Courtesy: BCCI/IPL/Google
As the 18th season of TATA IPL beckons, JioStar experts—Suresh Raina, Robin Uthappa, Lakshmipathy Balaji, and Hanuma Vihari—shared their insights on how the league has transformed cricket, nurtured talent, and set new benchmarks in the sport. From producing world-class players to evolving into a global sporting spectacle, the experts reflected on the league’s impact and what’s in store for the future.
JioStar expert Suresh Raina highlighted how TATA IPL has shaped Indian cricket and provided a platform for young cricketers to excel at the international level. He said: “TATA IPL is a festival—not just in India, but across the world. We have seen so many players nurture their talent and transition to the international arena. India has won the World Cup, the Champions Trophy, the T20 World Cup, and we have witnessed young players grow into captains. Look at Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and so many fast bowlers who emerged from the league. Today, we have an exciting new generation of cricketers. I am a big fan of Tilak Varma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Rinku Singh. We also have a new captain in Axar Patel. The most important thing for young players is to stay present, focus on their game, and be consistent. If you score 500 runs in a season, you can represent your country. Every TATA IPL season is an opportunity to evolve, become more fearless, and improve your technique and attitude. That’s what TATA IPL is all about—stepping up on big occasions and continuously raising your game.”
JioStar expert Robin Uthappa reflected on how TATA IPL has redefined cricket over the past 17 seasons, pushing the boundaries of the game like never before. He remarked: “In the last 17 seasons, TATA IPL has taken cricket to a whole new dimension, elevating the sport by two or three levels. The evolution has been so rapid that it has even left some people struggling to keep up. Cricket used to have a certain romance attached to it, but now, that romance has transformed into something faster, more passionate, and adrenaline-driven. The TATA IPL has become the undisputed ‘daddy’ of T20 leagues worldwide—it has truly come of age. Innovation has been at the core of TATA IPL’s success, and while it feels like we’ve seen it all, I have no doubt that there’s still plenty more in store. This season, we might witness 1,000 sixes, a team scoring 300 runs in an innings, or even a 275+ run chase. We could see a double hat-trick or a record-breaking 150+ individual score. With TATA IPL, just when you think you’ve seen it all, the game surprises you and says, ‘Wait, there’s more to come!’”
JioStar expert Lakshmipathy Balaji emphasized the TATA IPL’s role in shaping modern cricket, not just in India but across the world. He shared: “Over the past 17 years, the TATA IPL has taken cricket to an entirely new level, becoming a benchmark for leagues worldwide. The world looks to TATA IPL to understand how it nurtures talent, boosts the economy, and elevates the standard of international cricket. Within just six months, India has won two major trophies, and a lot of credit goes to TATA IPL—its franchise owners, leadership groups, and the ecosystem they have built. Their collective efforts have shaped the league into what it is today. TATA IPL is no longer just an Indian tournament; it has become a global brand—watched, followed, and admired by people across the world. Much like Formula 1 and the English Premier League, TATA IPL has positioned itself as one of the most significant sporting spectacles. As a former player, coach, and now commentator, I have had the privilege of witnessing TATA IPL’s journey firsthand. From its early days of bilateral series and ICC events to becoming a global sporting phenomenon, the IPL’s rise has been truly remarkable.”
JioStar expert Hanuma Vihari praised the TATA IPL’s role in giving young players a platform to shine and spoke about its ever-growing influence. He stated: “The tagline of TATA IPL says it all—‘Where Talent Meets Opportunity’—and I think it stays true to its word. If you look at how the league has evolved from its first season to now, so many talented players have been given the platform to excel and represent their countries—not just India, but across the world. There are players who weren’t well-known domestically, but after proving themselves in TATA IPL, they earned a spot in their national teams and lived their dream. Financially, too, the TATA IPL has transformed the lives of many cricketers. The way we look at sport has changed. TATA IPL is no longer just cricket; it’s a festival. It’s two months of non-stop entertainment that captivates fans. Last season was incredible, but this year, I’m sure it will be twice as entertaining. The 18th season is always special, and I have no doubt that it will break numerous records—whether it’s in terms of runs, wickets, or new milestones.”
(With Inputs from Press Release)
