My Facebook update some days ago lamented the lack of grace in today's left-handed batsmen. I removed it, only to be told by an old, very dear friend that I really shouldn't be scrubbing my wall with such regularity.
So the lament is reborn. As a note.
Growing up playing club cricket, one would watch the team's resident left-hander bat, and listen to the grey hairs of the team talk about something called 'left-hander's grace'. I would resent it, being a fairly cavalier strokeplayer myself, and that too against the new ball. But almost immediately, the teen-age green monster in me would nod its head at the irrefutable fact that there was indeed something other-worldly about a left-hander's cover drive. And being at the receiving end of Woorkeri Raman in my college days merely confirmed the fact.
There was something about his batting that seemed lazy, and almost insolent.But yes, the shots would sting, especially at cover and short mid-wicket.
It would remind me of my days as a kid, watching a Ranji Trophy match between TN and Delhi. Coming away with the impression that Venkat Sundaram, the leftie Delhi opener, had something that the rest of us right (or wrong) handers did not.
Over the years, watching left-handers like Kallicharan, Gower, Lara and the comparitively less sung about Aussie Graham Yallop merely confirmed that. Batting was definitely easy for these guys who batted the wrong way 'round.
And of course, the legend grew when older players spoke about Sobers and Ajit Wadekar. I started trying to unravel this great mystery, the day I gave my trusty Super Tusker and Slazenger away, in an effort to make the game richer by my departure from it.
The penny dropped one day when I was watching Saeed Anwar bat. The reason was so simple. Having kicked myself in the fundament for not having spotted it earlier, I sat down to watch Anwar bat via a mirror (it's easy to decode when you can watch him bat right-handed!). There was ample opportunity, as the classy Pakistani tore into the Indian attack.
The reason was simple. The left-hander's footwork was different. The body balance was not always into the ball, but slightly away from it. In common parlance, it is what commentators refer to as 'playing away from the body'. But the best thing was the leftie's technique to the ball pitched short of a length. They don't really get behind the line. Rather, shots are played from 'beside the line'. My brother told me about this, referring to Gundappa Vishwanath's game, years ago.
And over the years, I have watched via the trusty mirror, Sadagopan Ramesh, the Indian left-hander, Saurav Ganguly, Adam Gilchrist and Yuvraj Singh all demonstrate this approach to footwork. They all could flay through the off-side. All vicious cutters to balls that would to a right-hander, be too close to the off-stump. And yes, they were all exponents of playing away from the body. But the textbook be damned, they all looked bloody elegant.
The only departure from this style of batting who still not only managed to look elegant but also had results to show for it was Brian Charles Lara. And we will leave him out of the discussion because he was and is Brian Charles Lara.
But take a look at all the left-handers in the game today. With the exception of Yuvraj Singh and Sangakkara, none of them can be called elegant, nor can the term 'left-handed grace' be applied to them.
A possible hypothesis is that a majority of the finishing school coaches are right-handed, and therefore think right-handed and pass this on. And the coaches who leave a batsman's batting alone are a dying breed. Control and adherence to theories are the order of the day.
I have no data. But I have a hunch that this might be the case. And somewhere deep down, hunches aren't as dreamy as they seem.
Your comments please.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Thursday, May 21, 2009
The IPL Athletic Supporter's Note - XVII
The match between the RCB and the DD was proof that classical batsmanship still has a place in the T20 format. To me at least, the Kallis-Dravid partnership was one of the best I have seen in this tournament. It was run-making devoid of wild heaves and ugly swipes. And in the end, it took the Royal Challengers home rather easily, much against what I thought would happen.
There is something about Anil Kumble that seems to bring out the sincere gene in every player. Ever since he has taken over, the RC are looking less like strutters and more like fighters. Their bowling against the DD had discipline about it. It was made a bit easy by the two wickets that Praveen Kumar picked up early. After that, bioth Kumble and van der Merwe bowled tight spells and managed to choke even a deep batting team like the DD.
When the RC batted, I could not help but feel sorry for Kallis. There were at least five beautiful drives that went straight to fielders. This is where it gets loaded against the classical players. You just know as a fielding captain where that cover drive or that off drive will go. Fields can be set. Which is another reason why the ‘prayer and a wild heave’ school of batting seems to flourish in this format.
Not that it had an effect on Kallis that night. He picked one from the leg stump and sent it over mid-wicket with hardly any effort. A shot worth going miles to see, and yes, Srini, almost as good as the Bravo whip. Dravid looked a different player. Busy, running the ball into gaps, playing more bottom-handed cricket than he does usually, and most importantly for the RC, keeping big Jacques company. By the time he left, the target was clearly visible to the RC spotters without binoculars.
Yesterday’s matches did not belong to the glamorous, six-hitting world of the IPL. Hard-fought, scrapping, street-fighting affairs. The KKR – RR match panned out along expected lines once Quiney left. Asnodkar is in the middle of what can only be termed an extended lapse of reason. Every dismissal of his this season has had that Syd Barrett brand of bizarreness to it. Yusuf Pathan has gone off the boil, much like Sehwag and expectedly tries to blast his way out of poor form. This time around, he sent up a swirler that was best left to Karthik and his big gloves.
Am I seeing things or is it apparent that KKR are finally playing under their captain and not under their coach? McCullum may not be a great strategic captain, but he does set standards, sometimes with the bat and almost always on the field. Dinda rose ten feet tall and made his presence felt. Langeveldt (held back by Buchanan for reasons best known to the Almighty) showed what he could have done, had he been played earlier. Pity, because he might have just saved Buchanan his job.
Shukla batted beautifully and quite nervelessly to take the KKR home. Alas, if all this had only started happening two weeks ago.
The second match was again a wrong spot by me. I expected the Kings XI to push down an out-of-rhythm CSK. It nearly happened. The CSK innings fell apart once the opening partnership was broken. Sreesanth (he looks such a good bowler when he bowls with his mouth shut) bowled one brilliant over which turned the CSK innings turtle. He hustled in a quick, skidding short ball to Badrinath and beat him for pace on the hook. A few balls later, he produced a true beauty that ensured that Dhoni would not smell of sweat when he took off his shirt in the dressing room.
Brett Lee is in a sweet spot. He is bowling like a poet, if that term could be applied to fast bowlers at all. Powar must be one of the true exponents of pure flight. I think he did Raina in the flight, deceiving him into believing that the ball would drop a tad shorter than it did.
The Kings XI batting just did not make sense to me. Why weren’t they trying to milk the singles? Ashwin did Sangakkara in the flight and Murali got Katich in reverse Warne style. But then, someone could have stuck around and done the Shukla act for KXI.
The Punjab team seems to operate in the ‘switched on, switched off’ mode. And that is sad, for here was a team that looked balanced and so full of talent. ‘Where have you gone Jayawardene, a team turns its lonely eyes to you..’
The IPL Athletic Supporter's Note - XVI
Sorry about the missing updates, for whatever they were worth. Got caught up in work for a few days and then sheer laziness took over.
The KKR boys finally won. Chasing down a big total against a team that has, in all probability made it to the semis. While the CSK did run up a good total, what was good to see was that the KKR did manage to choke them just a little bit as the acceleration began. And when the KKR batted, they showed up the one major flaw in the CSK outfit.
The CSK batting machine has so far managed to hide the fact that its bowling attack is patchy. And that is precisely what the resurgent McCullum and the hard-working Hodge exposed.
Funnily, for all the hoo-haa about Hayden being rested, the CSK batting did not suffer, with all their batsmen running up decent scores. What was impressive though was the way in which the KKR bowling stood up after the strategy break. Yes, there was acceleration, but not to the extent the CSK would have expected, having completed the first ten at nine an over.
The CSK bowling seems to be resting on a weak formula – one bowler bowling a good spell while the bits and pieces men do the restricting act. And that is precisely what fell apart last night.
All said and done, too little too late for the KKR. There are a lot of ‘if only’ theories in my head, but one guesses that all of you would be running them past your processors anyway.
On to my dear friend Dheeraj’s crib that T20 seems to be murdering classical batsmanship. I tend to agree with him in part. T20 seems to be testimony to the old cliché that was often pushed into our eardrums by Narottam Puri – it doesn’t matter how they come, as long as they come.
Yes, it does hurt to see edges and big, wild heaves being applauded. But on the other hand, T20 seems to have added another important dimension to batsmanship which will soon find its way into all forms of the game.
Situational awareness seems to be the big thing now. The kind exemplified by the brilliant Rohit Sharma, Matt Hayden and Brad Hodge in last night’s game. The ability to plan and plot on the fly. Yes, it is being helped by the ‘one bouncer per over’ rule.
I for one would like to see the ‘free hit’ and the fielding restrictions go. Not because they load the game against the bowling side, but because they have their antecedents in giving the crowds a chance to go bonkers.
The KKR boys finally won. Chasing down a big total against a team that has, in all probability made it to the semis. While the CSK did run up a good total, what was good to see was that the KKR did manage to choke them just a little bit as the acceleration began. And when the KKR batted, they showed up the one major flaw in the CSK outfit.
The CSK batting machine has so far managed to hide the fact that its bowling attack is patchy. And that is precisely what the resurgent McCullum and the hard-working Hodge exposed.
Funnily, for all the hoo-haa about Hayden being rested, the CSK batting did not suffer, with all their batsmen running up decent scores. What was impressive though was the way in which the KKR bowling stood up after the strategy break. Yes, there was acceleration, but not to the extent the CSK would have expected, having completed the first ten at nine an over.
The CSK bowling seems to be resting on a weak formula – one bowler bowling a good spell while the bits and pieces men do the restricting act. And that is precisely what fell apart last night.
All said and done, too little too late for the KKR. There are a lot of ‘if only’ theories in my head, but one guesses that all of you would be running them past your processors anyway.
