tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60525541172226796092024-03-21T00:06:56.965-07:00The DLF Indian Premier LeagueYour Complete Onestop Guide To All The Action, Analyses and Entertainment from the DLF Indian Premier LeagueGauravhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03430301234340900439noreply@blogger.comBlogger113125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6052554117222679609.post-54014380829673229782009-02-23T05:14:00.000-08:002009-02-23T05:19:20.701-08:00Big Withdrawals<div style="text-align: justify;">First Ricky Ponting, then David Hussey and now the pressure is on Andrew Flintoff to pull out of the IPL.<br /><br />I think I see a lot of Aussie domestic politics and competition at play here. Michael Clarke first withdraws in doubtful circumstances. We know he is the captain in waiting. We know Australia is on a losing streak and the captain's position is especially precarious. This leads Ponting to go the extra mile to show his commitment to Aussie cricket and withdraw from the IPL. On a lower level, the contest for the wide open slots now hots up with David Hussey, Cameron White, James Hopes all trying to establish themselves - and Hussey tries to make a point by emulating his skipper.<br /><br />I am all for the sanctity of Test cricket and strongly believe that the country comes first. But for God's sake get rid of these stupid ODIs ! They have no role in modern day cricket ! If we get rid of this menace we shall not only have enough time and space for T20 and Test cricket but we can also have sufficient warm up games and first class cricket !<br /><br />On another note, I wonder if the recession is going to hit the IPL ... people who willingly shelled out Rs. 1000 for a ticket last year - might think twice this time around. It would make sense for Modi to lower the prices - will his shrewdness prevail over his greed ?<br /></div>Gauravhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03430301234340900439noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6052554117222679609.post-15915552458060480562009-02-18T07:45:00.000-08:002009-02-18T07:51:56.579-08:00IPL Schedule ?!?!<div style="text-align: justify;">We are presumably less than a 100 days away from the proposed start of the IPL and yet Mr. Modi hasn't found time from his egoistic fights with his own people in Jaipur, and with the members in Cricket Club of India and with just about anyone on the planet .... to come up with a SCHEDULE !<br /><br />We don't know when the first game will be played, we don't know who will host it and we have only a very sketchy idea about the finals ! Talk about not caring about the consumers !<br /><br />I raise this at this point - because Cricinfo has just announced that they are looking for volunteers who will be in stadiums to report on IPL matches - they will be given tickets sponsored by Cricinfo - all you need to do is send them a couple of paragraphs about yourself and tell them what matches you plan to attend. How Cricinfo expects people to know of their plans before the schedule is announced - I don't really know.<br /><br />Meanwhile I will most likely not be in India during the IPL this year but if only this was last year ...<br /></div>Gauravhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03430301234340900439noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6052554117222679609.post-74726150841203071372009-02-17T05:31:00.001-08:002009-02-17T05:35:44.849-08:00Chennai To Hose Semis, Mumbai The Finals Again ?That's what the early indications are - it seems Rajasthan Royals had the choice of deciding the venue for the finals - and they chose the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brabourne_Stadium">Brabourne Stadium</a> Mumbai ! However as expected Modi has some issues with someone at the<a href="http://www.cricketclubofindia.org/"> CCI</a> - something to do with seat allocation for members - so that choice is subject to clearance. The Royals could opt for the wonderful <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DY_Patil_Stadium">DY Patil Stadium</a>, also in Mumbai.<br /><br />The runners-up Chennai Super Kings have been given the right to pick the venue for the semi-finals and not surprisingly they have chosen to host BOTH semifinals !<br /><br />No idea yet who will host the opening game !Gauravhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03430301234340900439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6052554117222679609.post-15895517139688871172009-02-16T05:27:00.000-08:002009-02-16T05:29:33.036-08:00Modi Barks !Lalit Modi has <a href="http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?newsid=1231325">THREATENED</a> to take away IPL matches from his home city Jaipur. I face such a quandary here - on the one hand I hate Modi, on the other hand I love his product. I wonder if Warney and the others can stand up against Modi and say they want to play in Jaipur and nowhere else. Ah I wish !<br /><br />What do you guys think ?Gauravhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03430301234340900439noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6052554117222679609.post-451303465718216772009-02-14T07:29:00.001-08:002009-02-14T07:30:59.232-08:00Returning ....... the IPL resumes in less than 2 months ... and we shall be back on this blog soon with early analyses and takes on the news ... Watch out this space for more !Gauravhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03430301234340900439noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6052554117222679609.post-37174573646800174952008-06-02T00:28:00.000-07:002008-06-02T00:29:04.899-07:00Winners All<div style="text-align: justify;">We may have received the runners-up trophy in the inaugural DLF IPL Trophy, but make no mistake, we played like winners and bowed out as winners should. Cricket was the ultimate winner in yesterday's heart-racing clash between two great teams led by the most charismatic leaders in the cricket world.