IPL-NAAMa

April-May is that time of the year, when school vacations are going, Mangoes satiate most of us, the Air-Conditioner business sees happy times, and well, IPL happens. Recently, I got to thinking about the teams participating in IPL and their stylish-trendy-rocking-dashing names. And then I was thinking, do these teams justify the names that they have got? Let's see.

• Sunrisers Hyderabad : This is the recent-most addition to the IPL franchises. It's interesting, that every match they play is either around the time of sunset, or after the sunset. But then, there could be a deep meaning to it that I'm either not aware of or I have not dared to imagine. The team probably has one of the best bowling line-ups in the league, but their batting line-up - not impressive. Worst for them is the fact that few "star" players they have are not performing. Still, early days. Let's see if the Sun(Network) rises on this franchise or not.
• Kochi Tuskers : There's this friend of mine, a big fan of certain "Mini Elephant". The Kochi Tuskers always remained Mini Elephants to my liking. They seldom looked strong performers, never really looked like a competition to the lions and tigers in the jungle of the league. They had one roaring Mini Elephant though, whom one Mr. Harbhajan had tamed years back.
• Sahara Pune Warriors India : Another franchise that began participating in IPL along with Kochi Tuskers. One profound fact about this team is that the name of their sponsors "Sahara" is more highlighted than the team itself, whether it is the name of the stadium in their home location or their theme music during the match. About the warriors part. Well, they never really looked to be in any "War" as such. At maximum, they were able to pull of some "battles". Warriors under-training, maybe.
• Kings XI Punjab : For many parts in time, they did appear to be Kings, at least on the paper. But again, never really lived up to the "Kings" in their name. They have had Queen Preity as their owner though.
• Delhi Daredevils : A name that gives a very exciting impression to someone. For most parts, with the kind of players that the team has had, the name "Daredevils" suits. Alas, the Daredevil act almost always failed, leaving the team hanging by the wires that protect them. And going by the performance this year as well, they need to prepare for the stunts very hard for next year.
• Rajasthan Royals : For me, Rajasthan has always had a sort of royal touch to it. At least that is the impression in my mind. Though this royalty never enjoyed huge wealth, they managed their limited resources well. Royal winners of the 1st edition of IPL. And the captain they have in the form of Rahul Dravid for past few editions automatically adds to the royal aura surrounding the team.
• Kolkata Knight-Riders : The team had started off like brave, capable knights, from the first day in the history of IPL. But then, the knights could not move up further, the horses looked tamed. It took them the 5th edition of the IPL to achieve real knighthood. The owner they have along with certain former captain did keep the franchise in the news.
• Mumbai Indians : Before I say anything, I take a moment to think about the foreign players in this team. "Indians", really? Who knows, what they must be thinking about this fact. One good thing though, I could always associate this team with the "Indian" cricket team in the nineties. Both teams were very promising, but quite often they failed to go over the line that differentiates the good and the great. Also, they have the person in the team that put "India" on the global map and set the yardstick for greatness.
• Royal Challengers Bangalore : This team, in the inaugural edition had the word "Royal" written all over them with the kind of players that they had. But soon, the royals then made way for the princes. Nonetheless, the players are much capable of pulling off this "Royal" tag. The team has always remained "Royal Challenger". They could never be the winner, even with the full house of excellent players in the team. Let's see if they make the transition from the "challenger" to the "challenged" at least this year.
• Chennai Super Kings : This is one team that truly lives up to its name. Winner of two editions, runner ups in other two, out of total five editions. Arguably the most balanced side in the IPL, with a captain that I personally have always admired for his leadership skills and his individual performances. They still remain the side to beat according to most of the critics.

These are just the random thoughts I had when I started thinking about the names of these teams. Some may be unsubstantiated, some justified. No offence intended. Well, some is.