A Table Wide Open

We are down to the last two weeks of the Indian Premier League and we still aren’t able to pick atleast 3 teams who will definitely make it to the knock out phase of the tournament. Mumbai have made amends from the previous two seasons and have booked their place in the semis with a win over Rajasthan on Sunday. The other three teams that will be a part of the semi final line-up are uncertain. All the teams except Punjab have a realistic chance of making the semis. Punjab has a slight mathematical chance but they need lady luck to shine on them big time and also influence the results of the other games.
When I have a look at the IPL table, it reminds me of a gate that is wide open. There is enough chance for a lot of teams to get through. With Deccan winning over Bangalore we have four teams with 12 points namely, Deccan, Bangalore, Rajasthan and Delhi. Chennai and Kolkata have 10 points to their name and they also have a chance to make it to the semis if they win all their matches. Even two wins may do it for them but they wouldn’t like to leave it to a net run rate situation. Bangalore are still second and they should qualify easily if they win their next two games. This is because they have a healthy net run rate. At +0.34 they should try to wrap up their next two games which are against Rajasthan at Jaipur and Mumbai at Bangalore. The game against Rajasthan will decide the fate of the two teams. Both teams have to win to book their places in the semis and not leave it to net run rates. The game is even more important for Rajasthan as they do not have a very good net run rate. Rajasthan have to win this game more than Bangalore. Bangalore can still make it to the semis by winning their last game against Mumbai but they wouldn’t like to leave it too late. Tomorrow we will come to know if Rajasthan are still alive in the tournament. If they lose tomorrow then they are all but knocked out unless results of other games affect their fate.
Kolkata take on Chennai in Chennai tomorrow. Both teams are on 10 points but Chennai are ahead with a positive net run rate. If Chennai looses, they would have to win their next two games handsomely to have a chance to make it to the semis. If Kolkata loses then they have to win their two games even more comprehensively. Tomorrow’s game is very crucial for both teams but I think Chennai will fancy their chances as Kolkata have struggled a little and public comments by Ganguly and Whatmore will not help their confidence. We have to see if the KKR players get motivated by these comments and put up a commendable performance. Their line up looks strong but I think their bowling needs more attentions. Karthik is doing well and Dinda was good in the game against Delhi but they need a combined effort from their bowlers. Their first task would be to keep Vijay and Hayden quiet and then take on the rest of the batting order. Kolkata’s top order looks strong but I think Ganguly should play a little faster. We have seen that he can turn it on in this format and if he does so then Kolkata will feel confident. Chennai too have to worry about their bowling. Bollinger has strengthened the attack but yet again he needs more support from the other bowlers. Their batting line up is strong and shouldn’t be a worry.
Delhi will take on Mumbai tomorrow at Brabourne. It will be interesting to see if Mumbai make any changes to their line up. I think Graham Napier should get a game. The all rounder has shown his talent in New Zealand and England and certainly deserves a look in before the semi finals. An area of concern for Mumbai has been the keeping. Tare was dropped after inconsistent performances with the bat and he should get a look in again as Rayadu doesn’t look very comfortable doing the job. Tare can bat well as we saw in the first few games so it may not be a bad idea to give him another go. Delhi on the other hand will be glad to be away from Kotla. The Brabourne pitch will provide them a good chance with both bat and ball. Delhi can make one change by bringing in Dilshan instead of Warner. I think they should open with Sehwag and Gambhir and Dilshan should come at No.3. Dilshan is a game changer and he can strike form anytime. He may have had a bad outing but if Delhi are to ensure a semi final spot, this is a gamble they have to take.
That’s it from me now but all I have to say is that we are to witness a few thrilling days of cricket in the IPL. The next few days are going to be the best days the league has seen. But I have two names for you Mumbai and Punjab, and I say this because they are still crucial to this table as they may spoil a few parties here.
Till then….Adios.