<br /><br />All said and done, Rajasthan Royals throughly deserved this victory. Theirs was the fairytale script - underdogs to the core, if ever there were any. But the fact that the match went to the last ball in such a tense finish was sufficient testimony to the fact that both teams were so evenly matched that only the tiniest of differences separated them on the given day.<br /><br />We can be proud of our team and the way it represented Chennai on and off the field. Not only did we take the fight to the Royals till the very end, we also bagged the Kingfisher Fairplay Award. And we the fans deserve kudos too for several surveys showed that ours was the most cohesive and loyal fan-base out of all 8 teams.<br /><br />Coming to the game itself, I back our captain when he said we played as a team throughout and lost the finals as a team. It would be easy to point out to certain individuals and certain moments - Balaji's wide ball, Parthiv's mess-up, dropped catch by Raina, Kapugedara failing to get going, but truly the fact of the matter is the entire team fell short by that tiny minuscule margin. It was so great to see the team forming the huddle and Dhoni delivering his few last words just as he had done after the victory in Bangalore at which point Hayden, Hussey and Oram had left the team.<br /><br />I would say we weren't quite able to up the tempo when we needed it in the second half of the innings. Raina seemed like the guy who could do it, but Kapugedara failed to get going and Dhoni couldn't get too much of the strike. In hindsight, maybe it was the wrong decision to send Kapugedara ahead of Badrinath. With the ball I think we were quite good keeping the pressure on through, except that Balaji had a forgettable night and the pressure got to Murali too. Of course that dropped catch by Raina was a big moment. But after every setback, we fought back with the wicket and in the end it was only a matter of inches that the Royals beat us by.<br /><br />For the Royals it has to be said that Yusuf was extraordinary. What can you say about such a fabulous all-round performance except that hope he goes on to translate it at the international level ?<br /><br />The campaign in the inaugural DLF IPL is over. But we shall be back again next year - with a big BANG - and hopefully with that little extra to take us over the line. I am not sure where I shall be next year. It was just luck that I happened to be in Chennai at a time when the IPL came about. And it has been one joyful experience becoming a fan of this team of wonderful players, but more so getting to be a part of the fan club that includes great guys like you all. Through the year I shall keep in touch off and on if anything interesting comes by.<br /><br />Cheers !</div>Gauravhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03430301234340900439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6052554117222679609.post-7574793923587941922008-05-31T21:17:00.000-07:002008-05-31T21:55:23.083-07:00THE MEGA-FINALS - Rajasthan Royals v Chennai Superkings<div style="text-align: justify;">The two best teams in the inaugural DLF IPL will be going head-to-head in what promises to be a mouth-watering, heart-stopping climax. Don't go by the one-sided matches in the semi-finals ! Just<a href="http://thedlfipl.blogspot.com/2008/05/last-hurrah.html"> think back</a> to the last time these two great teams met in Chennai to remember what a superb game of cricket it was. Here's to a repeat of such a game - with one key difference - the end result !!!<br /><br />Not only are these the two best teams - they are also the two best-led teams. Warne and Dhoni are the two magicians who will conduct the show. It's one of India's most charismatic and successful limited-overs captain against arguably the greatest captain the World never had !<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Teams</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Rajasthan</span> have truly been a great team - a worthy opponent to face in the finals - unlike say, Punjab, who were more pretenders than anything else. They have given us some wonderful cricket, some delightful memories - the way Shane Warne has led this team has been simply inspiring.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Strengths</span> - Batting order with well-defined roles, Tanvir, Warne, Watson - the best all-rounder<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Weaknesses</span> - Will miss Smith, Perhaps the seamers to backup Tanvir and Watson ?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Chennai</span> - we have displayed the one great trait of a champion side - the ability to lift our game when it matters most. We peaked at the start of the tournament, went through a bit of a lean patch but are just beginning to bring our best at the climax. You can rely on the captaincy of Dhoni to handle situations like these.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Strengths</span> - Raina striking some serious form, Dhoni, Morkel - an all-rounder not quite as good as Watson, but a fair competitor, Ntini striking form, Gony<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Weaknesses</span> - Opening - remains the Achille's heel of our team, back-up bowling.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">League Record</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">2-0 in favor of the Royals</span><br />First game we were blown off by the Sohail-storm, but in the home game we gave a memorable fight. However, Watson did not play that game. But the main backbone of the batting in that game Graeme Smith is out injured, so that could be a huge bonus<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Royal Contests</span><br />Akmal v Ntini<br />Asnodkar v Gony<br />Watson v Morkel<br />Yusuf v Murali<br />Raina v Tanvir<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Dhoni v Warne</span><br /><br />So let's get the party started ! Bring out your drinks, put out your tents and start pouring in your rants and opinions on this mega-blockbuster !