Which was more enjoyable being an Indian fan; The IPL or England tour?

[GoUgandaCranes]

A pretty simple question to our respected posters from the neighboring country. Even though there's still one more test to go, since the test series is decided, the suspense of which team will win the tour is pretty much done and dusted.

It's been a long and grueling tour with some excellent cricket played by the Indian team. Other than the second test match, most sessions have been well-fought and England have had to dig really deep and rely on a youngster who has definitely lightened up test cricket with some exceptional performances in the start of his career.

So what has been a more enjoyable experience - this hard fought test series plus the limited overs cricket that was before it or the IPL 2018?

 

[Savage]

That depends whether India is winning or not.

I watch Ipl just to see some of my favourite players play.For ex-I will follow matches of Ipl team which has Kohli.But at the end of the day,I would rather want India to win an overseas test match than to see my favourite teams like Rcb or Csk winning Ipl tournament.Any result of an IPL match doesn't really bother me that much.

 

[Lord Prabhzy]

Always the England tour over the IPL pyjama tamasha. Its a different story that the team is playing like mental midgets since 2011 and giving **** results to the fans.

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

Its not even a valid comparison.

Vast majority of forum fans are test nerds.

 

[the_outsider]

IPL is something a true cricket fan will have running on the TV in the background while multitasking. Maybe pay attention when the playoffs begin.

This England tour - especially the test series has been eyes-glued-to-the-tv stuff.

Both have their places for sure. But this is real cricket.

 

[the_outsider]

Its not even a valid comparison.

Vast majority of forum fans are test nerds.

Yeah. This is something we often forget.

We passionately debate over teams and stats and what not over here but you're average audience just doesn't care.

They want to be entertained. End of. And that's completely fine. After all, sports has always been about entertainment.

Cricket isn't exactly the Olympics.

 

[MMHS]

It hardly tells the story. Out of almost 2.0 billion cricket loving people, we are very few here in PP discussing cricket, hence here I am sure ENG series will be on top here. Even had IND been 2-1 up, I doubt how many from that 1.34 billion (minus whoever regular in PP) would have even bothered to follow 4th Test.

It's a fact that Test cricket is a dying sports - it needs lots of investment (time) to know this game, then even more time to grow the taste & finally enjoy a game over 5 days or a series over 8 weeks.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

You are comparing an Apple(test cricket) with an Apple flavoured toffee.

 

[Hasan123]

IPL is fun and about seeing your favourite players.

 

[GoUgandaCranes]

Its not even a valid comparison.

Vast majority of forum fans are test nerds.

IPL is something a true cricket fan will have running on the TV in the background while multitasking. Maybe pay attention when the playoffs begin.

This England tour - especially the test series has been eyes-glued-to-the-tv stuff.

Both have their places for sure. But this is real cricket.

You are comparing an Apple(test cricket) with an Apple flavoured toffee.

Actually, I might have missed a few things in the OP. This isn't a comparison thread, for all that is worth, despite not following IPL, I love its existence and how it has changed the cricketing world. This isn't a bitterness post coming to surface as a snide remark.

It's more a question related to the future of cricket. We know that IPL after a few years would definitely be longer and have more teams in it and international cricket will basically be sort of sidelined despite the planned test championship. Long test tous to other countries would become less and less viable with consumers having viewer fatigue.

The point isn't about comparison, but the point is has the test tour been an enjoyable event for you and even the people around you? Has the test tour brought out conversations about test cricket at dinner tables or office water dispensers? Stuff like that you know.

 

[big_gamer007]

I don't follow IPL now just watch a match or two on weekends with friends and beer.

Test cricket I like when the series is in England or SA where the ball does a lot. I like good quality bowling and batsmen struggling for runs.

So this test series for me. However if it was an Indian series in India I would rather prefer IPL over those tests.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Not even a comparison for me. IPL is meaningless and it's only an opportunity to see what talents we possess since I don't follow domestic cricket as much. The England tour was of much more importance and I actually watched a few sessions whenever I could.

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

Actually, I might have missed a few things in the OP. This isn't a comparison thread, for all that is worth, despite not following IPL, I love its existence and how it has changed the cricketing world. This isn't a bitterness post coming to surface as a snide remark.

It's more a question related to the future of cricket. We know that IPL after a few years would definitely be longer and have more teams in it and international cricket will basically be sort of sidelined despite the planned test championship. Long test tous to other countries would become less and less viable with consumers having viewer fatigue.

