Ahmedabad was the host to a blistering knock by Virender Sehwag. Delhi Daredevils recorded their second win of the tournament by beating Rajasthan Royals comprehensively at the Sardar Patel Stadium, Motera. Ahmedabad hosted it’s first ever IPL match and couldn’t bring any luck to Rajasthan Royals as its new home ground. However, it provided an opportunity to a million moths to witness Sehwag smashing the ball all over the park. Even on television we could see that there were many insects, especially moths flying around and were causing a few problems to the players. Royals’ batsman Paras Dogra had to withdraw twice as he was disturbed by these flying creatures. Farveez Mahroof told Pommie Mbangwa that it was difficult for the bowlers while they were running in to bowl. Thus, the IPL and the BCCI have to try to find a solution to this problem soon so that it does not hamper the players’ performance.
Firstly, we have to remember that the Sardar Patel Stadium, Motera stands on the banks of the river Sabarmati. Thus, in the banks around the river, it is obvious that such creatures would be breeding. Secondly, the match played under lights would definitely attract these insects. It is important for the administrators to find a solution to this problem. The bowlers are finding it difficult to run in and the batsmen may have these insects in their eyes quite a few times. The fielders however, have a luxury of putting on the night shades to protect their eyes. Rajasthan are to play 4 home games at this venue, let us see if there is any improvement in the current situation.
The moths were in no way a problem to Virender Sehwag. He batted just the way he knows to and was seeing the ball like a football out there. The shot to welcome Munaf Patel in the attack is by far the shot of the day. The ball was a touch over pitched and he hit it straight over the bowler’s head for maximum (or DLF maximum if I may say so). Rajasthan had a good start but lost wickets in a heap. Mishra did well to get Naman Ojha as he really looked in an aggressive mood. Jhunjhunwala had to play slowly with the wickets falling but played a good knock. Under normal circumstances he may have had the chance to play more freely. He was well supported by Dogra who scored 29. This just goes on to show how Shane Warne backs the young players. He gives them confidence and had injected a never say die attitude in the team. During the first season we saw the likes of Asnodkar and Jadeja doing well and in the second season we say Naman Ojha and Kamran Khan coming to the scene. Warne is an inspirational captain and has the tendency to get the best out of his players. I think his contribution to IPL in the last two seasons has been great as he has unearthed some real talent from the Indian domestic circuit. On the other hand, the star of the first match Yusuf Pathan failed to repeat his antics. There was a huge cheer around the ground when he walked out but was out without troubling the scorers. There is time in the tournament and he is the kind of player who can be destructive anytime. We just have to see if we can see more antics from him this season. The Royals camp will be worried with injuries to Smith, Pathan and Mascarenhas. The extent of their injuries is not known but it would be a huge blow to them if all three are unavailable for the next game. This means that we will see Damien Martyn for the first time in Royals colours and it will be good to watch him bat again.
That’s all for the moment, will be back after Chennai Vs Kolkata at 4PM and Punjab vs. Bangalore at 8. Now will we see the mongoose tomorrow or will it continue to hide from us???
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