<br /></div>Gauravhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03430301234340900439noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6052554117222679609.post-37813544277835377582008-05-31T12:49:00.000-07:002008-05-31T12:52:21.440-07:00Semifinals - King's X1 Punjab v Chennai Superkings - Review<div style="text-align: justify;">We have done it guys ! We have inflicted a humiliating defeat upon our favorite opposition and romped through to the finals in style ! What a momentous and glorious win this is for everyone associated with the Chennai Superkings !<br /><br />So unfairly written off and labeled as the weakest of the four semifinalists, and then, branded as underdogs we have shown the World that they can take us lightly only at their own peril.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Analysis</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Punjab:</span> Shaun Marsh, Sangakarra both failed, as they were due a failure anyway. No one else stood up, weak middle order, Yuvraj couldn't stand up, as expected. Bowling showed no teeth<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Chennai: </span>Ntini who was a bit of a worry, came to the party just at the right time. Gony, as predicted, was superb. Parthiv did a decent job. Raina of course was brilliant.<br /><br />Was this the PERFECT performance ? Does this leave scope for another perfect performance tomorrow ?<br /><br />The expressions on Yuvraj's face were precious.<br /><br />We have shown that rather than putting up a false bravado just keeping calm and going about the job quietly works wonders. Just one more step away from justifying our name "Super" Kings !<br /></div>Gauravhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03430301234340900439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6052554117222679609.post-53257905338180863672008-05-30T22:50:00.000-07:002008-05-30T23:02:17.189-07:00Second Semifinal - King's X1 Punjab v Chennai Superkings - Preview<div style="text-align: justify;">Today it is. Do or die day. No more second chances, no more bothering about tables and run-rates and the like. On the opposite side is our favorite opponent - King's X1 Punjab - a team that we like to beat and hold some grudge against. Also a team that is on the up, and supremely confident, a bit too confident if you like. At stake, is a chance to contest in the finals of the inaugural DLF IPL Final !<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Favorites</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">?</span><br />What a question !<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">League Record: 2-0 in favor of Super Kings</span><br />In the first game, we totally annihilated them - but those were different days as we had Mike Hussey with us. But more encouragingly we had a very good win in the return game also, despite Shaun Marsh batting well. It seemed Dhoni Raina and Badrinath relished taking on the all Indian bowling attack and then Balaji sealed it off with a super-spell !<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Teams</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Punjab</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Strengths</span> - Shaun Marsh, Sangakarra<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Weaknesses</span> - Yuvraj, dicey lower-middle order, part of the bowling can be tonked around<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Chennai</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Strengths</span> - Key players are beginning to show form (Raina, Morkel, Dhoni, Gony, Murali)<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Weaknesses</span> - Opening combination, Backup bowling, below par performances by Ntini and Murali<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Royal Contests</span><br />Marsh v Gony<br />Sangakarra v Murali<br />Raina v Chawla<br />Dhoni v Irfan<br /><br /></div>Gauravhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03430301234340900439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6052554117222679609.post-88936781148261494382008-05-30T22:30:00.000-07:002008-05-30T22:50:02.911-07:00First Semifinal - Rajasthan Royals vs Delhi Daredevils - Review<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Result:</span><br />A complete royal demolition job ! The devils could not dare !<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Analysis:</span><br />Terrible as the Devils were, one has to compliment the Royals for a superb performance. Asnodkar was brilliant against McGrath, Smith showed great commitment in playing through the injury, and Watson and Pathan simply dictated the course of the game by their superb play.<br /><br />With the ball again Watson was just magnificent.<br /><br />Daredevils have been so reliant on luck and their top-order in this series that they were bound to come apart against a worthy opponent especially considering their main batsman Gambhir is a bit of a hoicker and a flasher.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">What It Means For Us</span><br />a) This is a good wicket. Good bounce, good carry. So good batsmen as well as good bowlers should do well here. There is very little scope for ordinary players so might as well focus on the specialists<br /><br />b) Opening partnership is critical. Even if the first 3 overs are quiet it is fine. It is overs 4-6 that need to be capitalized upon.<br /><br />c) We need to be at our very best to challenge both teams.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lasting Memories</span><br />Warnie exhorting a team having fun with McGrath when the latter was batting, McGrath telling Munaf how to bowl the bouncer even as he was batting.