So its week 2 of the IPL and its well on it’s way. I couldn’t get to covering this from the get go as i would have liked but here’s a start for the IPL. And it’s been a tight unpredictable affair (but then that’s 20-20). Consider some of the astonishing facts.
1. Biggest Surprise: KKR wins two on the trot – against the 2 finalists from last years version. Then goes on to lose the next two games – hammered by Chennai and even by the un fancied Rajasthan Royals.
2. 200 is nothing: Mumbai scores 212 and almost loses the game (Yusuf plays the innings of his life to get them within one stroke of victory). Punjab Kings XI scores 200+ & does lose the game.
3. Play ’mate’ of the year: A bizarre selection of Damien Martyn by Shane Warne for the Royals. Retired in 2006; 39 years of age, last played ODI Nov 2006, last played T20 in 2008 for the under-par ICL. No clear rationale except Shane wanted an Australian ‘mate’ in the dressing room for the 6 weeks in India
4. A royal dose of bad luck: The Rajasthan royals had this last year as well but this time its quite bizarre. Even before the start Ravindra Jadeja got banned for 12 months; then Graeme Smith & Dmitri Mascarenhas got injured and now there’s a risk that Shane Watson (who they don't have till Apr 1 in any case may be injured). And of course their strange selections.
5. Most notable underperformers: Has to be the Delhi Daredevils duo of AB De Villiers and Dilshan. Stars from 2009; this duo has underperformed so much (Dilshan has two ducks and hasn't scored over 20 in his first 4 games – the ugly hoick here says it all) that the only reason they are still in the team is Gambhir’s injury.
As a team though it’s got to be the Kings XI – Preity Zinta needs to find some special way to motivate the players.
6. The charge of the ‘old brigade’: The oldies aren’t doing too badly in the young man’s game. From 5 Captains (Tendu, Dada, Gilly, Kumble, Warnie) ; some big hitters in Symonds & Hayden & leading wicket takers in Vaaz & Kumble .
7. Exception to the rule: VVS Laxman & Damien Martyn: embarrassing exceptions – completely confused in trying to modify their classy game and come across as a bunch of sloggers who are in the wrong stadium. Thankfully Laxman was put out of his misery as he was injured due to a freak throw from a Punjab fielder.
8. The revelation of the tournament: Jacque Kallis. What can i say – nobody has been able to get him out in 4 innings (aggregating over 250 runs already and wickets to boot). For someone who endured so much abuse in 2008 to turn in around to be the player of the tournament so far – simply outstanding. In fact i think he may be the best player of the last 12 months overall – but more on that in another post…
For now – the IPL is well on its way and is unpredictable - however i think will become more predictable as it goes along and we’ll know the top 4 by week 3.
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