On to my dear friend Dheeraj’s crib that T20 seems to be murdering classical batsmanship. I tend to agree with him in part. T20 seems to be testimony to the old cliché that was often pushed into our eardrums by Narottam Puri – it doesn’t matter how they come, as long as they come.
Yes, it does hurt to see edges and big, wild heaves being applauded. But on the other hand, T20 seems to have added another important dimension to batsmanship which will soon find its way into all forms of the game.
Situational awareness seems to be the big thing now. The kind exemplified by the brilliant Rohit Sharma, Matt Hayden and Brad Hodge in last night’s game. The ability to plan and plot on the fly. Yes, it is being helped by the ‘one bouncer per over’ rule.
I for one would like to see the ‘free hit’ and the fielding restrictions go. Not because they load the game against the bowling side, but because they have their antecedents in giving the crowds a chance to go bonkers.
The IPL Athletic Supporter's Note - XV
If there is one question that I cannot answer after last night's match, it must be this - who was the better team?
To me, both CSK and Kings XI seem very similar outfits. Strong with the bat, but really not there with the ball.
The scorebook shows only who won and who lost. Personally, I am putting down the Kings XI as a semi-finalist. Their batting is just beginning to come good. Yes, there are a few problems here and there. But Katich looks effortless, Yuvraj is discovering the streetfighter side to him and Jayawardene is back in the groove. Sunny Sohal and Karan Goel seem to be overdoing the pinch-hitting bit. And Sangakkara is due. Due big time.
The problem for Kings XI in the bowling department has been magnified by Yusuf Abdulla going off the boil a shade, and the return of Sreesanth. On talent, the latter is still one of the best in India. But his attitude stinks, and more importantly, prevents him from doing anything worthwhile. One match after coming back and he was exchanging words with Hayden. Mind you, this was not after he had Hayden fishing outside the off stump, but after the latter had clubbed him violently to Mt. Kilimanjaro, twice.
Once Vikramjit Malik comes back in place of the Appam-eater, things should start looking better.For Malik has the advantage of grey cells that work in the right direction.
CSK's momentum clearly is their batting. Hayden was brilliant yesterday, as was Raina. And Dhoni seems to be finding the groove that he seemed to have lost. Working as a combination, this line-up enables them to put up good totals which can be defended by an attack that is less than brilliant.
Morkel and Balaji flatter to deceive and Gony is still searching for the rhythm he had last year. In fact, the entire attack now seems to be revolving around Jakati and a few surprise overs from Raina. IMHO, CSK will have to find more cohesion in their bowling. Because their batting hasn't really been put to the 'chase under pressure' test.
As far as the semis go, I would put down DD and DC as my two certain picks. The other two spots to me look very open.
PS: While the news channels cuddle up coyly to the likes of Dhoni and Yuvraj, smiling and blushing and calling them 'Mahi' and 'Yuvi', the pint-sized bomber Raina is discussed with noticeably less affection. Probably because he does not have a cute /macho/whatever image. Probably because he does not talk much. And probably because he does not have too many female fans. Whatever the reason, Raina is a player who in current form must rank in the top Five in international limited overs cricket.
But the eternal fool that I am, will always want cricketers to get coverage for what they do on the field. Silly me.
To me, both CSK and Kings XI seem very similar outfits. Strong with the bat, but really not there with the ball.
The scorebook shows only who won and who lost. Personally, I am putting down the Kings XI as a semi-finalist. Their batting is just beginning to come good. Yes, there are a few problems here and there. But Katich looks effortless, Yuvraj is discovering the streetfighter side to him and Jayawardene is back in the groove. Sunny Sohal and Karan Goel seem to be overdoing the pinch-hitting bit. And Sangakkara is due. Due big time.
The problem for Kings XI in the bowling department has been magnified by Yusuf Abdulla going off the boil a shade, and the return of Sreesanth. On talent, the latter is still one of the best in India. But his attitude stinks, and more importantly, prevents him from doing anything worthwhile. One match after coming back and he was exchanging words with Hayden. Mind you, this was not after he had Hayden fishing outside the off stump, but after the latter had clubbed him violently to Mt. Kilimanjaro, twice.
Once Vikramjit Malik comes back in place of the Appam-eater, things should start looking better.For Malik has the advantage of grey cells that work in the right direction.
CSK's momentum clearly is their batting. Hayden was brilliant yesterday, as was Raina. And Dhoni seems to be finding the groove that he seemed to have lost. Working as a combination, this line-up enables them to put up good totals which can be defended by an attack that is less than brilliant.
Morkel and Balaji flatter to deceive and Gony is still searching for the rhythm he had last year. In fact, the entire attack now seems to be revolving around Jakati and a few surprise overs from Raina. IMHO, CSK will have to find more cohesion in their bowling. Because their batting hasn't really been put to the 'chase under pressure' test.
As far as the semis go, I would put down DD and DC as my two certain picks. The other two spots to me look very open.
PS: While the news channels cuddle up coyly to the likes of Dhoni and Yuvraj, smiling and blushing and calling them 'Mahi' and 'Yuvi', the pint-sized bomber Raina is discussed with noticeably less affection. Probably because he does not have a cute /macho/whatever image. Probably because he does not talk much. And probably because he does not have too many female fans. Whatever the reason, Raina is a player who in current form must rank in the top Five in international limited overs cricket.
But the eternal fool that I am, will always want cricketers to get coverage for what they do on the field. Silly me.
THe IPL Athletic Supporter's Note - XIV
Hard work is good for the soul. But it also cometh in the way of IPL updates. My apologies for the lapses in posting.
Match reviews make sense when they are posted immediately after the match. therefore, I shall not labour over the last three matches. A brief summary is below, just to be honest to the job.
1. RR climbed into the Kings XI attack to post this IPL's highest total. And from there, it was all over. The noteworthy aside here was Sreesanth making his debut in IPL 2. But by giving away 23 in his last over, he made sure that it would not be classified under the 'noteworthy IPL debuts' tag.
2. KKR lost again. To the DD this time. Badly. If there has to be a silver lining here, it would be that we all might have seen the last of Buchanan.
3. Last night, the DC finished off the Mumbai boys. That put paid to my hopes of seeing SRT in the semis, I guess.
After the KKR match came the text messages from my Bong friends, with some really innovative suggestions on what one could do with Buchanan. I got talking the next day with a friend of mine in office. As usual, I was floating a typically wild theory on Buchanan and KKR that had nothing to do with cricket.
My theory is that Indians do not react well to over-analysis. As a race, we seem to be 'flow' people. We know the final goal, but tend to use our own methods or variations of methods to get there. In the Indian system, there may or may not be the one perfect way of doing things. When confronted with a system that demands a fixed way of doing things, we either cannot execute well, or if we manage to do it, execute it mechanically, without inspiration.
I ran this past my friend, who is a strategic planner and therefore, more qualified to judge these things. His instant response was as follows - Western civilizations are process-driven. Indians are not. And he quickly backed it up with the example of Greg Chappell and the Indian team.
Would be a good idea to debate this here.
Fellow cricket-mad Indian, Hemant Kapre wants me to spot my four semi-finalists. After the last two days' matches, I refuse to do so!
For the time being, I will only venture the DD team as a certain semi-finalist.
Match reviews make sense when they are posted immediately after the match. therefore, I shall not labour over the last three matches. A brief summary is below, just to be honest to the job.
1. RR climbed into the Kings XI attack to post this IPL's highest total. And from there, it was all over. The noteworthy aside here was Sreesanth making his debut in IPL 2. But by giving away 23 in his last over, he made sure that it would not be classified under the 'noteworthy IPL debuts' tag.
2. KKR lost again. To the DD this time. Badly. If there has to be a silver lining here, it would be that we all might have seen the last of Buchanan.
3. Last night, the DC finished off the Mumbai boys. That put paid to my hopes of seeing SRT in the semis, I guess.
After the KKR match came the text messages from my Bong friends, with some really innovative suggestions on what one could do with Buchanan. I got talking the next day with a friend of mine in office. As usual, I was floating a typically wild theory on Buchanan and KKR that had nothing to do with cricket.
My theory is that Indians do not react well to over-analysis. As a race, we seem to be 'flow' people. We know the final goal, but tend to use our own methods or variations of methods to get there. In the Indian system, there may or may not be the one perfect way of doing things. When confronted with a system that demands a fixed way of doing things, we either cannot execute well, or if we manage to do it, execute it mechanically, without inspiration.
I ran this past my friend, who is a strategic planner and therefore, more qualified to judge these things. His instant response was as follows - Western civilizations are process-driven. Indians are not. And he quickly backed it up with the example of Greg Chappell and the Indian team.
Would be a good idea to debate this here.
Fellow cricket-mad Indian, Hemant Kapre wants me to spot my four semi-finalists. After the last two days' matches, I refuse to do so!
For the time being, I will only venture the DD team as a certain semi-finalist.
Monday, May 4, 2009
The IPL Athletic Supporter's Note - XIII
The way the CSK-DC match started, all signs pointed to a last over nail biter. But as it turned out, it ended up as a totally lame encounter.
It is my theory. Purely my theory that Gilchrist stays side-on and on the back foot to every first ball. To capitalise on the outside the off-stump short of good length delivery. That's the one he scythes in that arc from third man to cover.
Last night in particular, he seemed to be waiting as Morkel bowled a full length delivery. I may be totally wrong, but it seemed like Gilly was expecting it outside the off stump. With one wicket gone, I simply did not understand why Gibbs tried to play that walking shot. There was nothing in that delivery from Tyagi. Just an overdose of over-confidence from the South African. Laxman completed the madness with a delicate pick off his toes straight to mid-wicket.
Zero for three is a score that one normally finds in maidan tennis ball match scorebooks. No road out of there at this level of cricket. Smith played a real blinder. I thought it might have been a good idea to send Venu Rao and keep Rohit Sharma for a wicket later. But Smith's incandescence was too bright to last forever. That whip over mid-wicket for six will stay with me for a long time.