<br /><br />Gambhir getting frustrated with his inability to strike the boundaries.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Royal Contest Results</span><br />Smith v McGrath - Smith has the last laugh<br />Yusuf v Mishra - Yusuf wins<br />Gambhir v Tanvir - Tanvir restrics Gambhir<br />Sehwag v Warne - no contest, but Watson destroys Sehwag<br /><br /></div>Gauravhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03430301234340900439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6052554117222679609.post-73591076239703720522008-05-29T22:41:00.000-07:002008-05-29T22:49:13.818-07:00Team Categorization<div style="text-align: justify;">1. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Rajasthan Royals</span> - Undoubtedly the <span style="font-weight: bold;">best</span> team. 3 defeats - one right at the start, when they were yet to find their feet, one right at the end in a game they took lightly and one in the middle which they are entitled to.<br /><br />2. <span style="font-weight: bold;">King's X1 Punjab</span> - <span style="font-weight: bold;">Very strong</span> team. 4 defeats - one against the top team, 2 against the No. 3 team (against whom they seem to have a mental block).<br /><br />3. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Chennai Super Kings</span> - The <span style="font-weight: bold;">most unpredictable</span> team. 6 defeats - 2 against Rajasthan, but 0 against Punjab and then they have lost to almost every other team once (except Kolkata)<br /><br />4. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Delhi Daredevils</span> - Typical <span style="font-weight: bold;">middle of the table</span> team. Did a good job of minnow-bashing, decent against top and other middle of the table teams.<br /><br />5. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Mumbai Indians</span> - Another <span style="font-weight: bold;">unpredictable</span> team. 2 losses to Punjab against 2 wins versus Kolkata but against every other team has a 1-1 record, minnows and toppers and middlers alike.<br /><br />6. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Kolkata Knight Riders</span> - Excellent <span style="font-weight: bold;">minnow-bashers</span>, pulled off the odd upset against a top team too.<br /><br />7. Bangalore Royal Challengers - <span style="font-weight: bold;">Minnows</span> that caused an upset and a half<br /><br />8. Deccan Chargers - <span style="font-weight: bold;">Minnows</span> that caused an upset and a half.<br /></div>Gauravhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03430301234340900439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6052554117222679609.post-24815127865899975882008-05-29T22:27:00.000-07:002008-05-29T22:39:48.210-07:00First Semifinal - Rajasthan Royals v Delhi Daredevils PreviewIt's the first knockout. No more second chances. No more opportunities for revenge or comebacks. One of the Royals and the Daredevils will be going home disappointed tonight and the other will be readying for the mega-finals on Saturday.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Favorites ?</span><br />I would like to see Rajasthan in the finals - because I believe they are by some distance the better team, although possibly Delhi might be the preferable opponent for us if we go through tomorrow. I do think Rajasthan have the edge despite their loss in the last league game.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">League Record 1-1</span><br />Delhi had beaten Rajasthan on the second day of the championship at home when Warne's men were yet to get things in order and were written off by all as minnows. However, Warnie returned with interest in the home game - a comprehensive win for the Royals.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Teams</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Delhi</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Strengths</span> - Top order, McGrath, Fielding<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Weaknesses</span> - Middle order, Backup bowling (esp. fifth bowler)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Rajasthan</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Strengths</span> - Versatile, well-oiled batting, Warne - bowler and captain, Tanvir - best bowler of the series, Watson<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Weaknesses</span> - Some of the players rely a lot on Warne's captaincy, these could be individually targeted.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Royal Contests</span><br />Smith v McGrath<br />Yusuf v Mishra<br />Gambhir v Tanvir<br />Sehwag v WarneGauravhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03430301234340900439noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6052554117222679609.post-9733158864405872972008-05-29T03:45:00.000-07:002008-05-29T03:56:14.635-07:00The Semifinalists<div style="text-align: justify;">So who is the strongest of them all ?<br /><br />If you just look at the records of the semifinalists against each other here is how they stand:<br /><br />Rajasthan 4-2<br />Punjab 3-3<br />Chennai 3-3<br />Delhi 2-4<br /><br />Which is the exact order in which they line up.<br /><br />However that does not tell the whole story. For a lot of the teams have evolved since when they played each other.<br /><br />So who are the favorites ?<br /><br />I know that in a lot of forums I visit Chennai is described as the weakest of the semifinalists and Punjab is expected to run over them. I do not subscribe to this view however; for the simple fact that Chennai have beaten Punjab twice.<br /><br />Indeed given a choice between facing Punjab and Rajasthan in the semis I would prefer to face Punjab any day.<br /><br />Also for some reason people are beginning to look upon Delhi as very strong contenders. I wonder why. I believe luck (and some self-destruction on the part of Mumbai) played a huge role in Delhi getting to this stage. If they continue to rely on luck they might be in for a huge shock.