Indian Premier League and Cricket News by IPL Cricket Forum

Editorial : Mohit Goyal 

Indian Premier League Match Preview

Rajasthan Royals Vs Deccan Chargers at Jaipur

Rajasthan’s wagon which was on a roll, was halted in the last match by Mumbai. While the pre tournament favourites, Chargers who had been pretty disappointing registered a thumping win over Chennai in their last match.

Men at the Helm

Shane Warne’s leadership has been the story of the league thus far. Laxman’s absence due to injury in the last match might have been a jolt to Chargers’ batting but Adam Gilchrist coming in as stand in captain was certainly a blessing in disguise.

We have the bat

On paper Chargers are a far superior batting unit but big names like Gibbs, Afridi and Styris haven’t really fired till now. But when they do, not many teams would like to take on them. On the other hand, not so starry batsmen of Royals like Watson, Pathan, Asnodkar and Jadeja have been executing the roles given to them by their captain to perfection.

We have the ball

Rajasthan look a better bowling unit then Deccan with Tanvir, Munaf and Trivedi showing good control, Watson bowling quite quick and Warne turning the ball big. Chargers’ bowlers too bowled pretty good lines in their last match against Chennai Super Kings. Pragyan Ojha and RP Singh seemed to find their rhythms.

Patrolling Party

Both the teams are very good fielding units. If Deccan have Gibbs, Afridi and Styris, Royals have Kaif, Watson and Pathan.

High on betting meter

Such is the talent in the Deccan team that even with them winning just two of the seven matches and Rajasthan loosing only 2 of their seven, Deccan are high on most betting meters. Deccan are placed at 4 on 6 while Rajasthan on 11 on 10.

Who gets the tick?

Deccan have the momentum with them and the star power too while Rajasthan have shown better adaptability and flexibility. Gilly v Warne and Pathan v RP Singh would be battles worth watching for.

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Tags: afridi, Deccan chargers, gibbs, IPL Match Preview, Kaif, pathan, Rajasthan Royals, Shane Warne, Styris, VVS laxman, Watson

Ediitorial - Mohit Goyal 

Indian Premier League Match Preview

Kolkata Knight Riders v Bangalore Royal Challengers at Kolkata

Bangalore have been facing a lot of flack and being termed a test eleven while Kolkata who had been tagged favorites after the first two matches have lost four on the trot. Both will be out to prove their points.

Men at the Helm

They might say anything but the men at helm Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid have a lot to prove in the shortest version of the game. There is no doubt over their abilities but they need to put a stamp on this version by innovation, improvisation and adaptation.

We have the bat

None of the two teams has been batting well but Kolkata had a good game in terms of batting against Kings XI Punjab and that gives them an edge in this department. Ganguly needs to fire for them and so does Kallis for Bangalore.

We have the ball

Ishant has been a sensation with the ball for Kolkata but his costly last over against Punjab probably cost Kolkata the match. Other bowlers need to come good too. On the other hand, Bangalore are a superb bowling unit. Their bowlers have been doing well consistently. It’s their batting which has let them down. Watch out for Steyn and Zaheer.

Patrolling Party

Kolkata are not a great fielding unit but Hussey and Hafeez are live wires on the field. Bangalore took some sensational catches in the previous games but the last game was a fielding disaster for them. Kohli, Dravid and White are likely to come good.

High on betting meter

Kolkata are high on betting meter owing to their batters and home advantage. But a slow pitch could favour the visitors heavily.

Who gets the tick?

This may be dubbed as the clash of the minnows but it’s going to be a very exciting match. Probably its Bangalore’s turn to make the March

 

Tags: brandon, Ganguly, IPL - Bangalore Royal Challengers, IPL Match Preview, Kolkata Knight Riders, Rahul Dravid, Shoaib Akhtar

Ediitorial - Mohit Goyal 

Indian Premier League Match Preview

Delhi Daredevils v Chennai Super Kings at Delhi

The two teams are locked at eight points a piece. But Delhi have their noses in front with a game in hand. Chennai would be looking to overhaul them while Delhi will try to move a step more towards semi finals.

Men at the Helm

The men at helm were the instant hits on the international scene. Both are very aggressive but have a very calm demeanor while leading their sides.

We have the bat

Sehwag and Gambhir are in raging form. But the middle order has been a cause for concern. Dhoni and co need to get their act together after three straight losses. They have all the artillery, they just require to pull the triggers in tandem.

We have the ball

Delhi look stronger in this department too but if Ntini and Murali come to party for Chennai they could spell trouble. A couple of quick wickets and a not so in form middle order could be exposed.

Patrolling Party

Chennai are a pretty good fielding side but Delhi have arguably been the best fielding side in the league till now. De Villiers, Gambhir, Malik and Dhawan for Delhi and Raina, Badrinath and Morkel for Chennai would be worth looking out for.

High on betting meter

Delhi are high on most betting meters with gains of around 60 percent while Chennai give gains of about 125 percent

Who gets the tick?

Delhi look a stronger side but Dhoni may greet them with some surprises. Sehwag must have his plans chalked out too but just wonder if he does plan at all except for having a go.

Tags: Chennai super kings, Delhi Daredevils, Dhoni, IPL Match Preview, Virender Sehwag