Congrats Deccan! What a final, down to the very last over. It was a fitting end to a very successful tournament - last year's worst team is now the champions.
This year's tournament had a few similarities to last year's: the team least favored to take the cup before the commencement of the season grabbed the cup; the highest scorers were left-handed Australians; the highest wicket takers were left-arm fast bowlers; the Man-of-the-Series went to Austalians; the Man-of-the-finals went to Indians. I wonder what next year would have in store for us.
Now for a look at the overall statistics, to draft an IPL 2009 team.
The openers should be a no-brainer: the famous pair of Gilchrist and Hayden would be anyone's pick for the best opening pair this season. Its amazing how they have reproduced their form of old this season - after retiring from the game.
The number three slot is a very important slot in any form of the game. Deciding the best number 3 batsman this year is thus the toughest choice. Raina was good for Chennai but probably a touch inconsistent. Dilshan played in many positions in the middle order for Delhi and was very successful. I would thus place him at number three as he is good at counter-attacking or defending, depending on the situation at hand.
A.B. De Villiers was Delhi's best batsman and should take fourth spot. He is very reliable and plays according to the situation too. His ability to rotate the strike and strike the big sixes would make him an asset to any team.
Rohit Sharma was voted as the best under-23 Indian player, and I think he highly deserved it, as he was one of the best all-rounders this season. He thus would be my number 5 batsman - another important slot and this batsman is responsible for either providing stability to the middle of the innings, or for being the finisher, and Rohit has those qualities.
Numbers 6 and 7 would be all-rounders, and I think J.P. Duminy and Brad Hodge would be perfect candidates. Duminy made the most number of fifties along with Hayden, and showed great composure when Mumbhai were struggling. Hodge was Kolkata's stand-out player and deserves mention. Even though these were not the respective positions for these players, they are talented enough to fit these roles well.
The next four positions would of course go to specialist bowlers. Purple-cap holder RP Singh should be shoo-in for anybody's IPL team. P.Ojha was also outstanding and would be ideal to choke the batsmen in the middle overs. Anil Kumble was tremendous this season and I would make him the captain as well as he was the main catalyst for the resurgence of Bangalore. Finally I will have Malinga as my strike-bowler: very good at the beginning and death overs.
My IPL XI:
Gilchrist (wk)
Hayden
T. Dilshan
A.B. De Villiers
Rohit Sharma
J.P. Duminy
B. Hodge
A. Kumble (c)
P. Ojha
R.P. Singh
L. Malinga
Monday, May 25, 2009
Sunday, May 24, 2009
THE FAIRY TALE CONTINUES.....
If a list of possible finalists were made at the beginning of IPL 2009, Deccan vs Bangalore would definitely be the last entry, because they were the worst teams last year. The reversal of their fortunes have been unbelievable - much like Rajasthan's story last year, which goes to show how unpredictable T20 is.
Both teams have had contrasting journeys this season, with Deccan having a great start which helped them stay in the top four throughout, while Bangalore peaked at the business end of the tournament to leap to third place. Deccan rely on individuals to make the major contributions, while Bangalore plays together as a team. Both are led by retired legends - one an ever dependable work-horse who wasn't expected to adjust to the faster format of the game, the other a renowned Superstar. Both teams have been the biggest success stories this season, and my feeling is that the champions would be the team who holds their nerve in tonight's tussle.
It's been a fascinating tournament. On paper I feel Deccan would be favorites. But Bangalore are in better form - having won their last 5 games on the trot. May the best team win.
Both teams have had contrasting journeys this season, with Deccan having a great start which helped them stay in the top four throughout, while Bangalore peaked at the business end of the tournament to leap to third place. Deccan rely on individuals to make the major contributions, while Bangalore plays together as a team. Both are led by retired legends - one an ever dependable work-horse who wasn't expected to adjust to the faster format of the game, the other a renowned Superstar. Both teams have been the biggest success stories this season, and my feeling is that the champions would be the team who holds their nerve in tonight's tussle.
It's been a fascinating tournament. On paper I feel Deccan would be favorites. But Bangalore are in better form - having won their last 5 games on the trot. May the best team win.
