Munaf Patel will lead their pace attack. Warne could get support from the spinners like Graeme Smith and Yusuf Pathan. However, there is no one in the squad to help Munaf Paten with the new ball. So, their pace attack seems to be less strong so far. However, it is still only eight-man squad and time has not come yet to comment decisively on the squad. I think, the team officials will be bale to form a balanced side with some effective local players.

IPL Jaipur Squad:

Mohammad Kaif ($675,000), Yusuf Pathan ($475,000), Graeme Smith ($475,000), Shane Warne ($450,000), Munaf Patel ($275,000), Younis Khan ($225,000), Justin Langer ($200,000), Kamran Akmal ($150,000)