You can’t phrase a better headline than this to explain the Mumbai Indians run chase against Chennai Super Kings in the Eliminator of IPL 2012. Thanks to cricinfo commentary for the heading. And there is simply no better opposition than CSK to challenge any side in IPL, especially in playoff scenario. The Daredevils now face the litmus test in the Virtual Semi Final clash at Chennai.
It is my personal opinion that Mumbai should have played Pollard up the order (ahead of Franklin or even at No.3 ahead of Sharma). By any means Franklin and Dinesh Karthik are out of form and it would have made more sense to leverage on the pyrotechnics of Pollard, especially in this big run chase.
Tendulkar or Harbhajan it simply did not change their fortune in this IPL. And, MI will have to live with the Chokers Tag for yet another season.
Chennai Vs Delhi
Coming to the next big game before the finals, both teams have won one game apiece at home. And now, Delhi taking on Chennai at Chennai, it is advantage Super Kings without an element of doubt. Already message must have been sent to curators to prepare a slow surface so as the pace trio of Morkel, Yadav and Aaron don’t find any purchase. I think Sehwag must be seriously contemplating to choose Nadeem for Aaron or Vander Merwe for Taylor. The latter is an unlikely scenario. Either ways, the attack is very much one dimensional with all the three spinners being left arm orthodox. Also Sehwag has the added pressure of hiding/bowling 4 overs of Irfan Pathan. Unless Viru bowls himself, Delhi seriously lacks variety in attack. To keep the left hand right hand combination going, Sehwag should consider promoting Irfan Pathan up the order. Again, Sehwag don’t read too much into an opposition or match situations is known phenomenon.
From the home side perspective, Vijay and Raina are suicide weapons at the top of the order. Both the guys failing consistently is only adding pressure to the middle order. It is time Dhoni consider promoting Albie Morkel to No.3 and bring down Suresh Raina. Again, not sure Dhoni will be willing to experiment at this stage. Knowing Dhoni, he would not fear to do any trial if his hunch backs it.
Bottom line: WHISTLE PODU time!!!
Dinesh
Cricket Lover
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