Will IPL magic work this time?

The much-awaited IPL Season 5 is finally here - with the grand opening ceremony about to begin in just minutes from now. The question on everyone's mind, will it generate the same excitement it did five years ago?

The Indian Premier League. For its first three seasons, was a galloping horse. A heady cocktail that had nailed the formula for success, action packed cricket, a substantial dose of glamour, devoted fans, soaring TV ratings. This was the nation's summer-time fix. When the IPL got underway, all else stopped.

But as the 2011 season rolled in, a brutal reality check hit the league in its face. Packed stadiums made way to empty stands. TV ratings dropped dramatically. And even the Bollywood masala started to taste bland. With two new teams and a significantly longer schedule, many feared the golden goose had been killed. The Indian cricket fan's appetite for cricket, presumed to be insatiable, was found not to be so. In the aftermath of the World Cup win, the IPL appeared listless.

On IPL, Indian cricket team captain, Mahendra Singh Dhoni says, we all enjoy playing IPL because this is one format when you are not representing your country and span of tournament is longer so you play quite a few games. 

But the key to success lies in the hands of cricket fans. Will they fill the stadiums? Will they tune in for a daily fix? Will the billion dollar league regain its place in their hearts and minds? Will this season be a bang? Or will it be a whimper?