The point isn't about comparison, but the point is has the test tour been an enjoyable event for you and even the people around you? Has the test tour brought out conversations about test cricket at dinner tables or office water dispensers? Stuff like that you know.

This test series has been amazing. No way any T20 or ODI tournament (barring WC) can beat this excitement.

But ironically me & my Dad discussed IPL more in-depth. Maybe that has got to do with the fact that we watched IPL games together.

Test series being long, we didn't get to watch it together.

Haha.

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

Just to add to it, not every test series is better than LOI or T20.

Our next series is against WI at home.

Enuf said.

Tho I hope the improved WI unit fight real hard in India.

 

[The Googly]

Whilst I have enjoyed watching India lose - this has been a magnificent series.

It had highlighted that test cricket is the most exciting and real format of the game.

Anyone who seriously rates the slogathon pyjama nonsense that is IPL over this work of art that is test cricket needs their head examining.

T20 has its place. But it will never replace test cricket. Sadly, lots of Indian kids would rather make IPL millions then play for India. Trust me on this - IPL will destroy the Indian national team.

 

[Ab Fan]

I enjoyed England and SA tour both much much more. Obviously, IPL at times being cringeworthy because of so many matches played.

Nevermind, I will pick IPL over India- SL tour.

 

[GoUgandaCranes]

Just to add to it, not every test series is better than LOI or T20.

Our next series is against WI at home.

Enuf said.

Tho I hope the improved WI unit fight real hard in India.

Indian tests are kinda boring not because opposing teams are bad but mostly because India in India is the most daunting challenge in cricket and in those conditions no team comes even marginally close to them.

I just hope test series like this continue to happen every now and then and keep serving us a reminder why we need to keep this form of the game in tact.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Indian tests are kinda boring not because opposing teams are bad but mostly because India in India is the most daunting challenge in cricket and in those conditions no team comes even marginally close to them.

I just hope test series like this continue to happen every now and then and keep serving us a reminder why we need to keep this form of the game in tact.

Australia pushed us very hard last year. We had to play out of our skins to beat them.

 

[Pakhs]

Australia pushed us very hard last year. We had to play out of our skins to beat them.

Tests in India are now played on extreme turners which was never used to be the case before 2010. I think someone decided that India needed more home advantage than they used to get before (Dhoni?).

It will take visiting teams a bit of time to adapt to these new conditions to be competitive again. India was always strong at home even with less extreme conditions though. India home dominance has also increased by boycotting Pak who are used to similar conditions aswell.

 

[the_outsider]

Tests in India are now played on extreme turners which was never used to be the case before 2010. I think someone decided that India needed more home advantage than they used to get before (Dhoni?).

It will take visiting teams a bit of time to adapt to these new conditions to be competitive again. India was always strong at home even with less extreme conditions though.

That's a complete misconception.

In the last 5 years India has only produced 4 "extreme turners". 3 matches against SA in 2015 and against Aus in Pune, 2017. Apart from that wickets have been very batting friendly. Some like Dharamsala (Aus, 2017) and Eden Gardens (SL, 2017/18) have had grassy pitches.

Following are the 5 test series India have played at home since SA toured India in 2015 (excluding the AFG test match)

1. In the 5 match English tour of India in 2016:

- 400+ team totals were achieved in 8 out of 10 first innings
- 4 out of 5 matches went into day 5. All 5 went to day 4



2. In the 4 match Australian tour of India in 2017:

- Pune pitch was a rank turner. But in the other 3 tests
- 300+ team total was scored in 4 out of 6 first innings including a 450+ and a 600+ total.
- 2 out of 4 tests went into day 5
- 3 out of 4 tests went into day 4


3. In the one-off test between India and Bangladesh in Hyderabad, 2017

- First innings scores were 687 (India) and 388 (BANG)
- 423 overs were bowled in the match for the loss of 34 wickets

4. In the 3 match Sri Lanka tour of India in 2017

- 299+ team totals were achieved in 6 out of 10 completed innings in the series
- 3 team totals of 350+, including one 500+ totals and one 600+ total
- 2 out 3 tests ended in draws; the 3rd test went into the 12th session


5. In the 3 match New Zealand tour of India in 2016/17:

- 250+ team totals were scored in 5 out of 6 first innings, including 4 scores of 299+
- All 3 test matches went into day 4, 1 went into day 5

India home dominance has also increased by boycotting Pak who are used to similar conditions as well.

