The D.Y Stadium roared with joy and enthusiasm as IPL supremo Lalit Modi auspicated the match with enough pomp and show to shame the English Premier League. The pulse racing with the passing minutes, as people waited for their demigods to step into the lush-green, spectrum-lit ground.

IPL3 returns to action. Thank You Lalit Modi!

It turned deafening as the captains of the eight IPL teams were called on to the podium after a seemingly unending speech from Lalit Modi. The first one to step on the stage was the current defending champion’s captain Adam Gilchrist.

But it was just a teaser to make the Mumbai hearts race for breath. The prince of Kolkata, Saurav Dada placed the foot and the spectators knew their favourites are only seconds aways from the gleam.

Following Dada, spin-king Shane Warne, flamboyant Gautam Gambhir, Indian cricket team’s very own Mahendra Singh Dhoni (Mahi), newly elected skipper Kumara Sangakkara and veteran leg-spinner Anil Kumble made their way to the stage.

The eyes were glued to the entry, it was the turn of 200-dulkar, the Master Blaster – Sachin Tendulkar. As the living legend made his way through the crowd, every inch of the stadium roared –“Sachin …Sachin…” and gave him a standing ovation brimming with respect and admiration for the penultimate God of Cricket.

The stars spun enraptured, as lights took full effect at the D.Y Stadium. It was time for some rock n’ roll before the Indian Armageddon begins.

Yes, cricket’s religion here, and we celebrate every moment of it with outmost passion; it’s a festival for us. South Africa failed to love our game the way it deserved, snatching away IPL from us, but eventually failed. This time, it’s returning where it truly belongs – India.

Get ready for the excitement; the greatest spectacle known to the common man… It’s 45-days on a battlefield. Now their swords will speak!

This is the gentleman’s game, I am an Indian and today, I feel alive again.