#THEDUGOUTDEBATE: the one question the nation wants to know – who will win the VIVO IPL?

For the very first time in the history of VIVO IPL, the tournament will witness an action packed presidential style debate prior to the finals, moderated by Arnab Goswami, MD, Editor in Chief & Co-founder – Republic World. The debate themed as “Who will win the world’s toughest finals?” will see #SelectDugout experts – led by team Dean Jones, Kumar Sangakkara, Darren Sammy against team Scotty Styris, Brett Lee and Anil Kumble to determine the winner of VIVO IPL 2018. Team Deano and Team Scotty face off against each other in a first of its kind T20 format and Republic television collaboration that will bring a host of interesting statistics, analytics, and a whole lot of fun from the #SelectDugout team ahead of the most anticipated VIVO IPL Finale.

Speaking in his signature tongue-in-cheek humor about preparing for the Debate, Dean Jones said “Kumar Sangakkara and Darren Sammy are both extremely professional individuals. We are going to debate and prove why my team is going to win in this season of VIVO IPL. We will spend time going through analytics and the Red Book in detail. Kumar Sangakara is a lawyer and Daren Sammy won two T20 world cup championships and is one of the best players of all time. So we are going to WIN THIS for sure!

Giving it back to his favourite TV sparring partner, Scott Styris responded,“ The debate is going to be awesome! Dean Jones is going to lead one team and I am going to lead another with my team-mates Anil Kumble and Brett Lee, with the idea being that we debate all sections of the game – the powerplay, the middle overs and in the death. We will try and break it down into three experts in each time with the idea to prove why our team will win the VIVO IPL. We are going to bring a lot of analytics and trends to the table for the teams, and the patterns they have followed to try and pick holes in the opposition which frankly will be quite easy. I’ve got Anil Kumble and Brett Lee on my team who are the most knowledgeable cricketers I have met and I look forward to taking on Dean Jones’s Team – who know nothing!”

Star India’s feed #SelectDugout is a bespoke experience for VIVO IPL bringing the best of cricket from a diverse line up of distinguished experts. #SelectDugout has completely re-imagined the way fans consume their favorite sport, highlighting the What, Why and How of the playing teams, its players and their strategies that go into winning a match. Since every ball is crucial in the finals of VIVO IPL 2018, Star India has introduced a first of its kind debate with none other than Arnab Goswami on the question of the day – Who will win the world’s toughest finals? The two teams will battle it out in a true #SelectDugout style. It will be a one hour show that will be a simulcast on Star Sports 1/HD, Star Sports 2/HD, Star Sports Select 1 (HD), Hotstar as well as on Republic TV.  

#TheDuggoutDebate between select dugout experts team Dean Jones and team Scott Styris will be telecasted on Saturday, May 26, 2018 at 7 pm on Star Sports Network.