And then, the much documented run-out miss which reminded us all of the gully matches from our childhood, complete with the expressions of total stupidity and manic shouting. Once Bravo went, it was always going to be difficult. In the end, I would have been happier with a twenty run margin at least.
The CSK innings was clinical in its plotting and brutal in its execution. Hayden played the slayer at the top while Vijay did the thrust and parry act really well. Once the base had been laid, Raina tore into the DC attack with ferocity, leaving the stage open for Dhoni to finally show us his trademark hitting.
I just hope that the Mumbai guys get their act together fast. Can't think of a semi without SRT.
It is my theory. Purely my theory that Gilchrist stays side-on and on the back foot to every first ball. To capitalise on the outside the off-stump short of good length delivery. That's the one he scythes in that arc from third man to cover.
Last night in particular, he seemed to be waiting as Morkel bowled a full length delivery. I may be totally wrong, but it seemed like Gilly was expecting it outside the off stump. With one wicket gone, I simply did not understand why Gibbs tried to play that walking shot. There was nothing in that delivery from Tyagi. Just an overdose of over-confidence from the South African. Laxman completed the madness with a delicate pick off his toes straight to mid-wicket.
Zero for three is a score that one normally finds in maidan tennis ball match scorebooks. No road out of there at this level of cricket. Smith played a real blinder. I thought it might have been a good idea to send Venu Rao and keep Rohit Sharma for a wicket later. But Smith's incandescence was too bright to last forever. That whip over mid-wicket for six will stay with me for a long time.
And then, the much documented run-out miss which reminded us all of the gully matches from our childhood, complete with the expressions of total stupidity and manic shouting. Once Bravo went, it was always going to be difficult. In the end, I would have been happier with a twenty run margin at least.
The CSK innings was clinical in its plotting and brutal in its execution. Hayden played the slayer at the top while Vijay did the thrust and parry act really well. Once the base had been laid, Raina tore into the DC attack with ferocity, leaving the stage open for Dhoni to finally show us his trademark hitting.
I just hope that the Mumbai guys get their act together fast. Can't think of a semi without SRT.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
The IPL Athletic Supporter's Note - XII
Two class acts gave us a demonstration last night. Of innings built on purist strokeplay. And both won their sides the match.
To be honest, I am beginning to enjoy watching the KKR play. Just for the grim satisfaction that one gets in watching a team trying to lift itself. There are strategies, there are laptop-powered coaches and there are superstar players. But there is something else in a group of individuals playing for pride. Putting up a fight, knowing fully well that a win may never come their way.
Last night, against the Kings XI, the KKR boys demonstrated just that. Yes they lost. Again.But they stretched a confident opponent and dragged him to the wire. Their batting rhythm is simply not there. Every run seems a struggle, and innings are too often built on one player's contribution. But they are fighting. Only wish this had happened a few matches ago.
Brad Hodge fought like an Aussie from the Ian Chappell era. Everyone else barely made decent contributions. Ganguly's slog sweep pointed to a man short of confidence. A few years ago, he would not have used that shot. He would have simply lofted Chawla over the straight field, into the veldt.
Gayle flattered to deceive and McCullum was busy playing the demons inside his head. But Ishant Sharma bowled beautifully and Kartik brought in his English season experience.
Yes, there were a few dropped catches, but other teams drop catches and still win. Jayawardene was plumb leg before to Kartik, and had that decision been given, we might have seen another outbreak of 'Korbo Lorbo...'. Was really surprised that the umpire instantly turned it down.
Jayawardene came good at a crucial juncture. The leg before decision apart, he batted with his usual silken touch and saw the Kings XI home. In Sunny Sohal, Kingss XI seem to have unearthed their answer to Asnodkar Version 2008.
The second match had a lot of potential, but Mumbai, I have to say, are making their mistake of bunching all their class acts together at the top. And when wickets sometimes fall in a rash as they did to du Preez last night, trouble cannot be far behind. 149 is always fifteen runs short, but I thought Mumbai had the firepower in the bowling department.
Wrong. Jacques Kallis rumbled all over Malinga and the match was more or less lost there. Classic cricket shots, each one more beautiful and authoritative than the other, flowed from the South African's bat. With Kallis firing on all cylinders, Uthappa could afford to swipe and miss and feel his way till he too started finding the middle.
I thought Tendulkar would bring on Jayasuriya and himself(with his leg spin) early. He did, but by that time both Kallis and Uthappa were well on their way.
Must confess that with Kumble leading, the RC seem to be a tighter outfit. They are bowling well and if last night's batting is anything to go by, they might just spring a few surprises.
To be honest, I am beginning to enjoy watching the KKR play. Just for the grim satisfaction that one gets in watching a team trying to lift itself. There are strategies, there are laptop-powered coaches and there are superstar players. But there is something else in a group of individuals playing for pride. Putting up a fight, knowing fully well that a win may never come their way.
Last night, against the Kings XI, the KKR boys demonstrated just that. Yes they lost. Again.But they stretched a confident opponent and dragged him to the wire. Their batting rhythm is simply not there. Every run seems a struggle, and innings are too often built on one player's contribution. But they are fighting. Only wish this had happened a few matches ago.
Brad Hodge fought like an Aussie from the Ian Chappell era. Everyone else barely made decent contributions. Ganguly's slog sweep pointed to a man short of confidence. A few years ago, he would not have used that shot. He would have simply lofted Chawla over the straight field, into the veldt.
Gayle flattered to deceive and McCullum was busy playing the demons inside his head. But Ishant Sharma bowled beautifully and Kartik brought in his English season experience.
Yes, there were a few dropped catches, but other teams drop catches and still win. Jayawardene was plumb leg before to Kartik, and had that decision been given, we might have seen another outbreak of 'Korbo Lorbo...'. Was really surprised that the umpire instantly turned it down.
Jayawardene came good at a crucial juncture. The leg before decision apart, he batted with his usual silken touch and saw the Kings XI home. In Sunny Sohal, Kingss XI seem to have unearthed their answer to Asnodkar Version 2008.
The second match had a lot of potential, but Mumbai, I have to say, are making their mistake of bunching all their class acts together at the top. And when wickets sometimes fall in a rash as they did to du Preez last night, trouble cannot be far behind. 149 is always fifteen runs short, but I thought Mumbai had the firepower in the bowling department.
Wrong. Jacques Kallis rumbled all over Malinga and the match was more or less lost there. Classic cricket shots, each one more beautiful and authoritative than the other, flowed from the South African's bat. With Kallis firing on all cylinders, Uthappa could afford to swipe and miss and feel his way till he too started finding the middle.
I thought Tendulkar would bring on Jayasuriya and himself(with his leg spin) early. He did, but by that time both Kallis and Uthappa were well on their way.
Must confess that with Kumble leading, the RC seem to be a tighter outfit. They are bowling well and if last night's batting is anything to go by, they might just spring a few surprises.
The IPL Athletic Supporter's Note - XI
I watched both of today’s matches in a mood of mild protest, over Kamran Khan’s action being described as suspect. He is a slinger, and for heaven’s sake, you cannot straighten out an arm in the middle of a slinging motion. I have been watching replays, and the lad does seem to be double-jointed – the same condition that ensures three of today’s top international bowlers don’t get reported!
Wasn’t the first match supposed to be one-sided? Warne and his men certainly did not think so as the RR pulled off the unimaginable.
When the DC batted, the absence of Kamran Khan, out with an ankle injury did not show. Pathan’s good overs at the top were in stark contrast to those of Munaf Patel, before Jadeja and Harwood started pushing down the middle pedal.
For the DC, Rohit Sharma and Tirumal Suman played good knocks to push their team up to 141. But Azhar Bilakhia at three surprised me. He can bat, but I personally thought that Sharma in his place would have allowed the latter to build an innings better.
Anyway, the start of the RR innings started off like a pie-throwing sequence in a comedy film. Rhyme, reason and anything resembling grey cells seemed to have been left behind as Warne’s team quickly reduced itself to 3 for 3. But a truly lovely knock from Lee Carseldine put them back on rails.
Carseldine showed beautiful touch as he in the company of Jadeja first and then Warne took them closer and closer to the target. Abhishek Raut came in, settled in and kept one end ticking over busily, as Pathan , dropped down the order, came in and launched a few here and there to get the RR to within kissing distance.
This sudden turnaround by the RR is rather reminiscent of their performance last year, when they came out of nowhere.
The second match of the evening was a cruel one – between two of the teams I support.
I thought the CSK got off pretty well. Murali Vijay was a bit slow, but I thought he got off to a fair start before attempting the ‘sabko mitadoonga’ swipe. Hayden pummeled briefly, but all too quickly, the CSK were 2 for 46.
Raina and Badrinath got together and tried to get things going again. Raina is in the middle of a truly brilliant phase. He never seems to slog, and doesn’t really have a big wind up. He just seems to be there when the ball arrives. Rare talent.
Badrinath at the other end was his typical self, running the singles hard and looking for scoring opportunities. He broke the 11th over jinx with an amazing series of hits that gave the CSK team momentum, which quickly disappeared when Raina got out. DD played Rajat Bhatia, a cricketer who is vastly under-rated. He thinks his way through, whether batting or bowling and that makes him a good man to have in a team. Bhatia bowled a few good overs, getting rid of Badrinath.
After that, all the big-built men with the big reputations flopped and the CSK innings listed and floundered its way to 163.
Not a tough target, given DD’s batting quality and depth. Warner, in for Sehwag, and Gambhir looked quite comfortable till Raina pulled off a blinder to send back Gambhir who was looking good finally. But it was the next ball from Tyagi that seemed to torpedo the DD innings. It cleaned up de Villiers off his pads, first ball.
Dilshan left shortly afterwards, totally undone by Jakati, who bowled two good arm balls to him before turning the third past Dilshan’s bat.