<br /><br />All in all I still believe Rajasthan is by far the strongest team and the one to beat.<br /><br />And you ? <br /></div>Gauravhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03430301234340900439noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6052554117222679609.post-11144232475761152662008-05-28T21:41:00.001-07:002008-05-28T21:48:05.949-07:00King's X1 Punjab v Rajasthan Royals - ReviewA thumping performance by Punjab but clearly, Rajasthan were taking this game lightly, weren't they ?<br /><br />Definitely a great show of strength for Yuvraj's side and it will be a mammoth challenge facing them in the semifinals.<br /><br />Marsh was sublime. Hopefully he has exhausted his quota of runs for the tournament. Great to see the second string Rajasthan team take the fight to the opposition though - the innings of Neeraj, Akmal and Yusuf were very heartening.<br /><br />Punjab beat Rajasthan but still finish at #2.<br /><br />The league stage is over - Onward to the semifinal !<br /><br />Revenge Battle Results<br />Watson v Yuvraj - Yuvraj wins again !<br />Salunkhe v Yuvraj - Minor win for Yuvi<br />Pankaj v Yuvraj - Thumping win for Yuvi again<br />Yusuf v Yuvraj - Draw<br />Kaif v Sreesanth - Thumping win for Sree again<br />Chawla v Watson - Close battle Chawla has last laugh, part revengeGauravhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03430301234340900439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6052554117222679609.post-2753618879920992422008-05-28T21:33:00.000-07:002008-05-28T21:41:10.314-07:00Bangalore Royal Challengers vs Mumbai Indians - Match ReviewAn inconsequential game.<br /><br />Consolation win for Mumbai.<br /><br />Only interesting phase of the game was when Steyn was bowling an impressive spell against Jayasuriya.<br /><br />The campaign ends for the powerhouse of Indian cricket.<br /><br />Gavaskar, Shastri etal. keep licking your wounds.<br /><br />Revenge Battle Results<br />Uthappa v Akhil - Uthappa<br />Dravid v Pollock - DrawGauravhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03430301234340900439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6052554117222679609.post-75714631973465364732008-05-28T01:30:00.001-07:002008-05-28T01:32:38.886-07:00Young Turks - 8 - Ravindu JadejaIPL Team - Rajasthan Royals<br /><br />Ranji Trophy Team - Saurashtra<br /><br />IPL Performance - Has been most impressive as a lower order batsman and brilliant fielder.<br /><br />Features - Confident striker of the ball who has shown he can bat to the situation as well. Excellent fielder and in fact he started off as a left-arm spinner<br /><br />Concerns - His bowling seems to have taken a back-seat<br /><br />Suggestions - Can make a great finisher in the future - batting at 6,7 in ODIs. May not find a place immediately but should be part of the plan in 3-4 years' time.Gauravhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03430301234340900439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6052554117222679609.post-73575450204213375352008-05-28T00:43:00.000-07:002008-05-28T01:29:18.809-07:00Young Turks - 7 - Pragyan OjhaIPL Team - Deccan Chargers<br /><br />Ranji Trophy Team - Hyderabad<br /><br />IPL Performance - One of the rare positives in the bowling for Deccan Chargers. The way he held Dhoni was very impressive. Can fire the ball in well into the blockhole too. Gets good turn (remember the Kallis dismissal ?) and can stick to a plan. Can vary his line.<br /><br />Strengths - Smooth Action, Good Turn, Temperament.<br /><br />Concerns - Hasnt shown ability to flight the ball or the arm ball. But it could just be that he was not wanting to experiment here. Fielding could be an issue.<br /><br />Suggestions - He could possibly make his debut now that Harbhajan is out with a ban. If not, he should still be in the selector's long term plans. Since he is a left-arm spinner that is good as he will complement the leg-spin of Chawla and off-spin of Harbhajan once Kumble retires.Gauravhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03430301234340900439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6052554117222679609.post-4292911364026476922008-05-28T00:12:00.000-07:002008-05-28T00:39:48.827-07:00King's X1 Punjab v Rajasthan Royals - Preview<div style="text-align: justify;">A dress rehearsal for the finals ? Hopefully not, as a Chennai supporter, but that is how this match is being touted elsewhere. Regardless, this is bound to be a compelling game between two of the best teams in the Championship.<br /><br />Royals won the battle last time around when both teams were going in having lost their first games and under severe pressure. That was the time when the Royals were already being written off for having such a "weak" team while the captaincy abilities of Yuvraj Singh were being severely questioned.<br /><br />As we come to the last league game of the inaugural DLF IPL how these self-proclaimed pundits have been left embarrassed. Well, expect a high-voltage clash to round off.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Teams</span><br />Rajasthan - Smith missed the last game - is he fit enough to be back ? If he is will Akmal miss out or will the unbelievable Tanvir be rested ?<br /><br />Punjab - It is important to get Sangakkara firing on all cylinders. So also Yuvraj, but I seriously doubt if he can turn it all around at this stage.