Friday, May 22, 2009
NOW FOR THE KNOCK OUT STAGE
A Look at the Semis
It has been an exhausting month of non-stop action. There have been plenty close games, great performances on the field, drama off the field, controversies, and great crowds in the great South African grounds - which I think was the most surprising; but it is definitely great to see that the IPL has been a HUGE hit in South Africa. Kudos to the organizers.
We are now at the business end of the tournament, and the best 4 teams will be locking horns to reach the Finals on Sunday. Delhi, the pre-tournament favorites, are still the favorites to grab the glittering trophy. Chennai have probably been the best batting side and are the favorites to take the other spot in the finals. Deccan and Bangalore were the worst teams last year but have gone against all odds to make it to the semis this year.
Review of the league stage
Kolkata
They had a terrible time this IPL, on and off the field. Their coach was talking about having multiple captains, but the captain for the whole tournament was one who had no previous experience in the post and was subsequently blamed for the team's poor performances.
Nevertheless they did very well in their last two games to end on a high - in the process knocking out defending champions Rajasthan out of the competition. If they can sort out their problems, have a different captain, and field a much better team next year, they can definitely do better.
Why they missed out - They were most probably distracted by the many controversies that were unnecessarily surrounding the team. Shah Ruh Khan should have made a better effort to raise the team's spirits (or rather, he should have made some effort). They had too many coaches (yes, unsurprisingly). And they didn't field a very good team - Agarkar was given too many chances though he failed in the beginning of the tournament. Langevelt wasn't given a chance till his last game. Mendis should probably have been used in more games.
Best Players - KKR were good in their batting, esp Hodge who was their most consistent. Mccullum played well too in their last few games, esp their game against Chennai when we saw flashbacks of his 150 in IPL's very first game.
Mumbhai Indians
They were definitely the under performers this year, because on paper they probably had the most balanced team. When they won, they did so convincingly. They lost too many close games, much like last year, and it is proven by the fact that their net run rate at the end of the league was almost the same as Delhi's - the best team. They were IPL's chokers.
Why they missed out - Had they won those close matches, Mumbhai would definitely have been in the semis. Their bowling was good, but their batting too inconsistent, with alot of reliance on Tendulkar and Jayasuriya to give them a good start - the latter being their biggest disappointment.
Best Players - Duminy was their best batsman, and even made 5 half centuries - 3 in losing causes. Malinga was a Purple cap holder for a few games during the tournament as he was one of the most difficult bowlers to hit the big shots against, esp at the death overs.
Rajasthan Royals
The fairy tale couldn't continue this time. The Royals were too inconsistent in the tournament and though their players still showed the same skills and hunger to win as last year they failed to meet expectations, right from their first game when they made 50-odd against Bangalore.
Why they missed out - Their batting was weak, esp with Asnodkar and Greame Smith not firing at the top. Yusuf Pathan was devastating during the first half of the tournament but lost form at the crucial second half.
Best Players - Warne was still the astute captain he was last year, and was Rajasthan's highest wicket taker. Ravindra Jadeja showed that he is a good all-rounder, while Y. Pathan showed that he is one of the most dangerous batsman in T20 cricket.
Kings XI Punjab
They were the secont best team in the league stage last year, but this year they were a weaker team. They did put together some good performances, and I think their best was when they almost chased down 180-odd against Chennai; even though they lost it showed their immense self belief and hunger for victory.
Why they missed out - Inconsistency of their players was the reason for their downfall. They also missed Jayawardena who was injured and didn't play their last few games.
Best Players - Jayawardena was their best batsman, which was why he was deeply missed during the business end of the tournament. Irfan Pathan, though better with the ball, showed his worth as an all-rounder. Yuvraj Singh was inconsistent with the bat but when he scored, he was brutal. He also showed that he is a handy bowler by doing the unexpected feat of claiming two hat-tricks in the tournament.
Deccan Chargers
They won their first 4 games, but got inconsistent after. They do have match-winners in their team and they have shown more confidence than last year.
Strengths - They have strong performers who can make Deccan win against any team - RP Singh and P. Ojha with the ball; Gilchrist, Symonds, Gibbs and Sharma with the bat. On paper they have a strong line-up.
Best Players - RP Singh is the tournament's purple cap holder, while Ojha has been very good too. Their top order batsmen have made contributions in the tournament, esp Rohit Sharma who played a couple of gems when the going was tough.
