The IPL doesn't seem the same without you - #‎RajasthanRoyals‬

The two top IPL teams, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) were found guilty in illegal betting and match-fixing investigation. Because of which, a panel appointed by India’s Supreme Court not only banned Raj Kundra and Gurunath Meiyappan from all cricket-related activities for life but, also suspended the two beloved teams from IPL for 2 years.

Two new teams, the Rising Pune Supergiants and the Gujarat Lions have come in to fill the empty spaces. But would the new additions be able to make it up for the loss? They would perhaps never be able to do so, especially when you look through the view point of a fan and supporter of the teams that have been thrown out.

If you hear Rajasthanis, they are missing their team to the core. The emotion is pretty strong in Rajasthan. Most of the Rajasthan Royals’ fans have no team to support and cheer for. It feels like they have been cheated out of sheer entertainment that the IPL would have brought their way because of the ban. Many find no point in watching IPL until Rajasthan Royals returns.

It is sad - how because of a few wrong money-seekers, the spirit of the game was hurt. Even the integrity of the cricketers, who have been true to the game, was questioned. It made all players suffer, even the ones with no involvement in the scandal. The redistributed players will have to start fresh. Moreover, the game is not the same as before simply because Rajasthan Royals was one of the most promising teams in the league. The ban on the two teams has wiped out a lot of competition, disappointing viewers. It will not be easy for the new names to stand up to the glory of CSK or RR.

While all Rajasthanis are feeling the absence of Rajasthan Royals from IPL to the core, they also admit that the decision by the panel may seem harsh but, is justified. ‘Nobody’s above the law’. The sportsmanship of the game should not be hurt. And the game must go on.

Cricket viewership and the craze for cricket in India are quite undying (no matter who remains and who leaves). However, the IPL without Rajasthan Royals can never be the same for them – their excitement, enthusiasm and entertainment has all been affected by the loss. We wish the return of the well-loved team soon!

Missing you ‎RajasthanRoyals‬!