Actor Kanwar Dhillon, who is currently winning hearts with his lead role in Star Plus’ Udne Ki Aasha, is closely following the ongoing season of the Indian Premier League. Sharing his thoughts on the tournament, the actor believes this year’s competition is more unpredictable than ever.
Talking about the possible playoff lineup, Kanwar says, “Honestly, this season feels far more unpredictable, and that’s what makes it exciting. I see teams like Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Delhi Capitals, and Punjab Kings pushing through. They’ve had flashes of brilliance and, if they hold their nerve, they can surprise everyone.”
When it comes to his personal favourite this season, he admits he’s enjoying the fearless brand of cricket played by Hyderabad. “I’ve been drawn towards Sunrisers Hyderabad this year. There’s an attacking intent in their gameplay—they’re not overthinking situations, just backing their instincts, which makes them very entertaining to watch,” he shares.
Kanwar is equally impressed by the young Indian talent emerging this season. “A few youngsters have really caught my attention—Nehal Wadhera, Abhishek Sharma, and Sai Sudharsan. They look fearless, but more importantly, they seem to understand the game situation, which is rare at a young age.”
On the much-discussed topic of fast-tracking young talent like Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to the national team, the actor urges patience. “With someone like Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, I would say patience is key. We’ve seen how early hype can sometimes burden a player. Let him build his game, experience different conditions, and then step into international cricket fully prepared.”
Addressing the ongoing debate around batting-friendly pitches, Kanwar notes that the balance seems skewed. “Right now, the scales feel tilted heavily towards the batters. Cricket is at its best when there’s uncertainty. If every game turns into a run-fest, the thrill fades. Curators and rule-makers need to ensure that bowlers also have something to work with—be it grip, swing, or tactical fielding support.”
He also reflects on how the T20 format influences young cricketers. “It’s definitely a transition. T20 builds instinctive, high-risk cricket, whereas formats like Tests require discipline and time. But I feel today’s players are smarter—they’re more aware of these differences and are willing to adapt.”
When asked about his preferred format, Kanwar reveals, “I personally enjoy ODIs the most. It’s a perfect middle ground—there’s time to build an innings, but also enough urgency to keep things exciting throughout.”
Ending on a thoughtful note about the longest format of the game, he adds, “Test cricket might not have the same mass appeal as T20, but its value is unmatched. It’s the ultimate test of skill and character. As long as the game is respected at the grassroots and players take pride in it, Test cricket will continue to thrive.”