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Revenge Battles</span><br />Hopes v Warne<br />Trivedi v Sangakkara<br />Sangakkara v Warne<br />Jayawardene v Salunkhe<br />Watson v Yuvraj<br />Yuvraj v Warne<br />Salunkhe v Yuvraj<br />Pankaj v Yuvraj<br />Yusuf v Yuvraj<br />Irfan v Trivedi<br />Warne v Irfan<br />Watson v Chawla<br />Kaif v Sreesanth<br />Akmal v Hopes<br />Sreesanth v Watson<br />Hopes v Watson<br />Chawla v Watson<br />Sreesanth v Jadeja<br />Chawla v Jadeja<br /></div>Gauravhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03430301234340900439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6052554117222679609.post-67076089345404503462008-05-27T23:29:00.000-07:002008-05-28T00:10:55.149-07:00Bangalore Royal Challengers v Mumbai Indians - PreviewA completely meaningless match thanks to Chennai taking control of their own destiny yesterday. Mumbai have nothing to play for now, perhaps not even pride. I would say Bangalore have the edge in today's game and I hope they put it past Mumbai.<br /><br />I have no sympathies for Mumbai. Twice they messed up their chances. First they could have beaten Delhi and got into the semifinals themselves while putting us also in. They didn't do that. Then they could have beaten Rajasthan to ensure that they remained in control of their destiny. They didn't do that either in the bargain they prayed for us to lose - and so they do not deserve any sympathy whatsoever.<br /><br />Bangalore are on a relative high having won their last two games. Hope they finish off on a high.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Teams</span><br />Bangalore - Royal Challengers have been missing Zaheer Khan with a slight injury. Interesting to see if he returns. Kallis also suffered an injury in the last game, if he is not fit, Boucher might slot in. I would like to see the youngster Bharat Chipli get a chance in place of Jaffer.<br /><br />Mumbai - Players like Ashwell Prince and Loots Bosman have not got a single game; Luke Ronchi, Dominic Thornely have got very few. Will Mumbai rest their top players like Pollock to give these guys a go ?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Revenge Battles</span><br />Jayasuriya v Kallis<br />Uthappa v Kallis<br />Uthappa v Akhil<br />Pinal v Akhil<br />Nayyar v Vinay Kumar<br />Nayyar v Praveen<br />Pollock v Vinay Kumar<br />Pollock v Praveen<br />Pollock v Zaheer<br />Dravid v Pollock<br />Kallis v Nehra<br />Kohli v JayasuriyaGauravhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03430301234340900439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6052554117222679609.post-85919317163240504092008-05-27T23:24:00.000-07:002008-05-27T23:25:22.402-07:00And That’s How It’s Done!<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">For all those doubting Thomases (or Saurabhs or Narayans), hope the Chennai team has proved you guys wrong by marching into the semifinals with a convincing if not emphatic win. The semifinals are here now and from now on it’s down to which team plays better on the day. </p><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">This was a match in which, all said and done, we were always going to be favorites. We did everything right in the first ten overs of our bowling – but let it slip away slightly in the second half. This is a bit worrying. I would have liked to see us bowling the opposition out for 120-odd and the performance of Morkel and Balaji yesterday with the ball left a bit to be desired.</p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">In the batting department, the old habit of the openers of throwing away their wickets when there is absolutely no need continues to be a worry. Raina was really encouraging but what was most relieving was seeing MS Dhoni bat. This is perhaps the best and most free I have seen him bat since his fabulous innings against <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Bangalore</st1:place></st1:city> 10 games ago. MS coming into his own can only mean great news for us and ominous signs for the rest of the teams. Also, I do think Morkel took a little long to settle down yesterday which made the finish just a little bit more tense than necessary.</p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">So we take on <st1:place st="on">Punjab</st1:place> a team over which we have major psychological advantage, aided by the fact that we have Dhoni who seems to have some psychological hold over Yuvraj. I fancy our chances to make it through to the finals!</p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Positives</b><br /><b style="">1) Gony</b> – Fantastic spell first up</p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><b style="">2) Murali</b> – Though not at his best bowled much better than earlier</p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><b style="">3) Raina</b> – Finally saw the team through</p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><b style="">4) Dhoni </b>– Just the way he was striking the ball today was ominous</p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Negatives<o:p></o:p></b></p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; text-align: justify;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="">1)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="">Morkel</b> – Disappointing with the ball, adequate with the bat, but we can pass this off as just a bad day, he has been great otherwise</p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; text-align: justify;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="">2)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="">Fleming</b> – Yet another waste of a start</p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; text-align: justify;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="">3)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="">Parthiv</b> – Just when we thought he had turned a leaf in the last game he is back to his old ways.</p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">Do we have a chance to go all the way now? I believe we do, I definitely believe we can beat <st1:place st="on">Punjab</st1:place>, Rajasthan might be slightly tough provided we don’t get a couple of issues sorted out. One, as Dhoni said, we need the bowling to be potent throughout. In every game it is one of the bowlers who is shining while the others are only restricting. We need all our bowlers to fire away. Two, we need Fleming to fire and fire big time – like say score a hundred.