IPL 2017: Top 5 memorable moments from opening matches
The IPL was created to offer a platform to young Indian cricketers to showcase their talent as well as capture the imagination of the cricket-mad Indian fans. The Indian Premier League hasn’t disappointed one bit in that aspect and hasn’t seen a dip in intensity over the last nine years.
Cricket in India is equivalent to a religion and any major tournament generates a lot buzz. A brilliant opening game acts as the icing on the cake to the much-awaited event.
We take a look at a few gripping moments from the IPL tournament openers of yesteryear before the start of IPL 2017.
#5 Brendon McCullum extravaganza - 2008
Even after nine years of the prestigious event, the first ever ton by the swashbuckling Kiwi, Brendon McCullum is etched in the memories of cricket fans. The opening game of IPL 2008 between Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bangalore might have been a one-sided affair, but it was the perfect start to the IPL.
IPL needed a memorable start and McCullum injected exactly the same into the tournament by notching up the highest ever score in any T20s, overhauling Cameron White’s 141 runs. With 10 fours and 13 colossal sixes, McCullum ensured that RCB weren’t even left with a glimmer of a hope to stage a comeback.
There wasn’t a dull moment when the former New Zealand captain was going hammer and tongs to pulverise the Bangalore bowlers into submission. Even Shahrukh Khan was seen bowing down from the stands to the stupendous knock by the wicket-keeper batsman from Christchurch.