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.