The Purple Cap Morne Morkel is dropped for Andre Russell in a Semi Final clash? An all rounder like Irfan Pathan rested (cited injury grounds) for someone who know who Sunny Gupta? If Irfan is seriously injured, it is interesting the news did not surface anywhere in the past 4 days. Also, it is hard to believe an unfamiliar face making debut in a crunch game as this. However, nothing explains the logic of Morne Morkel rested. To me, Morne takes his spot first, remaining 10 fights for the next. And then, winning the toss and sending the opposition to bat is the best gift you can offer your counterpart. Finally, Sehwag demoting himself in the run chase, when the required run rate is over 11 is the biggest joke of the year. To sum it up, Delhi tactics warrants a probe. However, I'm not taking away any credit from Murali Vijay. It is a superlative performance to deliver a century in a playoff clash. If a player fails all season but sizzles in playoffs, more than happy to take it.
Anyways, a month ago, I wrote this piece on some of the captains who are either or may prove to be an Occupational Hazard for their sides in this IPL. And now we review, all those names mentioned (Sangakara, Daniel Vettori, Harbhajan Singh, Sehwag and Saurav Ganguly) have only lived up to the statement. However, Bangalore did replace Vettori with Kohli midway, but then the damage done prior was beyond repair.
Also, in one of my earlier posts titled IPL Time, I openly challenged, “How Dhoni can win this year’s Championship?” In 48 hours from now, I will have the answers. To confess, I’ve more or less started believing the Cup is written CSK all over it, unless there is a twist in store. Having got Knight Riders to qualify for the finals of IPL 2012, Gambir pretty much affirmed his leadership qualities. Now, we feel he got a raw deal. Unless he settles his difference with Dhoni quickly, the Vice Captaincy is not coming back anytime soon. And for Gambir to consider himself a deputy to Dhoni in all forms of the game, he should seriously consider occupying the spot to be vacated by Laxman in the near future. Either ways, Rahane’s technique is more than adequate to compensate the southpaw at the top of the order.
This IPL has thrown few wonderful talents and some of them could potentially make it to the squad that represents India in the World T20 at Sri Lanka in September 2012. Ajinkya Rahane, Mandeep Singh and Awana are my bets to make the cut. However the bowling quadrant is likely to experience significant changes considering Zaheer deserves to be rested, Vinay Kumar deserves to be dropped and Harbhajan Singh deserves to continue the exile. It is a long road ahead and we shall worry when we get there.
So, India gears up for the final of IPL 2012. Technically both teams have equal chance to win, but I perceive the outcome to be in favor of Chennai Super Kings.
Bottom line: Times, I wonder who bid to win this edition of IPL?
West Indies Vs England
From 138/6 to 306/6, this is Test Cricket at best. Sammy and Samuels please take a bow. I’m still trying to forget 8-0. Let me know if you already did.
Dinesh
Cricket Lover
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