Warner, beginning to reel off some crisp shots set about re-building the chase with Karthik, but fell victim to Jakati after a well-made fifty. Manhas played a terrible shot and got out and was quickly followed by Karthik, who I thought should have stuck around.
Once Karthik left, it all suddenly became academic and what could have been a thrilling finish ended in a one-sided way.
Wasn’t the first match supposed to be one-sided? Warne and his men certainly did not think so as the RR pulled off the unimaginable.
When the DC batted, the absence of Kamran Khan, out with an ankle injury did not show. Pathan’s good overs at the top were in stark contrast to those of Munaf Patel, before Jadeja and Harwood started pushing down the middle pedal.
For the DC, Rohit Sharma and Tirumal Suman played good knocks to push their team up to 141. But Azhar Bilakhia at three surprised me. He can bat, but I personally thought that Sharma in his place would have allowed the latter to build an innings better.
Anyway, the start of the RR innings started off like a pie-throwing sequence in a comedy film. Rhyme, reason and anything resembling grey cells seemed to have been left behind as Warne’s team quickly reduced itself to 3 for 3. But a truly lovely knock from Lee Carseldine put them back on rails.
Carseldine showed beautiful touch as he in the company of Jadeja first and then Warne took them closer and closer to the target. Abhishek Raut came in, settled in and kept one end ticking over busily, as Pathan , dropped down the order, came in and launched a few here and there to get the RR to within kissing distance.
This sudden turnaround by the RR is rather reminiscent of their performance last year, when they came out of nowhere.
The second match of the evening was a cruel one – between two of the teams I support.
I thought the CSK got off pretty well. Murali Vijay was a bit slow, but I thought he got off to a fair start before attempting the ‘sabko mitadoonga’ swipe. Hayden pummeled briefly, but all too quickly, the CSK were 2 for 46.
Raina and Badrinath got together and tried to get things going again. Raina is in the middle of a truly brilliant phase. He never seems to slog, and doesn’t really have a big wind up. He just seems to be there when the ball arrives. Rare talent.
Badrinath at the other end was his typical self, running the singles hard and looking for scoring opportunities. He broke the 11th over jinx with an amazing series of hits that gave the CSK team momentum, which quickly disappeared when Raina got out. DD played Rajat Bhatia, a cricketer who is vastly under-rated. He thinks his way through, whether batting or bowling and that makes him a good man to have in a team. Bhatia bowled a few good overs, getting rid of Badrinath.
After that, all the big-built men with the big reputations flopped and the CSK innings listed and floundered its way to 163.
Not a tough target, given DD’s batting quality and depth. Warner, in for Sehwag, and Gambhir looked quite comfortable till Raina pulled off a blinder to send back Gambhir who was looking good finally. But it was the next ball from Tyagi that seemed to torpedo the DD innings. It cleaned up de Villiers off his pads, first ball.
Dilshan left shortly afterwards, totally undone by Jakati, who bowled two good arm balls to him before turning the third past Dilshan’s bat.
Warner, beginning to reel off some crisp shots set about re-building the chase with Karthik, but fell victim to Jakati after a well-made fifty. Manhas played a terrible shot and got out and was quickly followed by Karthik, who I thought should have stuck around.
Once Karthik left, it all suddenly became academic and what could have been a thrilling finish ended in a one-sided way.
The IPL Athletic Supporter's Note - X
Both the May Day matches were opportunities for redemption. One team tried and failed, while the other succeeded.
The KKR – Mumbai Indians encounter was expected to be a one-sided affair, though I was secretly hoping that the Kolkata team would pull off a miracle. I am neither a Bong nor a fan of the KKR team-owner, but I definitely like my Ganguly, quirks and all.
As it happened, KKR bowled quite well to hold the Mumbai team down to 148. Almost every bowler did his job and while the fielding was not up there, one could see a team wanting to fight. I quite liked Murali Kartik’s send-off to Harbhajan. Just for the fact that it’s time the offie got some of his own medicine forced down his throat.
Duminy again batted beautifully. The funny thing is that as a viewer, one doesn’t notice him. No fanfare, no massive hits. Just a series of crisp, cricketing shots and he is suddenly on fifty.
Why Rahane was sent so low down is something that I will never understand. The lad is a destructive player and a real talent. Agarkar got Tendulkar with a full toss. One marvels at the talent of Agarkar, who manages to get a wicket with almost any kind of delivery. This time, instead of the longhop, it was a full toss.
The KKR reply started off in ominous fashion with Ganguly getting a first-baller – dragging a wide delivery on to his stumps. Zaheer Khan cleaned up Gayle, and all of us watching started exchanging ‘How d’you solve a problem like KKR?’ expressions.
But we were led to hope. By a gritty partnership between Hodge and van Wyk, before the old ending was added to this new plot. Why is Saha being played so low down? He can open, which gives KKR the option of sending Ganguly in at three. But then, Hungry Bread always has other ideas.
KKR lost, but I sincerely hope they bounce back. Locking the coach and his theories up in a bathroom two days before the match is a good idea. When every brilliant theory has failed, what’s the harm in eleven players going out and just trying to … err, play cricket?
The second match saw Kumble taking over from KP, the sex symbol. And with it must have come a different work ethic. None of it was in evidence when the RC batted, losing Ryder, Goswami and Bishnoi in reasonably quick succession.
A line about Bishnoi. Back in the glory days of Nebuchadnezzar, when I played most of my cricket, we had a term to describe this kind of player – Oom-faa. ‘Oom’ referred to the wind-up and ‘faa’ to the swing of the bat. Back to the game.
Kallis, Uthappa and van der Merwe all chipped in, but the thunder was stolen by Yuvraj Singh, who in the course of three successive balls took a hat-trick and brought his own brand of mayhem to approved celebration styles.
145 seemed a gettable target as long as Yuvraj was there for the Kings XI. The team has a big problem in the fact that Jayawardene is just not firing, given the fact that he is a genuine class act. Some good bowling by the spin trio of Kumble, van der Merwe and Appanna dried up the runs for the Kings XI.
The KKR – Mumbai Indians encounter was expected to be a one-sided affair, though I was secretly hoping that the Kolkata team would pull off a miracle. I am neither a Bong nor a fan of the KKR team-owner, but I definitely like my Ganguly, quirks and all.
As it happened, KKR bowled quite well to hold the Mumbai team down to 148. Almost every bowler did his job and while the fielding was not up there, one could see a team wanting to fight. I quite liked Murali Kartik’s send-off to Harbhajan. Just for the fact that it’s time the offie got some of his own medicine forced down his throat.
Duminy again batted beautifully. The funny thing is that as a viewer, one doesn’t notice him. No fanfare, no massive hits. Just a series of crisp, cricketing shots and he is suddenly on fifty.
Why Rahane was sent so low down is something that I will never understand. The lad is a destructive player and a real talent. Agarkar got Tendulkar with a full toss. One marvels at the talent of Agarkar, who manages to get a wicket with almost any kind of delivery. This time, instead of the longhop, it was a full toss.
The KKR reply started off in ominous fashion with Ganguly getting a first-baller – dragging a wide delivery on to his stumps. Zaheer Khan cleaned up Gayle, and all of us watching started exchanging ‘How d’you solve a problem like KKR?’ expressions.
But we were led to hope. By a gritty partnership between Hodge and van Wyk, before the old ending was added to this new plot. Why is Saha being played so low down? He can open, which gives KKR the option of sending Ganguly in at three. But then, Hungry Bread always has other ideas.
KKR lost, but I sincerely hope they bounce back. Locking the coach and his theories up in a bathroom two days before the match is a good idea. When every brilliant theory has failed, what’s the harm in eleven players going out and just trying to … err, play cricket?
The second match saw Kumble taking over from KP, the sex symbol. And with it must have come a different work ethic. None of it was in evidence when the RC batted, losing Ryder, Goswami and Bishnoi in reasonably quick succession.
A line about Bishnoi. Back in the glory days of Nebuchadnezzar, when I played most of my cricket, we had a term to describe this kind of player – Oom-faa. ‘Oom’ referred to the wind-up and ‘faa’ to the swing of the bat. Back to the game.
Kallis, Uthappa and van der Merwe all chipped in, but the thunder was stolen by Yuvraj Singh, who in the course of three successive balls took a hat-trick and brought his own brand of mayhem to approved celebration styles.
145 seemed a gettable target as long as Yuvraj was there for the Kings XI. The team has a big problem in the fact that Jayawardene is just not firing, given the fact that he is a genuine class act. Some good bowling by the spin trio of Kumble, van der Merwe and Appanna dried up the runs for the Kings XI.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
The IPL Athletic Supporter's Note - IX
When you have a team that can afford to let Glenn McGrath take it easy and still win, you are probably looking at one of the finalists for this year's edition of IPL.
I was stuck in a meeting for the entire DC innings and for some part of the DD reply. But speaking to people who were watching, it was apparent that the DD attack isn't just about choking off runs, but pretty incisive, even without the Surgeon of Seam, McGrath.
I picked up the match when Dilshan and Karthik were together. It was a surprise to see Karthik play with his head, using his natural aggression to play the boundary shots. Dilshan was in another gear altogether. There seems to be a sense of calm in his aggression, which is always dangerous, as Fidel Edwards found out towards the end. He took DD ashore safely, in the company of Manhas.
The interest factor here is whether DC will be able to bounce back, now that they are an Edwards short. Do they have anyone as incisive as him? Will RP sSingh step up as he did when Zaheer Khan broke down in Australia? Should be fun to watch.
The second match was always going to be loaded against the RR. CSK supporter that I am, I always support RR when they play.
True to form, RR put the feline amongst the birds, removing Patel (which I must confess can also be done by Pitambar Garg, part-time cricketer playing with the Patel Nagar Cricket Club) and Hayden.
Thankfully, Dhoni sent in Badrinath to stay with Raina as the latter hammered the CSK innings to recovery.
