So its largely going to be a day of no upsides for the 4 teams that play tomorrow. Winning doesnt mean anything really but losing can really hurt (for the most part).
1. Chennai: They need to win at least 4/6 games , maybe 5 more. So while beating the Rajasthan Royals will be a relief tomorrow it's really about not losing any more games. If they lose it will be incredibly hard to make up. The good news for them is that they have Hussey and Bollinger back but unsure if they will play both after the long flight. Chennai will win tomorrow unless...
2. Rajasthan Royals: are inspired to prove Gautam Gambhir wrong. Side story but not sure he really meant to insult the Royals when he made the comment that except Yusuf Pathan , the rest of them were 'ordinary'. But truth be told - they are bits and pieces players who on average are just that. Average. At 8 points a win can reallty help them right? Wrong - they are destined to be the heartbreak story forever so they will always come close to being in the semis (maybe even lose on run rate very narrowly) . Such is their consistently inconsistent brilliance that even if they win tomorrow it will mean nothing. But i think they will lose tomorrow (and then come back to beat Mumbai).
3. Deccan Chargers: Another downside only story. Winning is critical but doesnt mean much. They too need to win 4,5 more games - only advantage is they have 7 games; one more than most. So losing tomorrow is less damaging than for the Super Kings. Ryan Harris seems to be the hot favorite to replace Kemar Roach (8 overs, 80 odd runs and no wickets). But its not going to be about the bowling - its all about whether Gilly, Gibbs & Symonds fire - like really fire ; I am talking150+ strike rate. And i think Gilly will set the stage.
4. Mumbai Indians: In an odd sort of way, i think that there's only downside for the Indians if they win tomorrow. It means that the law of averages will catch up, it would mean that they havent really experimented much and that they will get cocky (Bhajji is already talking up being the first team to qualify etc). So for their own good, i hope they lose. I hope they try Duminy, perhaps mix up the order to give both West Indians batting practice and also perhaps rest some of their fast bowlers. But i think Tendulkar will play safe till at least 7 games (maybe 8) are won. And i dont think thats a good sign.
In any case , none of the results tomorrow will impact my semi finals prediction (MI, DD, RCB, KKR) while Chennai (and maybe Deccan) could knock themselves out if they have a poor day in the field.
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