As far as this argument is concerned,

- In the last 5 years in Asia:

India has won 76.5% of matches and lost less than 6%. - a W/L ratio of 13
Pakistan has won 48% of matches in Asia and lost 36% - a W/L ratio of 1.33

for comparison, SL has won over 51% and lost less than 30% - a W/L ratio of 1.72

Pakistan has played 2 more matches than Bangladesh (23) and has lost more tests than them.




Pakistan is actually lucky they haven't had to play India in the last 9 years or they would be ranked even lower in tests right now.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Tests in India are now played on extreme turners which was never used to be the case before 2010. I think someone decided that India needed more home advantage than they used to get before (Dhoni?).

It will take visiting teams a bit of time to adapt to these new conditions to be competitive again. India was always strong at home even with less extreme conditions though. India home dominance has also increased by boycotting Pak who are used to similar conditions aswell.

This is not true. Only a match against SA at Nagpur I think was an extreme turner in recent times and maybe in the OZ series. When NZ, ENG and SL toured the pitches were nothing like that.

 

[Proactive_]

I don't even remember who won the IPL this year. The Test series has been pretty entertaining even though India have been pretty dire.

 

[Pakhs]

That's a complete misconception.

In the last 5 years India has only produced 4 "extreme turners". 3 matches against SA in 2015 and against Aus in Pune, 2017. Apart from that wickets have been very batting friendly. Some like Dharamsala (Aus, 2017) and Eden Gardens (SL, 2017/18) have had grassy pitches.

Following are the 5 test series India have played at home since SA toured India in 2015 (excluding the AFG test match)

1. In the 5 match English tour of India in 2016:

- 400+ team totals were achieved in 8 out of 10 first innings
- 4 out of 5 matches went into day 5. All 5 went to day 4



2. In the 4 match Australian tour of India in 2017:

- Pune pitch was a rank turner. But in the other 3 tests
- 300+ team total was scored in 4 out of 6 first innings including a 450+ and a 600+ total.
- 2 out of 4 tests went into day 5
- 3 out of 4 tests went into day 4


3. In the one-off test between India and Bangladesh in Hyderabad, 2017

- First innings scores were 687 (India) and 388 (BANG)
- 423 overs were bowled in the match for the loss of 34 wickets

4. In the 3 match Sri Lanka tour of India in 2017

- 299+ team totals were achieved in 6 out of 10 completed innings in the series
- 3 team totals of 350+, including one 500+ totals and one 600+ total
- 2 out 3 tests ended in draws; the 3rd test went into the 12th session


5. In the 3 match New Zealand tour of India in 2016/17:

- 250+ team totals were scored in 5 out of 6 first innings, including 4 scores of 299+
- All 3 test matches went into day 4, 1 went into day 5





As far as this argument is concerned,

- In the last 5 years in Asia:

India has won 76.5% of matches and lost less than 6%. - a W/L ratio of 13
Pakistan has won 48% of matches in Asia and lost 36% - a W/L ratio of 1.33

for comparison, SL has won over 51% and lost less than 30% - a W/L ratio of 1.72

Pakistan has played 2 more matches than Bangladesh (23) and has lost more tests than them.




Pakistan is actually lucky they haven't had to play India in the last 9 years or they would be ranked even lower in tests right now.

My Observation is through naked eye which is the best judge when it comes to the conditions. There have definitely been more turners since 2010 than before. I would go on to say someone like Kumble would have had 1000 test wickets if he played in post 2010 era.

Regarding Pak I am talking about conditions in India. I am confident Pak would fair better than any other team on rank turners and this has been proven in previous tours to India. This is specially true in matches where Pak would win the toss. The rank turners would suit Pak attack very well.

 

[the_outsider]

My Observation is through naked eye which is the best judge when it comes to the conditions. There have definitely been more turners since 2010 than before. I would go on to say someone like Kumble would have had 1000 test wickets if he played in post 2010 era.

If simple observation was enough, we would not need science in this world. We all have biases. So "observation through naked eye" is far from the best judge of anything.

Indian pitches are mostly batting friendly and the stats prove that. Indian spinners know how to bowl on Indian pitches that's why they get more out of the wickets. Just like you saw Moeen getting more out of the Southhampton pitch than Ashwin. It's common sense that you would know your home pitches better and thus perform better. That might give you the impression that Indian pitches are turners, but matches on turners don't last 4 days which over 95% of matches in India do.