Raina never gets written about for anything other than cricket, and therefore is not a real favourite of our news channels, but this lad is a curious combination of big-hitting and run-scrounging. There were many big hits from Raina, but none of them were brutal slogs.
Each one of his shots was a cricket shot, with just that little bit of extra bottom-hand to get elevation and distance. It was an awesome innings. Time Raina got a place in the Test squad. He is a genuinely good player, and please let him not be pigeon-holed into a limiting role.
A little gloat here. Badrinath played exactly as I had predicted he would, working the ball around, and putting the loose ball away. But again, the 'Rhythm Break' struck, removing Badrinath, and for a couple of overs, putting Raina out of groove.
In the end, Dhoni and Raina pushed up the scoring to reach 160+, which was always going to be a tough ask for RR.
And when Smith went early, I was still hopeful that Quiney would play an innings of sorts. But he seems to stay on the back foot a bit too much. The rest of the RR innings desperately looked for inspiration which sadly was not there.
Balaji got in with a good spell and picked up wickets and that was that.
I was stuck in a meeting for the entire DC innings and for some part of the DD reply. But speaking to people who were watching, it was apparent that the DD attack isn't just about choking off runs, but pretty incisive, even without the Surgeon of Seam, McGrath.
I picked up the match when Dilshan and Karthik were together. It was a surprise to see Karthik play with his head, using his natural aggression to play the boundary shots. Dilshan was in another gear altogether. There seems to be a sense of calm in his aggression, which is always dangerous, as Fidel Edwards found out towards the end. He took DD ashore safely, in the company of Manhas.
The interest factor here is whether DC will be able to bounce back, now that they are an Edwards short. Do they have anyone as incisive as him? Will RP sSingh step up as he did when Zaheer Khan broke down in Australia? Should be fun to watch.
The second match was always going to be loaded against the RR. CSK supporter that I am, I always support RR when they play.
True to form, RR put the feline amongst the birds, removing Patel (which I must confess can also be done by Pitambar Garg, part-time cricketer playing with the Patel Nagar Cricket Club) and Hayden.
Thankfully, Dhoni sent in Badrinath to stay with Raina as the latter hammered the CSK innings to recovery.
Raina never gets written about for anything other than cricket, and therefore is not a real favourite of our news channels, but this lad is a curious combination of big-hitting and run-scrounging. There were many big hits from Raina, but none of them were brutal slogs.
Each one of his shots was a cricket shot, with just that little bit of extra bottom-hand to get elevation and distance. It was an awesome innings. Time Raina got a place in the Test squad. He is a genuinely good player, and please let him not be pigeon-holed into a limiting role.
A little gloat here. Badrinath played exactly as I had predicted he would, working the ball around, and putting the loose ball away. But again, the 'Rhythm Break' struck, removing Badrinath, and for a couple of overs, putting Raina out of groove.
In the end, Dhoni and Raina pushed up the scoring to reach 160+, which was always going to be a tough ask for RR.
And when Smith went early, I was still hopeful that Quiney would play an innings of sorts. But he seems to stay on the back foot a bit too much. The rest of the RR innings desperately looked for inspiration which sadly was not there.
Balaji got in with a good spell and picked up wickets and that was that.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
The IPL Athletic Supporter's Note - VIII
Sometimes, winning isn't about often-used expressions like 'maximising your potential', or 'raising the bar' and the like. It could be as simple (or as difficult) a matter of deciding to conquer one's internal demons and succeeding.
To me, both of last night's matches were about wanting to conquer the nasty beasties inside. The first match had me secretly hoping that KKR would pull off a win.
As it turned out, the team that wanted to win, won. KKR (I hope I am wrong) is a team that is rapidly disintegrating. Till those fielding mishaps under pressure, they had the upper hand. One gets the feeling that the mood in the KKR camp is that nothing can help them now. And more importantly, they don't seem to be owning the problem. A classic symptom of a team being controlled too rigidly.
Wriddiman Saha finally got a game, and made his presence felt. More importantly, he brought a sense of urgency. In my book, selecting a playing XI isn't just about a player's past record or his talent. It's got something to do with spotting the hunger and the potential in him.
And in the KKR ranks, they have one person who has done this sort of player-spotting for India in the recent past. The question is, is Ganguly a KKR think-tank member with a casting vote? Or is he there just as a mark of respect to his past exploits?
McCullum is a brilliant cricketer. But he seems desperately lost as a captain.On the other side, the RC team seem to have come into this match sensing a win. And they were not going to let go. Shreevats Goswami finally got a look in. And cashed in, setting the platform for the RC chase. KP? I for one am happy that he part of the England squad. Captaincy demands responsibility. And watching KP, one gets the feeling that he is playing here just to keep himself amused.
In the end, Virat Kohli and Mark Boucher, those two 'worker ants' got RC through. Is it any coincidence that RC are playing more as a team after Boucher has come in? IMHO, he should start leading them now.
As for KKR, I am more or less convinced that the only option left is for Buchanan to do a very 'Indian culture' thing - fall at Ganguly's feet and beg him to lead. It is a small physical feat of going from vertical to horizontal, but it might take KKR's performance from horizontal to vertical. For what Ganguly brings by way of emotion and motivation to the job of captaincy is worth its weight in gold.
The second match almost forced me to switch off the TV at the end of the Kings XI innings. I kept it on only for Tendulkar. But this was a different Kings XI that played last night. I, in my ignorance have always marked them down as a 'flow' team. Last night, we all saw what a bunch of streetfighters they are. Sangakkara played one of the grittiest innings that IPL has seen, scrounging his way to a respectable total for his team.
Mumbai, one supposes, must have been shattered when Tendulkar got out. The fragility of their middle order was exposed, though Duminy played a beautifully-paced innings and almost got them home.
Personally, I was happy to see Kings XI play the way they did. But Tendulkar did not fire, and that always brings a glum expression to the face.
To me, both of last night's matches were about wanting to conquer the nasty beasties inside. The first match had me secretly hoping that KKR would pull off a win.
As it turned out, the team that wanted to win, won. KKR (I hope I am wrong) is a team that is rapidly disintegrating. Till those fielding mishaps under pressure, they had the upper hand. One gets the feeling that the mood in the KKR camp is that nothing can help them now. And more importantly, they don't seem to be owning the problem. A classic symptom of a team being controlled too rigidly.
Wriddiman Saha finally got a game, and made his presence felt. More importantly, he brought a sense of urgency. In my book, selecting a playing XI isn't just about a player's past record or his talent. It's got something to do with spotting the hunger and the potential in him.
And in the KKR ranks, they have one person who has done this sort of player-spotting for India in the recent past. The question is, is Ganguly a KKR think-tank member with a casting vote? Or is he there just as a mark of respect to his past exploits?
McCullum is a brilliant cricketer. But he seems desperately lost as a captain.On the other side, the RC team seem to have come into this match sensing a win. And they were not going to let go. Shreevats Goswami finally got a look in. And cashed in, setting the platform for the RC chase. KP? I for one am happy that he part of the England squad. Captaincy demands responsibility. And watching KP, one gets the feeling that he is playing here just to keep himself amused.
In the end, Virat Kohli and Mark Boucher, those two 'worker ants' got RC through. Is it any coincidence that RC are playing more as a team after Boucher has come in? IMHO, he should start leading them now.
As for KKR, I am more or less convinced that the only option left is for Buchanan to do a very 'Indian culture' thing - fall at Ganguly's feet and beg him to lead. It is a small physical feat of going from vertical to horizontal, but it might take KKR's performance from horizontal to vertical. For what Ganguly brings by way of emotion and motivation to the job of captaincy is worth its weight in gold.
The second match almost forced me to switch off the TV at the end of the Kings XI innings. I kept it on only for Tendulkar. But this was a different Kings XI that played last night. I, in my ignorance have always marked them down as a 'flow' team. Last night, we all saw what a bunch of streetfighters they are. Sangakkara played one of the grittiest innings that IPL has seen, scrounging his way to a respectable total for his team.
Mumbai, one supposes, must have been shattered when Tendulkar got out. The fragility of their middle order was exposed, though Duminy played a beautifully-paced innings and almost got them home.
Personally, I was happy to see Kings XI play the way they did. But Tendulkar did not fire, and that always brings a glum expression to the face.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
The IPL Athletic Supporter's Note - VII
There are many greats who have written many perspectives on leadership. One of the oldest is that of defining roles clearly to team members and leading by example. And that is what Warne did last night.
On paper, it was an unequal contest. And me, being a Daredevils supporter, was hoping that they would not get carried away. The one thing that has been worrying me is how Gambhir and Sehwag have been going after the ball without take a few minutes to settle their nerves.
Gambhir stuck his bat out at one, and Warne picked the resulting edge out of thin air. He may be past his prime and overweight, but he is a man who has played the game hard at the highest level, and that can occasionally make the mind transcend the mortal frame.
When the skipper leads by example, the team that looks up to him and adores him will follow suit. Asnodkar took a beauty to get rid of Sehwag. He had to run back, but covered ground so well that he ended up making the catch look easy.
I know everyone says that this is the way Sehwag plays. And in all probability, he will play exactly like this in the next match and get a big one. But it might soothe a few supporters' nerves if he just tempers things a little bit.
Dilshan left, trying a big hit and Warne made a total schoolboy out of Karthik. De Villiers and Vettori played intelligent and aggressive cricket. Manhas, for the second time running, played a lovely cameo, but in the end, the Royals were happy that they had choked the Daredevils to 143.
Chasing the Daredevils target was always going to be a bit of a toughie, considering the Delhi team's potent bowling attack and the fragility of the Royals' batting.
Quiney is a far better player than his continuing horror story in the IPL suggests. He went early. And for a brief while, I thought Asnodkar would pick the right balls to hit. He did, but he also chose the wrong single to take. Paul Valthaty seemed to be on edge and left to a good, old-fashioned leg break from Mishra who bowled superbly.
