Nostalgia Cam: Amazed by Appanna’s maze

By 2012, IPL had established itself in the ring of big leagues. While the razzmatazz and glamour were what caught the attention of outsiders, at the core it all the tournament was living up to the reputation of being a platform for budding cricketers Indian cricket had been craving for long.

Every season threw an unknown name, picked from the local grounds or leagues and showcased in front of a stage so glittery that only those with big dreams could stare into the eyes of expectations.

By 2012 Royal Challengers Bangalore’s core had modified too. From Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble and Jacque Kallis, the team had now moved to Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle. It was around this core group that new local faces grew, and developed their game. Royal Challengers Bangalore played a perfect foil for youngsters to perform in the big league alongside big stars.

Against Rajasthan Royals after the Challengers had put up a formidable 189 courtesy an ABD masterclass, it was the turn of KP Appanna to shine under the twilight of the Pink City.

His slow left-arm orthodox was potent enough to run through the top order of the Royals in Blue, leaving them red-faced in front of the home crowd. The big guns which fell to Appanna that night were Rahul Dravid, Ajinkya Rahane, Owais Shah, and Shreevaths Goswami. The performance was so impactful that the Man of the Match for the night ABD confessed that Appanna deserved he award as much as him.