</p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">If this can be done, I think we will be able to finish off the tournament like we started it – as the best team! Good Luck Chennai !</p>Gauravhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03430301234340900439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6052554117222679609.post-30634757700652519602008-05-27T02:45:00.000-07:002008-05-27T02:46:19.291-07:00The Last Hurrah<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"> </p><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">It was my last day in Chennai. Tomorrow I would leave for home, perhaps never to return to this lovely city again. Of course, I would wish to, and dearly want to, but who is to say what the future has in store for us? Chennai had given me so many wonderful memories, taught me so many important lessons and generally, offered me a very pleasant stay. But it was all coming to an end, as all good things must. But not before another visit to the Chepauk.</p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">Today, the Chennai Super Kings took on the Rajasthan Royals, the top team in the championship by a long way, in a crucial game. As an added bonus, Shankar Mahadevan was scheduled to perform before the game. Cricket had been the highlight of my stay in Chennai and there was no way I could have given this a miss.</p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">I made my way in, nice and early, mainly to catch in as much of the Shankar Mahadevan performance as possible. It was a bit of a disappointment as the loud-speakers in our stand were not functioning properly. Also, all said and done, a cricket stadium is not acoustically the best equipped arena for a musical performance.</p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">I was initially a bit disappointed at the crowd response. It seemed like an afternoon game would not attract the large crowds that I had seen a couple of weekends ago for the evening game against <st1:place st="on">Punjab</st1:place>. These fears proved to be unfounded though – as people took their own sweet time to make their entry but by the time the toss was done the stadium was already nearly full.</p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">We never really got into the game while we were bowling. From the first over when Makhaya Ntini conceded a free hit that was efficiently put in the stands by Asnodkar, it was just not our day with the ball. Dhoni fielding in the deep did get the crowds going and added spark to the game but in the end we ended up conceding a mammoth 211.</p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">It was only when Fleming deposited Yusuf Pathan into the stands did the match really come alive for us – though he departed soon after with a silly run out. When Raina joined Parthiv we still had no clue that we were about to see something special. In no time Raina had launched a spectacular thrilling attack on Munaf and the whole stadium reverberated to the strokes of Raina’s bat. That ignited spark soon raged into a fire – one that burnt long after Raina departed throwing his wicket away through the Parthiv-Morkel partnership and up until Dhoni was fooled by Tanvir at which point the fairytale finally came to an end.</p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">It would have been a perfect way to sign off had we been able to cross the line. Of course, life is not perfect, but I left the stadium once again with no regrets, as I left Chennai the day after. I shall continue to support Chennai through the rest of the tournament and hopefully, be back again for another season at some point in the future.</p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Gauravhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03430301234340900439noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6052554117222679609.post-32311923111214988332008-05-26T12:05:00.000-07:002008-05-26T12:23:53.022-07:00Deccan Chargers v Chennai Super Kings - Preview<div style="text-align: justify;">It has all boiled down to this. Match 54 of DLF IPL 2008 which could decide the fate of Chennai Super Kings, our Chennai Super Kings once and for all - a win here would straightaway put us in the semifinals that too at the No. 3 spot. Defeat would still not mean the end of the road but we would have to rely on a resurgent Bangalore team beating a messy Mumbai the day after.<br /><br />If we are to hold our destiny in our own hands the task definition is simple - beat Deccan Chargers the team guaranteed to end up at the bottom of the table. When we met them at home earlier, we came up with one of our most disappointing batting shows to concede the advantage and that has kind of put us in the situation we are in today. That win was one of the few high points for the Deccan Chargers. They haven't managed another win in 6 games after that, but Chennai has also been very inconsistent, winning 3 and losing the other 3.<br /><br />As the table stands Chennai are still in the 4th position with 14 points but face the only challenge from Mumbai who are sixth with 12 and have a game in hand as also a much superior run-rate. The presence of Gilchrist and the law of averages, as also memories of last time's defeat makes tomorrow's game tricky for the Super Kings. Dhoni really needs to be on top of his game to pull it off here.<br /><br />Teams<br />Super Kings - The batting looks fairly well-settled - possibly Viduyt could come back in place of Abhinav Mukund, the bowling as per Dhoni is also well settled, but problematically completely fell apart in the last game. So the question is whether to stick to this attack or bring in someone out of the blue - Palani Amarnath might not be a bad choice in the situation.<br /><br />For the Chargers, expect to see Chamara Silva make way for the return of either Afridi or Styris. Ojha, who had tied up Dhoni so well last time is also likely to make a return.