It seemed as if Warne had told Smith to just play through the innings. And in the end, it proved to be a bit of a calming influence on Yusuf Pathan, who between grim nods and muttered advice from Smith, played a blinder that took the Royals home.
This loss will not hurt the Daredevils. But what the win will do for the Royals might be interesting to watch. Because this is exactly what happened last year. After a series of losses, they suddenly started winning.
IPL 2 may not have classic Indian crowds and big rashes of sixes, but it definitely has its own flavour.
PS: A few days ago, a girl asked me the meaning of the repetitive title to these posts. I also assured her that I was no longer athletic. Which confused her even further. So I abruptly ended the conversation by asking her to find out what 'Omtex' was.
On paper, it was an unequal contest. And me, being a Daredevils supporter, was hoping that they would not get carried away. The one thing that has been worrying me is how Gambhir and Sehwag have been going after the ball without take a few minutes to settle their nerves.
Gambhir stuck his bat out at one, and Warne picked the resulting edge out of thin air. He may be past his prime and overweight, but he is a man who has played the game hard at the highest level, and that can occasionally make the mind transcend the mortal frame.
When the skipper leads by example, the team that looks up to him and adores him will follow suit. Asnodkar took a beauty to get rid of Sehwag. He had to run back, but covered ground so well that he ended up making the catch look easy.
I know everyone says that this is the way Sehwag plays. And in all probability, he will play exactly like this in the next match and get a big one. But it might soothe a few supporters' nerves if he just tempers things a little bit.
Dilshan left, trying a big hit and Warne made a total schoolboy out of Karthik. De Villiers and Vettori played intelligent and aggressive cricket. Manhas, for the second time running, played a lovely cameo, but in the end, the Royals were happy that they had choked the Daredevils to 143.
Chasing the Daredevils target was always going to be a bit of a toughie, considering the Delhi team's potent bowling attack and the fragility of the Royals' batting.
Quiney is a far better player than his continuing horror story in the IPL suggests. He went early. And for a brief while, I thought Asnodkar would pick the right balls to hit. He did, but he also chose the wrong single to take. Paul Valthaty seemed to be on edge and left to a good, old-fashioned leg break from Mishra who bowled superbly.
It seemed as if Warne had told Smith to just play through the innings. And in the end, it proved to be a bit of a calming influence on Yusuf Pathan, who between grim nods and muttered advice from Smith, played a blinder that took the Royals home.
This loss will not hurt the Daredevils. But what the win will do for the Royals might be interesting to watch. Because this is exactly what happened last year. After a series of losses, they suddenly started winning.
IPL 2 may not have classic Indian crowds and big rashes of sixes, but it definitely has its own flavour.
PS: A few days ago, a girl asked me the meaning of the repetitive title to these posts. I also assured her that I was no longer athletic. Which confused her even further. So I abruptly ended the conversation by asking her to find out what 'Omtex' was.
Monday, April 27, 2009
The IPL Athletic Supporter's Note - VI
It was a tale of captains. The first one missed a few tricks and ended up losing. And the second watched helplessly as the team he led last year went to pieces once again.
The Super Kings outfit is still very strong. But the brand of canny leadership that Dhoni has come to personify is missing.
CSK's batting was again proof of certain set patterns which have almost sent this team out of the reckoning. Parthiv Patel is not firing. Another opener (Murali Vijay?) might be a better pick. And Badrinath is not of much use coming in where he does. I have said this before - Badrinath should come in higher, He rotates the strike and keeps one end going. But then, some decisions are inexplicable.
160 plus was never going to be enough against the most destructive opening pair in the IPL. Messrs. Gilchrist and Gibbs proved that with some truly breathtaking hitting. No manufactured shots. No ugly heaves. Just aggressive batsmanship at its volatile best.
I for one thought that someone as good a captain as Dhoni would have spotted how Ojha and Rohit Sharma slowed things down and made run-getting difficult when CSK batted. Might have been a better idea if Dhoni had opened with Murali. It would not have allowed Gilchrist to use the pace of the new ball. And it might have opened up options against Gibbs.
But that did not happen. Am not complaining, as I was busy applauding Gilchrist's assault which more or less decided the match. That the Deccan Chargers did not get a move on and finish things off earlier is surprising. CSK need to go back and see what worked for them last year.But even so, it might be too late.
The second match was something else. I for one have not seen Tendulkar bat like this in a long time. He was like a mischievous kid in an amusement park. Will not spoil things by describing each shot. But one slap pull off Ishant Sharma over wide mid-on stands out for sheer arrogance. Jayasuriya was his usual mixture of bludgeon and caress.
KKR came back briefly after the break to tighten things up a little, but it was too late by then. As for the KKR batting, they looked like a side that had resigned itself to its fate. Ganguly sparkled briefly, almost as if to once again stick a Post-It on Buchanan's board, but it didn't really matter in the end.
Ganguly as KKR captain may not be in Buchanan's ppt on ideal captaincy. But motivation, cunning and sheer stature are sadly missing from the KKR leadership. Maybe it's time for Buchanana to announce that the multi-captain theory is still very much there and get Ganguly back at the helm. But then, will Ganguly accept the captaincy now?
BTW, I have found the perfect descriptor for the strategy break. It should be rechristened 'Rhythm Break', for that is what it does.
The Super Kings outfit is still very strong. But the brand of canny leadership that Dhoni has come to personify is missing.
CSK's batting was again proof of certain set patterns which have almost sent this team out of the reckoning. Parthiv Patel is not firing. Another opener (Murali Vijay?) might be a better pick. And Badrinath is not of much use coming in where he does. I have said this before - Badrinath should come in higher, He rotates the strike and keeps one end going. But then, some decisions are inexplicable.
160 plus was never going to be enough against the most destructive opening pair in the IPL. Messrs. Gilchrist and Gibbs proved that with some truly breathtaking hitting. No manufactured shots. No ugly heaves. Just aggressive batsmanship at its volatile best.
I for one thought that someone as good a captain as Dhoni would have spotted how Ojha and Rohit Sharma slowed things down and made run-getting difficult when CSK batted. Might have been a better idea if Dhoni had opened with Murali. It would not have allowed Gilchrist to use the pace of the new ball. And it might have opened up options against Gibbs.
But that did not happen. Am not complaining, as I was busy applauding Gilchrist's assault which more or less decided the match. That the Deccan Chargers did not get a move on and finish things off earlier is surprising. CSK need to go back and see what worked for them last year.But even so, it might be too late.
The second match was something else. I for one have not seen Tendulkar bat like this in a long time. He was like a mischievous kid in an amusement park. Will not spoil things by describing each shot. But one slap pull off Ishant Sharma over wide mid-on stands out for sheer arrogance. Jayasuriya was his usual mixture of bludgeon and caress.
KKR came back briefly after the break to tighten things up a little, but it was too late by then. As for the KKR batting, they looked like a side that had resigned itself to its fate. Ganguly sparkled briefly, almost as if to once again stick a Post-It on Buchanan's board, but it didn't really matter in the end.
Ganguly as KKR captain may not be in Buchanan's ppt on ideal captaincy. But motivation, cunning and sheer stature are sadly missing from the KKR leadership. Maybe it's time for Buchanana to announce that the multi-captain theory is still very much there and get Ganguly back at the helm. But then, will Ganguly accept the captaincy now?
BTW, I have found the perfect descriptor for the strategy break. It should be rechristened 'Rhythm Break', for that is what it does.
The IPL Athletic Supporter's Note - V
Two matches that could have been so much more. And in the end...
Putting forward a little theory here. It's purely my own, based on what I have observed.
There seem to be two kind of players. And I am not talking about how much a player has cost his team owner.It's more about that player's mind-set. About how he approaches his role in the team, and therefore about how he plays the game for his adopted team.This individual could be an international big name, or he could be a young Indian player.
We shall call this species of player 'worker ant'. In other words, this is a player who freely gives of his talent, his experience, his enthusiasm and his thinking, without expecting anything in return. And the teams that are doing well are those who have more of this species.
For the first time, the Bangalore Royal Challengers appeared to play as a unit. The induction of Mark Boucher may have contributed hugely to that.The South African gloveman, in partnership with Virat Kohli, gave RC a decent total to defend after Pietersen and Taylor had stiched together a superb recovery stand. Pietersen however, played a genuinely stupid shot to get out.
IMO, the decision to open with Kallis was something always fraught with risk. Strokeplayers are not good ball-leavers. And when they are put into a situation that demands a different approach, they tend to over-correct. Which is what Kallis did first ball.But the way Uthappa threw his wicket away was inexcusable. Why is he still in the XI? He is out of form, and shows no burning desire to do things differently when he bats.
When the DD batted, fter Sehwag and Gambhir got out early, the RC team seemed to come back, riding the wave of a superb tight spell of eight overs from Kumble and Appanna, the left-arm spinner. Appanna somehow reminds me of Iqbal, the leftie who plays for Mumbai. Young, not a big turner, and a bowlerwho seems to land on the same spot, a la Nilesh Kulkarni.
Anyway, RC seemed to have the DD boys on the ropes. Karthik got out trying to get a big hit in which would correct the run-ball equation in DD's favour. In walked Mithun Manhas, a talented, hard-working cricketer who is worth much more. Manhas started off with a few big hits and pushed Dilshan into moving up a gear too, which the Sri Lankan found without much trouble. Manhas is a much-ignored batsman who should be in the Indian ODI and T20 squads. He has sound technique, can hit the ball, and is electric in the field.
Uthappa, one of the glamour boys in the RC outfit muffed up what could only be described as a straightforward chance. And the match was lost.
The second match brought into focus two things. The first is something I had ventured by way of an opinion in my last IPL post. That the Kings XI would feed hugely off their last win, in terms of teamwork and confidence. Which they did.
