Master @ work

With the arrival of MS Dhoni, CSK thought their luck would change but they forgot that they need more than just the luck against the mighty Sachin Tendulkar. Nothing went in favor of CSK yesterday as they lost the toss & as we know CSK loves chasing with many finishers in their side; Sachin took the crucial decision of Bowling first even though MI like to set big totals & defend.

Mangoose failed yet again & I think the attention that Haydos is giving to his bat should be diverted towards his batting. CSK can't afford so many failures from Haydos & it is hurting CSK badly. Raina & Badrinath were involved in a wonderful partnership but it was too slow for CSK's comfort. Managing only 180-2 in 20 overs was simply not enough against an in form MI team and CSK paid the heavy price of not selecting Ntini in their line up once again. Can someone tell me what is wrong with CSK's think tank; I really am confused.

Without Jayasuriya many thought MI have a weak opening pair but Dhawan has performed well for them with Sachin showing his true class. Just for the record he has scored three half centuries this season & won three man of the match awards, he was injured in the first IPL, had a sloppy form in the second but he is more than making up for it this time.

CSK seems to have only one player in their bowling line up Murali; and his duel against Sachin was the something to cherish for the Sachin fans. Deft touches for doubles & a mighty six when MI badly needed it; mind you it was Sachin's first six of this IPL. Pollard also played his part with a little cameo of 20 off 9 balls, including a six which is hard to describe, it was just amazing.

I m just keeping my fingers crossed for a special Pollard innings when the chips are down for Mumbai Indians and I hope he delivers.

Ala re Sachin Ala

Sometimes watchin Sachin bat makes you wonder how are you gonna enjoy the cricket after he has retired. Yesterday against KKR he showed his brilliance by guiding his team to yet another victory. Mind you this was the first time MI were chasing a score in this year's IPL & I think Sachin has don the cap of being the finisher by staying there till the end.

KKR needs McCullum badly as he is the only batsman to whom nothing matters; neither the conditions, nor the situation. Even the Calypso king was a bit jittery in the beginning of the innings & took more than enough time to come to his true colors. Dada should know by now that this in all probability is his last IPL coz frankly I dont see anything that KKR can gain out of him; he should quitely quit & become the coach.

MI are the most balanced team of this year & the way they executed their plans of bowling yorkers to Gayle was amazing, i had never seen so many of them in 20-20; even bhajji bowled around 18 yorkers out of his quota of 24. Now thats what I call the commitment of the team, making a plan & executing it to perfection.

The only positive to come out of the match for KKR was Dada's stupendous catch; it would be interesting to see if he has completed his quota for the tournament in fielding or not, he he he...

Sachin's strokeplay reminded me of the late 90's when every bowler in the world feared him, his straight drives, cover drives, backfoot punch & some slogs over mid wicket; this innnings had everything. You deserve to win IPL this year MI just for the sheer brilliance of the little master. Lets keep the fingers crossed