<br /><br />In all seriousness I feel the only man who can stand between Chennai and a semifinals slot is Adam Gilchrist. Get him quick and romp into the semifinals ! Good Luck Chennai !<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Revenge Battles</span><br />Patel v Vijay (Vijay)<br />Fleming v Styris (Styris)<br />Raina v Afridi (Raina)<br />Raina v Bangar (Bangar)<br />Badri v Afridi (Afridi)<br />Dhoni v Ojha (Ojha)<br />Morkel v Ojha (Morkel)<br />Gilchrist v Ntini (Gilchrist)<br />Gilchrist v Morkel (Morkel)<br />Gibbs v Gony (Gony)<br /><br /></div>Gauravhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03430301234340900439noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6052554117222679609.post-75011962620160684522008-05-26T11:55:00.000-07:002008-05-26T12:05:02.251-07:00Mumbai Mess It Up - YET AGAIN<div style="text-align: justify;">For the third time in a row, Mumbai has managed to pull off defeat from the jaws of victory and in the process granting free passage to the semifinals for the Daredevils !<br /><br />Just how the bowlers and fielders could mess up sufficiently for the two little lefties to take the game away is beyond imagination !<br /><br />Full credit to the Royals though - esp the miniature Niraj Patel and Ravindra Jadeja !<br /><br />Initially the much awaited Tendulkar v Warne contest didn't really materialize. While Tendulkar looked like he wanted to wait before launching himself on a difficult pitch he surrendered his wicket just at the wrong time. It was only the heroics of Takawale that took Mumbai to 145 in the first place.<br /><br />So now Mumbai's destiny is out of their own hands. They will have to hope for a poor performance from Chennai tomorrow. Of course, we are not going to talk about that, are we ?<br /><br />Revenge Battle Results<br />Watson v Jayasuriya - Draw<br />Kaif v Raje - Draw<br />Uthappa v Warne - REVENGE for Warne<br /></div>Gauravhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03430301234340900439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6052554117222679609.post-90534924777114966072008-05-25T23:08:00.001-07:002008-05-26T11:54:50.921-07:00Battle-e-Royale<div style="text-align: justify;">It will be after 4 years that the great magician Shane Warne will be taking on the player he ranks the best he has ever faced in a battle of any format. This has to be the star attraction in a game that is nevertheless critical for the survival of 3 teams in the IPL !<br /><br />Shane Warne's Royals are not one of them - they are safely through and most likely assured of the No. 1 spot. But Sachin Tendulkar's Mumbai cannot afford to put a foot wrong from here on - defeat here would not mean the end of the World but it would mean that they would have to rely on last placed Deccan to put it past Dhoni's men in the game tomorrow.<br /><br />Chennai and Delhi will also be keenly watching the result of this game.<br /><br />Teams<br />Graeme Smith's absence would be a huge plus for the Indians, but Watson might be back to make a difference with bat and ball. Akmal is striking great form for the Royals too, and the little dynamite Asnodkar is as dangerous as ever. Of course you cannot forget Sohail Tanvir the most dangerous bowler in the IPL so far, alongwith Warne himself.<br /><br />For Mumbai their success against the Royals in their last game came largely on the basis of their good bowling launched on the performance of the great Shaun Pollock. But he has been a bit off the boil lately and suffering from some niggles. Mumbai must hope that he comes good. As also that Warne's presence in the opposition inspires the Little Master to come back with something special. Otherwise an in-form Jayasuriya might just not be enough given that the team is packed with lazy baby elephants like Uthappa.<br /><br />Revenge Battles<br />Asnodkar v Raje (Raje)<br />Yusuf v Nehra (Nehra)<br />Watson v Jayasuriya (Tie)<br />Kaif v Raje (Raje)<br />Uthappa v Watson (Uthappa)<br />Uthappa v Warne (Uthappa)<br /><br /><br /></div>Gauravhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03430301234340900439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6052554117222679609.post-11761264849001797132008-05-25T22:49:00.000-07:002008-05-25T23:06:57.996-07:00Un-freakin-believable !<div style="text-align: justify;">I left the Kolkata-Punjab match midway through as I believed it was a match of no-consequence and expected Punjab to romp home ! I hadn't reckoned on the<a href="http://content-ind.cricinfo.com/india/content/player/28779.html"> old man</a> turning the clock back<a href="http://thedlfipl.blogspot.com/2008/05/my-time-machine-works.html"> again</a> TWICE in the same tournament !<br /><br />Wow ! What an innings that must have been ! So pissed to have missed it ! Will catch on the highlights soon, though any of you guys who have seen it are welcome to describe it too !<br /><br />And sends out a strong message to one fat baby elephant who has been shooting off his mouth and making a mess in the field lately. First Dravid has come up with some consistent performances, now Ganguly with two smashing innings ! I think it is time failures like Utthappa and Yuvraj get worried about their limited over spots, let alone think of usurping the ones in test cricket.<br /><br />Special mention for Man of the Match Gul and a fine effort by Sangakkara.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Revenge Battle Results</span><br />Marsh v Dinda - Draw<br />Marsh v Hussey - Marsh ! Revenge !<br />Sangakara v Gul - Gul has the last laugh - AGAIN<br />Jayawardene v Gul - Draw<br />Ganguly v Sreesanth - Draw<br />Das v Sreesanth - Sreesanth AGAIN<br />Shukla v VRV - VRV AGAIN<br />Saha v Chawla - Revenge for Chawla<br /><br /></div>Gauravhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03430301234340900439noreply@blogger.com1