And the second is the fact that the Rajasthan Royals do not seem to have a batting plan. Asnodkar should be tempered a bit. This year, he seems to be swinging madly at everything. Wickets lost at the top put so much pressure on the shot-players who come in later. Despite that, Warne and Ravi Jadeja (IMO, a genuine all-rounder) almost pulled it off. Dimi Mascarenhas has struggled right through the IPL. Maybe get in an extra bat for the next match, Warnah?
Putting forward a little theory here. It's purely my own, based on what I have observed.
There seem to be two kind of players. And I am not talking about how much a player has cost his team owner.It's more about that player's mind-set. About how he approaches his role in the team, and therefore about how he plays the game for his adopted team.This individual could be an international big name, or he could be a young Indian player.
We shall call this species of player 'worker ant'. In other words, this is a player who freely gives of his talent, his experience, his enthusiasm and his thinking, without expecting anything in return. And the teams that are doing well are those who have more of this species.
For the first time, the Bangalore Royal Challengers appeared to play as a unit. The induction of Mark Boucher may have contributed hugely to that.The South African gloveman, in partnership with Virat Kohli, gave RC a decent total to defend after Pietersen and Taylor had stiched together a superb recovery stand. Pietersen however, played a genuinely stupid shot to get out.
IMO, the decision to open with Kallis was something always fraught with risk. Strokeplayers are not good ball-leavers. And when they are put into a situation that demands a different approach, they tend to over-correct. Which is what Kallis did first ball.But the way Uthappa threw his wicket away was inexcusable. Why is he still in the XI? He is out of form, and shows no burning desire to do things differently when he bats.
When the DD batted, fter Sehwag and Gambhir got out early, the RC team seemed to come back, riding the wave of a superb tight spell of eight overs from Kumble and Appanna, the left-arm spinner. Appanna somehow reminds me of Iqbal, the leftie who plays for Mumbai. Young, not a big turner, and a bowlerwho seems to land on the same spot, a la Nilesh Kulkarni.
Anyway, RC seemed to have the DD boys on the ropes. Karthik got out trying to get a big hit in which would correct the run-ball equation in DD's favour. In walked Mithun Manhas, a talented, hard-working cricketer who is worth much more. Manhas started off with a few big hits and pushed Dilshan into moving up a gear too, which the Sri Lankan found without much trouble. Manhas is a much-ignored batsman who should be in the Indian ODI and T20 squads. He has sound technique, can hit the ball, and is electric in the field.
Uthappa, one of the glamour boys in the RC outfit muffed up what could only be described as a straightforward chance. And the match was lost.
The second match brought into focus two things. The first is something I had ventured by way of an opinion in my last IPL post. That the Kings XI would feed hugely off their last win, in terms of teamwork and confidence. Which they did.
And the second is the fact that the Rajasthan Royals do not seem to have a batting plan. Asnodkar should be tempered a bit. This year, he seems to be swinging madly at everything. Wickets lost at the top put so much pressure on the shot-players who come in later. Despite that, Warne and Ravi Jadeja (IMO, a genuine all-rounder) almost pulled it off. Dimi Mascarenhas has struggled right through the IPL. Maybe get in an extra bat for the next match, Warnah?
The IPL Athletic Supporter's Note - IV
Last night, there was an interview with Mr. Ram Reddy of the Deccan Chronicle, the owner of the Deccan Chargers. It was refreshing to see a team-owner who believes in his team, underplays his own role and yet, comes across as someone with a very strong will to win.
The match itself was a confirmation of my deepest fear about the Mumbai Indians. I think they are a batsman short. There is a lot of cannon-power at the top of the order, and all too quickly, one sees Harbhajan’s name in the batting order.
Where is Luke Ronchi? He is a good keeper and an explosive bat. With him opening alongside Jayasuriya, one can have Tendulkar drop himself to ‘three’ and deepen the list of batsmen in the line-up.
That said, the Chargers are looking increasingly like a well-oiled machine that is high on self-belief. Last year, I got the feeling that they were somewhat on the defensive with Shahid Afridi trying his helicopter whirlies a bit too often and not succeeding. This year, they look like a settled unit with both Gilchrist and Gibbs firing at the top.The unchanged line-up from the previous year means Gichrist knows his resources a lot better. His faith in Venu Rao as a bowler reflects that.
A year ago, I was laughed at for saying that Pragyan Ojha was the best slow left-armer in the country. Need to meet up with those guys again. Ojha bowled quite beautifully and mixed his deliveries well. I just hope he does not fade away like Murali Kartik who promised so much when he appeared on the scene.
The CSK-KKR match? Well, IPL could do well without two things. The first is the points sharing system. If a match can be abandoned, why cannot it be replayed, considering T20 is such a short format? And after all the entire IPL effort is towards entertainment. And what better entertainment than cricket itself.
The second thing is the D/L method for T20 – there is no sense in playing five overs per team cricket. That sort of thing used to work well in the matches I played as a kid, at Somasundaram Ground. Not at this level. If you can’t get twenty overs of cricket in, simply find a way to replay the match.
Before I log off, one last observation. Mr. KKR team owner has been stung by the criticism and has hooked up with ‘Headlines Today’ to get his anguish across to the public. This morning, there was a feature on the KKR team owner – about him having been ‘hurt’ and about him having a ‘heavy heart’, etc. All this with a flashing url of the KKR team owner’s blog.
I for one, did not know that news channels could plug stuff as part of their news content.
But I know now.
The match itself was a confirmation of my deepest fear about the Mumbai Indians. I think they are a batsman short. There is a lot of cannon-power at the top of the order, and all too quickly, one sees Harbhajan’s name in the batting order.
Where is Luke Ronchi? He is a good keeper and an explosive bat. With him opening alongside Jayasuriya, one can have Tendulkar drop himself to ‘three’ and deepen the list of batsmen in the line-up.
That said, the Chargers are looking increasingly like a well-oiled machine that is high on self-belief. Last year, I got the feeling that they were somewhat on the defensive with Shahid Afridi trying his helicopter whirlies a bit too often and not succeeding. This year, they look like a settled unit with both Gilchrist and Gibbs firing at the top.The unchanged line-up from the previous year means Gichrist knows his resources a lot better. His faith in Venu Rao as a bowler reflects that.
A year ago, I was laughed at for saying that Pragyan Ojha was the best slow left-armer in the country. Need to meet up with those guys again. Ojha bowled quite beautifully and mixed his deliveries well. I just hope he does not fade away like Murali Kartik who promised so much when he appeared on the scene.
The CSK-KKR match? Well, IPL could do well without two things. The first is the points sharing system. If a match can be abandoned, why cannot it be replayed, considering T20 is such a short format? And after all the entire IPL effort is towards entertainment. And what better entertainment than cricket itself.
The second thing is the D/L method for T20 – there is no sense in playing five overs per team cricket. That sort of thing used to work well in the matches I played as a kid, at Somasundaram Ground. Not at this level. If you can’t get twenty overs of cricket in, simply find a way to replay the match.
Before I log off, one last observation. Mr. KKR team owner has been stung by the criticism and has hooked up with ‘Headlines Today’ to get his anguish across to the public. This morning, there was a feature on the KKR team owner – about him having been ‘hurt’ and about him having a ‘heavy heart’, etc. All this with a flashing url of the KKR team owner’s blog.
I for one, did not know that news channels could plug stuff as part of their news content.
But I know now.
The IPL Athletic Supporter's Note - III
The invocation verse of the ‘Ishopanishad’ talks about the indivisibility of the ‘whole’, and how taking away things from it and putting things into it does not affect it. Somewhere, this holds so true for cricket teams – the whole is always greater than the sum of the parts.
Mr. Mallya has, with all good intent, assembled a veritable galaxy of some of the biggest names in cricket. And yet, for the second year running, it just does not seem to be coming together.
Last night’s match was another witness on the stand for this fact. The Royal Challengers did most things right when they batted. Okay, Dravid failed, and Uthappa got a first-baller. And KP perished to his bottom hand. But Kallis played as only Kallis can. With power, elegance and stylishness. Ross Taylor came good in a cameo.
But all through their fielding stint, the Kings XI looked like a team. No scientific facts here, but there is something about a team’s body language that communicates itself so well. And that is desperately missing in the Royal Challengers.
Yuvraj led like only he can. Pouncing, exhorting, snarling, leaping and grinning like a schoolkid. And somewhere, the Kings XI began playing in the image of their leader. Like a bunch of talented schoolboys who enjoy playing.
Bopara showed us why his former Essex captain Nasser Hussain rates him so highly. His innings was a mixture of thorough county professionalism and intelligent risk-taking. By the time he got himself out, the match was more or less settled, with Yuvraj pushing the pedal to the metal as the Kings XI got home easily.
Something tells me that the Punjab team will feed off this success more than the others in the IPL. It’s the way their captain is. And it’s the way they play.
Meanwhile, Mr. Mallya, repeat after me, ‘Om poornamada…’.
Mr. Mallya has, with all good intent, assembled a veritable galaxy of some of the biggest names in cricket. And yet, for the second year running, it just does not seem to be coming together.
Last night’s match was another witness on the stand for this fact. The Royal Challengers did most things right when they batted. Okay, Dravid failed, and Uthappa got a first-baller. And KP perished to his bottom hand. But Kallis played as only Kallis can. With power, elegance and stylishness. Ross Taylor came good in a cameo.
But all through their fielding stint, the Kings XI looked like a team. No scientific facts here, but there is something about a team’s body language that communicates itself so well. And that is desperately missing in the Royal Challengers.
Yuvraj led like only he can. Pouncing, exhorting, snarling, leaping and grinning like a schoolkid. And somewhere, the Kings XI began playing in the image of their leader. Like a bunch of talented schoolboys who enjoy playing.
Bopara showed us why his former Essex captain Nasser Hussain rates him so highly. His innings was a mixture of thorough county professionalism and intelligent risk-taking. By the time he got himself out, the match was more or less settled, with Yuvraj pushing the pedal to the metal as the Kings XI got home easily.