Regarding Pak I am talking about conditions in India. I am confident Pak would fair better than any other team on rank turners and [B[ this has been proven in previous tours to India. This is especially true in matches where Pak would win the toss. The rank turners would suit Pak attack very well.

The last time Pak played a test in India was in 2007. Things have changed since then. Even back then it was difficult. Between 2000-2007 Pak has played 6 tests in India. They have won only once and lost twice. Nowadays, beating India in India is virtually impossible.

Pitches in SL turn more than India. In the last 5 years, Pak has played 5 tests there, winning 2 and losing 3. In the same period, India has played 6 tests in SL, winning 5 and losing 1. This same SL team is yet to win a test series in India.

If Pak is struggling to beat SL on similar tracks, what makes you think they can win in India?

 

[coy0607]

Its not even a valid comparison.

Vast majority of forum fans are test nerds.

yeah, people on the forum are mostly cricket purists - so expect the answer here to be the English tour

but vast majority of the causal indian fans will overwhelmingly pick the IPL

 

[Pakhs]

If simple observation was enough, we would not need science in this world. We all have biases. So "observation through naked eye" is far from the best judge of anything.

Indian pitches are mostly batting friendly and the stats prove that. Indian spinners know how to bowl on Indian pitches that's why they get more out of the wickets. Just like you saw Moeen getting more out of the Southhampton pitch than Ashwin. It's common sense that you would know your home pitches better and thus perform better. That might give you the impression that Indian pitches are turners, but matches on turners don't last 4 days which over 95% of matches in India do.



The last time Pak played a test in India was in 2007. Things have changed since then. Even back then it was difficult. Between 2000-2007 Pak has played 6 tests in India. They have won only once and lost twice. Nowadays, beating India in India is virtually impossible.

Pitches in SL turn more than India. In the last 5 years, Pak has played 5 tests there, winning 2 and losing 3. In the same period, India has played 6 tests in SL, winning 5 and losing 1. This same SL team is yet to win a test series in India.

If Pak is struggling to beat SL on similar tracks, what makes you think they can win in India?

Why is it impossible? Suddenly India have found players who are fail proof? Your stats are selective and can be interpreted in opposite direction. Ashwin is a nothing bowler but king on rank turners at home same as Jadeja who has failed spectacularly away from home. Yes both have bowled well at home but so have any bowler who has played in this period at home.

Regarding Pak if the conditions were same as before 2007 then its obvious Pak would have similar success so that beats you argument. But like what i am suggesting that there are more rank turners being produced in India now a days then Pak bowlers will come into play more specially if they win the toss.

 

[DRsohail]

Test series

 

[the_outsider]

Why is it impossible? Suddenly India have found players who are fail proof? Your stats are selective and can be interpreted in opposite direction. Ashwin is a nothing bowler but king on rank turners at home same as Jadeja who has failed spectacularly away from home. Yes both have bowled well at home but so have any bowler who has played in this period at home.

Regarding Pak if the conditions were same as before 2007 then its obvious Pak would have similar success so that beats you argument. But like what i am suggesting that there are more rank turners being produced in India now a days then Pak bowlers will come into play more specially if they win the toss.

I've already shown you that you won't find rank turners in India. The rest is up to you.

As for it being impossible to win in India:

- Pakistan last won a test series in India in 1999

- in this millennium India have lost only 2 test series at home - against Australia in 2004 and against England in 2012. Both AUS & ENG were the #1 ranked team when they won. Pak are currently ranked #7

- India hasn't lost a home series in almost 6 years now

- in the last 5+ years, India has lost 1 test match at home. And won 21.



If you think Pakistan stands a realistic chance of winning a series in India, then you're a very optimistic man.

 

[Pakhs]

I've already shown you that you won't find rank turners in India. The rest is up to you.

As for it being impossible to win in India:

- Pakistan last won a test series in India in 1999

- in this millennium India have lost only 2 test series at home - against Australia in 2004 and against England in 2012. Both AUS & ENG were the #1 ranked team when they won. Pak are currently ranked #7

- India hasn't lost a home series in almost 6 years now

- in the last 5+ years, India has lost 1 test match at home. And won 21.



If you think Pakistan stands a realistic chance of winning a series in India, then you're a very optimistic man.

When was the last time Pak lost the test series in India? So you are acknowledging both two big teams have won series in India this millennium and the only one to not win is SA but they have also drawn and won test matches and yes you are saying its impossible? Pak has always done well in India due to the conditions being favorable and there is no good reason why they wont continue to do that.

