Kings XI Punjab v Royal Challengers Bangalore at Mohali
Professional cricket is here. CEOs being axed, captains getting flack in public from the team owners. Bangalore’s flight still seems to be on the runway only. On the other hand, Preity Zinta has a wide smile on her face. She is ahead of other glmorous promoters like Shahrukh, Mallya, Akshay and Hrithik. Can Mallya’s men get a punch back for him!
Men at the Helm
Yuvraj has been doing a pretty decent job at the helm. The most adorable thing has been the comradery he has been able to establish between the various international stars, Indian internationals and the rest not so well known Indian players. On the other hand, Rahul hasn’t really had a chance to flex his muscles and experiment because the batters have
consistently failed to post decent scores.
We have the bat
Absence of Sangakarra could hurt Kings XI but even in his absence they are a formidable batting unit. Shaun Marsh has run into rich vein of form. Lower down the order, Pathan and Chawla have been more than handy. The Royal Challengers on the other hand have had just odd good innings here and there from Boucher and Dravid. Not much else to speak
of. They dearly want Misbah and White to come good.
We have the ball
This is one area where Royal Challengers score over Kings XI. Punjab too have been bowling well but Bangalore, Rajasthan and Delhi have been the three stand out bowling units in the league so far. Zaheer and Steyn look in the rhythm of their lives. They are pitching yorkers as easily as targeting an elephant. Praveen and Kumble have provided good support. Irfan has bowled extremely well for Punjab and Sreesanth has come good too in the last two games but still apart from Irfan others are vulnerable.
Patrolling Party
Both teams are good fielding sides but the last match between these was a disaster as far as fielding was concerned. They will be out to prove a point this time around.
High on betting meter
Punjab are pretty high on most betting meters with a return of around 60 percent while a bet on Bangalore gives a return of plus 140 percent.
Who gets the tick?
Punjab seem to be overwhelming favourites but this is quite a funny game and this match is also probably the last turn for Bangalore to remain in contention.
England’s only representative at the IPL- Dimitri Mascarenhas believes the recent spate of players around county cricket saying they have turned down offers to play in India is because counties haven’t given their permission rather than the players not wanting to go.
Luke Wright and Ravi Bopara, who have both been in action for England Lions at the New Zealanders, have rejected IPL offers saying they want to concentrate on their international careers. After his first day hundred at The Rose Bowl, Wright said: “It was never really something I questioned at time, but it’s bad timing and all I want to do is play for England.”
“I read with interest that Luke Wright and Ravi Bopara turned down the IPL this week but, to be honest, it might not be that straightforward,” Mascarenhas said in his Daily Mail column. “I’m speculating here, but I reckon it’s more the fact that, at this late stage, their counties have refused them permission to go. I doubt very much whether the players themselves would turn it down.
“I was lucky because my approach came at a much earlier stage and I was able to come to an agreement with Hampshire that kept everyone happy. English players will be here next year, believe me.” he added.
IPL will evolve into a powerful Cricket tournament given the resources and franchisee powering it plus a cricket loving country which can feel any stadium to full unlike any other place. It is more than a national event of any particular country and will sure establish itself as a global tournament where every top player will find his true place.
Delhi absolutely thrashed Rajasthan earlier, in what was the first match of both the teams in the league. This time around, tables seem to be turning and Rajasthan are gelling better. This should be an intriguing battle.
Men at the Helm
Sehwag has proved to be a good captain but he still has distance to traverse before he can slug it out with Warne.
We have the bat
Sehwag, Gambhir and Dhawan are dangerous up the order but Delhi’s middle order looks vulnerable and a few quick breakthroughs fom Rajasthan quickies could open the floodgates. On the other hand Rajasthan have had all the batsmen contributing but they still seem to rely on Pathan and Smith to play bigger innings.
We have the ball
Delhi have class up front with Mc Grath and Asif. Asif has taken wickets but hasn’t been as economiocal as others. Others bowlers could be exploited by Rajasthan. Rajasthan bowlers have come into their own as tournament has progressed. Still there are bowlers who could be taken for runs through some thoughtful play.
Patrolling Party
Both teams have fielded pretty well in the tournament. The valiant efforts of Jadeja on the rope for Rajasthan and by Dhawan for Delhi in the last match against Chennai are testimony to that. Delhi have a slight upper hand as far as over all fielding goes.
High on betting meter
This looks like a real contest on cards. Atleast this is what the book makers say. Almost all betting meters are giving the two teams even chances. Delhi are slightly higher on others.
Who gets the tick?
Last time these two teams met Rajasthan looked minnows but now they are not only giant killers but giants themselves and would be eager to set records straight.
Deccan Chargers v Kolkata Knight Riders at Hyderabad
Last time these two teams met, the pitch didn’t set up a happy background but the struggle was superb. The pitch at Hyderabad is likely to be batting friendly. Expect Chargers to come out with revenge on their minds.
Men at the Helm
Ganguly inspired his boys to victory in the last game against Bangalore with a man of the match performance and that too for his bowling. Gilchrist has led the side well in Laxman’s absence but the side is sorely missing his batting.
We have the bat
Batting of both these teams hasn’t been very good. Its only Rohit and Gilchrist, who have clicked for Deccan and even they haven’t fired together. For Kolkata, only David Hussey has looked convincing. But Taibu showed glimpses in the last match.
We have the ball
Knight Riders’ bowling is much stronger than Deccan which they proved in the last match against Bangalore too. Ishant has been phenomenal. Ojha has taken wickets for Chargers but been costly. They dearly want RP Singh to strike big
Patrolling Party
Barring two or three in each side both are average fielding units. But Kolkata were an inspired lot in the field in the last match and Taibu was a revelation.
High on betting meter
This is the reason why nobody dares to speak against this team called Deccan Chargers winning. Even loss after loss they are still higher on betting meter.
Who gets the tick?
Kolkata put in a great performance in the last match but its time for Gilly, Rohit, Gibbs and Styris to write their own script this time.
Last time these two teams met, it was an absolute run feast. The pitch at Chennai is expected to be even better. Expect some fireworks.
Men at the Helm
Dhoni and Yuvraj have been pretty good at their jobs. Dhoni edged out Yuvraj last time round. Lets see who dodges whom this time.
We have the bat
Both are good batting teams with Punjab having the advantage of batters being in form but injury to Sangakkara comes as a jolt to them. Fleming came good for Chennai in the last match and Morkel seems in thrashing form.
We have the ball
Punjab look a better bowling side but barring Pathan, other bowlers are not that reliable and may yield under pressure. Gony has been bowling well for Chennai. They dearly need Murali to make an impact on the tournament.
Patrolling Party
Both are very good fielding sides. Punjab have a slight edge as Yuvraj and Marsh can pluck catches out of thin air. But then Raina can emulate too..
High on betting meter
Punjab are high on most betting meters courtesy their 5 match winning streak. They fetch a 8 on 13 while Dhoni’s men 6 on 5.
Who gets the tick?
Punjab seem to start the race from a step ahead but we all know what giant leaps the likes of Dhoni and Morkel can make.