Something tells me that the Punjab team will feed off this success more than the others in the IPL. It’s the way their captain is. And it’s the way they play.
Meanwhile, Mr. Mallya, repeat after me, ‘Om poornamada…’.
The IPL Athletic Supporter's Note -II
Somehow, that clever opening line continues to elude me. So, without further ado, on to the two IPL matches that took place on the eve of Sachin Tendulkar's birthday.
The first one was expected to be a classic face-off between two of the muscle teams in the IPL. The Delhi Daredevils' innings was powered by a truly brilliant innings from AB de Villiers. It started off with AB playing rhythm guitar to Tilekeratne Dilshan's robust soloing. And once that ended, the classic soloing began. Full of beautiful phrases straight from the book. Interspersed with some soaring runs and delightful harmonics. At the end of it all, DD had a very strong total to defend.
The Superkings' reply got off well with Matt Hayden muscling and bullying his way through, before the advantage of having a Dan Vettori in the bowling line-up and the pure wisdom of bringing in Ashu Nehra in place of Yomahesh showed through. It was a simple plan, brilliantly executed - push the ball in consistently on the semi-yorker length.
MS Dhoni missed a trick again by not pushing Subra Badrinath up the order. Badrinath is a canny customer. He works the ball around intelligently, and once his eye is in, tonks very well. In my opinion, Badrinath at one end, rotating the strike to give the big hitters a chance would have worked. But alas, he came in too late. And Sehwag's brilliant bowling changes, coupled with some fantastic outfield work by David Warner ensured that there would be no last-over heroics from the Chennai team.
In the end, the better bowling side won. Though it put into shade a truly run-choking, wicket-taking spell from Balaji.
Honestly, the next match, in my head at least, was loaded heavily in favour of the glamour team, the Kolkata Knight Riders. Big names, big comments (from their owner) and big expectations. Strangely, the titel holders, Rajasthan Royals, seem to be the underdogs again. Nothing fancy about them, except a genius captain.
KKR could have also had a good captain. But Buchanan, I guess wants a captain who does exactly what he (Buchanan) feels. And the knowledgeable team owner feels that the greatest captain India has had is no longer good-looking, and has receding hair.
But the match itself was something else. KKR choked off the RR innings with some clever bowling. With the 'ugly' Bengali again showing what he can do and Gayle bowling a decisive spell.
Gayle started off the KKR reply in vintage style, but runs weren't easy to come by for the others. Warne showed us what he can achieve with some classic field placing tricks and sheer presence. And can he lead from the front. Give him a fruit-seller from Paharganj who plays a bit of gully cricket, and Warnah will make him perform. That, dear KKR team-owner, is what a captain does.
One sequence will live in memory.Kamran Khan, the eighteen year-old out of nowhere is called up to bowl the last over. Warne cradles his face in his hands and tells him what to do. And the scrawny left-armer delivers in spades. Alas, team owner, if you had only looked into the past of a certain Saurav Chandidas Ganguly, you might actually have taken a better decision on captaincy.
Ganguly batted quite beautifully, the caresses through the off-side interspersed with trademark Ganguly tonks over the straight field.More importantly, he saw off Warne with consummate ease when the leg-spinning genius came back for his second spell. But the pressure Warne was putting on the batsmen at the other end eventually consumed Ganguly. But he proved a point, and how.
Back to Warne. What is it about his leadership that lets him make players rise above their own limitations? How does this team of relative unknowns play like a champion outfit, fighting and slugging it out? How can one man inject professionalism and inspiration into a bunch of unknowns?
Please do answer, John Buchanan and KKR team owner.
The first one was expected to be a classic face-off between two of the muscle teams in the IPL. The Delhi Daredevils' innings was powered by a truly brilliant innings from AB de Villiers. It started off with AB playing rhythm guitar to Tilekeratne Dilshan's robust soloing. And once that ended, the classic soloing began. Full of beautiful phrases straight from the book. Interspersed with some soaring runs and delightful harmonics. At the end of it all, DD had a very strong total to defend.
The Superkings' reply got off well with Matt Hayden muscling and bullying his way through, before the advantage of having a Dan Vettori in the bowling line-up and the pure wisdom of bringing in Ashu Nehra in place of Yomahesh showed through. It was a simple plan, brilliantly executed - push the ball in consistently on the semi-yorker length.
MS Dhoni missed a trick again by not pushing Subra Badrinath up the order. Badrinath is a canny customer. He works the ball around intelligently, and once his eye is in, tonks very well. In my opinion, Badrinath at one end, rotating the strike to give the big hitters a chance would have worked. But alas, he came in too late. And Sehwag's brilliant bowling changes, coupled with some fantastic outfield work by David Warner ensured that there would be no last-over heroics from the Chennai team.
In the end, the better bowling side won. Though it put into shade a truly run-choking, wicket-taking spell from Balaji.
Honestly, the next match, in my head at least, was loaded heavily in favour of the glamour team, the Kolkata Knight Riders. Big names, big comments (from their owner) and big expectations. Strangely, the titel holders, Rajasthan Royals, seem to be the underdogs again. Nothing fancy about them, except a genius captain.
KKR could have also had a good captain. But Buchanan, I guess wants a captain who does exactly what he (Buchanan) feels. And the knowledgeable team owner feels that the greatest captain India has had is no longer good-looking, and has receding hair.
But the match itself was something else. KKR choked off the RR innings with some clever bowling. With the 'ugly' Bengali again showing what he can do and Gayle bowling a decisive spell.
Gayle started off the KKR reply in vintage style, but runs weren't easy to come by for the others. Warne showed us what he can achieve with some classic field placing tricks and sheer presence. And can he lead from the front. Give him a fruit-seller from Paharganj who plays a bit of gully cricket, and Warnah will make him perform. That, dear KKR team-owner, is what a captain does.
One sequence will live in memory.Kamran Khan, the eighteen year-old out of nowhere is called up to bowl the last over. Warne cradles his face in his hands and tells him what to do. And the scrawny left-armer delivers in spades. Alas, team owner, if you had only looked into the past of a certain Saurav Chandidas Ganguly, you might actually have taken a better decision on captaincy.
Ganguly batted quite beautifully, the caresses through the off-side interspersed with trademark Ganguly tonks over the straight field.More importantly, he saw off Warne with consummate ease when the leg-spinning genius came back for his second spell. But the pressure Warne was putting on the batsmen at the other end eventually consumed Ganguly. But he proved a point, and how.
Back to Warne. What is it about his leadership that lets him make players rise above their own limitations? How does this team of relative unknowns play like a champion outfit, fighting and slugging it out? How can one man inject professionalism and inspiration into a bunch of unknowns?
Please do answer, John Buchanan and KKR team owner.
The IPL Athletic Supporter's Note - I
Keep reading from everyone that this edition of IPL isn't as good. And the comments come in various flavours.
My wife thinks that the lack of 'Indian noise' is the reason. Another friend mentioned that it isn't the same without some mad hitting right through the innings. Yet another said that the overseas players last year were better.
I tend to agree with the first two. Yes, the lack of rabid support in the stands does work towards playing down the excitement levels. But there is a lot of noise - here on FB, and elsewhere on mails and chats. There are emotions on display. Maybe in the guise of e-motions, but they are there.
On to the second point. Yes, there are fewer sixes. But the wickets are different. And the grounds are bigger. Bowlers seem to have an honest chance now. But more importantly, the batsmen who are making runs this year are the ones that make runs in other forms of the game too. Or rather, the shooting stars that we saw last year may just need to tighten up their game to suit the new, even IPL.
And that cannot be too bad.
As of now, Dravid, who was so slammed by the general media (sigh, when will they stop trying to be experts in every field?) is the hero for the Royal Challengers who somehow cannot get their team composition right. Gayle snuffed out the Kings XI the other night. Kallis wrote batting poetry in one over from Lakshmipathy Balaji, in a lost battle. Sehwag batted as only he can.
And on the bowling side, we are seeing serious wickets from the spinners and the quicks alike. If anything, it's the fielding that seems to have taken a dip. There have been quite a few dropped catches and misfields this season.
So don't write off IPL 2 just yet.
PS: Reliable reports suggest that the Punjab Kings XI have put a 'supari' out on Messrs. Duckworth and Lewis. And have hired a native Indian named Smoke On The Water to do a rain dance to keep wet equations away.
My wife thinks that the lack of 'Indian noise' is the reason. Another friend mentioned that it isn't the same without some mad hitting right through the innings. Yet another said that the overseas players last year were better.
I tend to agree with the first two. Yes, the lack of rabid support in the stands does work towards playing down the excitement levels. But there is a lot of noise - here on FB, and elsewhere on mails and chats. There are emotions on display. Maybe in the guise of e-motions, but they are there.
On to the second point. Yes, there are fewer sixes. But the wickets are different. And the grounds are bigger. Bowlers seem to have an honest chance now. But more importantly, the batsmen who are making runs this year are the ones that make runs in other forms of the game too. Or rather, the shooting stars that we saw last year may just need to tighten up their game to suit the new, even IPL.
And that cannot be too bad.
As of now, Dravid, who was so slammed by the general media (sigh, when will they stop trying to be experts in every field?) is the hero for the Royal Challengers who somehow cannot get their team composition right. Gayle snuffed out the Kings XI the other night. Kallis wrote batting poetry in one over from Lakshmipathy Balaji, in a lost battle. Sehwag batted as only he can.
And on the bowling side, we are seeing serious wickets from the spinners and the quicks alike. If anything, it's the fielding that seems to have taken a dip. There have been quite a few dropped catches and misfields this season.
So don't write off IPL 2 just yet.
PS: Reliable reports suggest that the Punjab Kings XI have put a 'supari' out on Messrs. Duckworth and Lewis. And have hired a native Indian named Smoke On The Water to do a rain dance to keep wet equations away.
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