 

[the_outsider]

When was the last time Pak lost the test series in India? So you are acknowledging both two big teams have won series in India this millennium and the only one to not win is SA but they have also drawn and won test matches and yes you are saying its impossible? Pak has always done well in India due to the conditions being favorable and there is no good reason why they wont continue to do that.

Pakistan last lost a test series in India in 2007. It is the last series they have played in India.


Both Australia and England won in India when they were playing the best cricket they have played. Both teams were ranked #1 when they won in India because that's how good a team has to be to win in India nowadays.

Pakistan is nowhere near that level now as evidenced by their #7 ranking. They are not going to win a series in India with this team. Not a chance.

 

[Pakhs]

Pakistan last lost a test series in India in 2007. It is the last series they have played in India.


Both Australia and England won in India when they were playing the best cricket they have played. Both teams were ranked #1 when they won in India because that's how good a team has to be to win in India nowadays.

Pakistan is nowhere near that level now as evidenced by their #7 ranking. They are not going to win a series in India with this team. Not a chance.

But Pak results in India show otherwise, they were not ranked number 1 even then. My point is due to the conditions which matters in cricket they will have a great chance like before. As a matter of fact Pak will always have a chance beating any side in Asia regardless to their ranking. Even when they go away the only two places they never do well is AUS AND SA again regardless to their ranking.

At the moment no team is number 1, how can you say India is better test team then SA and Eng? they have just lost to both. oh yes but India have beaten them at home where those two teams have not done well traditionally.

 

[Pakhs]

Pakistan last lost a test series in India in 2007. It is the last series they have played in India.


Both Australia and England won in India when they were playing the best cricket they have played. Both teams were ranked #1 when they won in India because that's how good a team has to be to win in India nowadays.

Pakistan is nowhere near that level now as evidenced by their #7 ranking. They are not going to win a series in India with this team. Not a chance.

So 11 years ago? what was the result 1-0 to India with 2 tests drawn. so in relative terms 1999 is not that long ago and since then India drew one series at home to Pak and won one 1-0. hardly convincing.

 

[the_outsider]

So 11 years ago? what was the result 1-0 to India with 2 tests drawn. so in relative terms 1999 is not that long ago and since then India drew one series at home to Pak and won one 1-0. hardly convincing.

I have given you all the other relevant data in my last 2 posts about India being undefeated for 6 years.

You're "hardly convinced" because you are neck-deep in bias and can't come to terms with the fact that a #7 team is not a threat to a #1 team at home.

Anyway I have said all I have to say on this topic.

 

[Pakhs]

I have given you all the other relevant data in my last 2 posts about India being undefeated for 6 years.

You're "hardly convinced" because you are neck-deep in bias and can't come to terms with the fact that a #7 team is not a threat to a #1 team at home.

Anyway I have said all I have to say on this topic.

Whats its got to do with being no7? Pak was never ranked no1 when they beat India in India before and in your own words conditions have not changed. I am not saying Pak will definitely beat India nobody can say that but its the same the other way around, Pak has always done well in India and there is no good reason to believe it wont in future. You have been blinded by the fact India has managed to beat some teams at home but FYI those teams have lost to pretty much every team away and not just India.

 

[the_outsider]

Whats its got to do with being no7? Pak was never ranked no1 when they beat India in India before and in your own words conditions have not changed. I am not saying Pak will definitely beat India nobody can say that but its the same the other way around, Pak has always done well in India and there is no good reason to believe it wont in future. You have been blinded by the fact India has managed to beat some teams at home but FYI those teams have lost to pretty much every team away and not just India.

I didn't say Pakistan cannot win a test match in India. They can. But I don't see them winning a 3 to 5 match series.

 

[Pakhs]

I didn't say Pakistan cannot win a test match in India. They can. But I don't see them winning a 3 to 5 match series.

Thats better, I guess the difference is you will be surprised if Pak won the series against India in India and I wont be.

 

[The_Odd_One]

As a neutral I haven’t watched a single IPL game in its entire history but I have watched each and every game India played in England.

 

[the_outsider]

Thats better, I guess the difference is you will be surprised if Pak won the series against India in India and I wont be.

Not just Pakistan. Any team winning a test series in India is a surprise.

Like I keep saying it's only happened twice in the last 18 years. So obviously it's a rare thing and will be surprising.