Bangalor Royal Challengers
They are definitely the surprise package in this year's edition. They didn't have a good start to the tournament but once Anil Kumble vbecame captain things turned around amazingly for the Royal Challenges. Consecutive victories towards the end of the tournament ensured that they go into the semis as one of the teams in form.
Strengths - They have got a balanced side, with different players contributing to the team's success. Kallis esp has been consistent as an all-rounder and is well supported by the other batsmen and bowlers. Anil Kumble's captaincy has also been the catalyst for their resurgence.
Best Players - Kallis is their main all-rounder, Kumble their main strike bowler. Ross Taylor and Boucher have also made important knocks with the bat.
Chennai Super Kings
They didn't have the best of starts to the tournament, but with M.S. Dhoni you can always expect a change in fortunes to occur at any time. He has led them well, and has got the tournament's highest scorer. They are favorites to go to the finals.
Strengths - They are a batting-heavy side.
Best Players - Definitely Mathew Hayden, who is showing very good form. Dhoni and Raina have also been good with the bat.
Delhi Dare Devils
They have been the most consistent performers with the bat and have lived upto the tag of being the pre-tournament favorites. They have a good all-round team and having players like McGrath and Vettori warming the bench just shows how strong their team is.
Strengths - Last year it was their openers. This year it is their middle order. A.B De Villiers has been outstanding, with Dinesh Karthik and esp T. Dilshan giving him good support. Their opening bowlers - Dirk Nannes and Ashish Nehra, have also done well.
Best Players - Nehra is their best bowler, and has consistently taken wickets at the beginning of the innings, while A.B De Velliers and Dilshan have been their best batsmen.
It has been an exhausting month of non-stop action. There have been plenty close games, great performances on the field, drama off the field, controversies, and great crowds in the great South African grounds - which I think was the most surprising; but it is definitely great to see that the IPL has been a HUGE hit in South Africa. Kudos to the organizers.
We are now at the business end of the tournament, and the best 4 teams will be locking horns to reach the Finals on Sunday. Delhi, the pre-tournament favorites, are still the favorites to grab the glittering trophy. Chennai have probably been the best batting side and are the favorites to take the other spot in the finals. Deccan and Bangalore were the worst teams last year but have gone against all odds to make it to the semis this year.
Review of the league stage
Kolkata
They had a terrible time this IPL, on and off the field. Their coach was talking about having multiple captains, but the captain for the whole tournament was one who had no previous experience in the post and was subsequently blamed for the team's poor performances.
Nevertheless they did very well in their last two games to end on a high - in the process knocking out defending champions Rajasthan out of the competition. If they can sort out their problems, have a different captain, and field a much better team next year, they can definitely do better.
Why they missed out - They were most probably distracted by the many controversies that were unnecessarily surrounding the team. Shah Ruh Khan should have made a better effort to raise the team's spirits (or rather, he should have made some effort). They had too many coaches (yes, unsurprisingly). And they didn't field a very good team - Agarkar was given too many chances though he failed in the beginning of the tournament. Langevelt wasn't given a chance till his last game. Mendis should probably have been used in more games.
Best Players - KKR were good in their batting, esp Hodge who was their most consistent. Mccullum played well too in their last few games, esp their game against Chennai when we saw flashbacks of his 150 in IPL's very first game.
Mumbhai Indians
They were definitely the under performers this year, because on paper they probably had the most balanced team. When they won, they did so convincingly. They lost too many close games, much like last year, and it is proven by the fact that their net run rate at the end of the league was almost the same as Delhi's - the best team. They were IPL's chokers.
Why they missed out - Had they won those close matches, Mumbhai would definitely have been in the semis. Their bowling was good, but their batting too inconsistent, with alot of reliance on Tendulkar and Jayasuriya to give them a good start - the latter being their biggest disappointment.
Best Players - Duminy was their best batsman, and even made 5 half centuries - 3 in losing causes. Malinga was a Purple cap holder for a few games during the tournament as he was one of the most difficult bowlers to hit the big shots against, esp at the death overs.
Rajasthan Royals
The fairy tale couldn't continue this time. The Royals were too inconsistent in the tournament and though their players still showed the same skills and hunger to win as last year they failed to meet expectations, right from their first game when they made 50-odd against Bangalore.
Why they missed out - Their batting was weak, esp with Asnodkar and Greame Smith not firing at the top. Yusuf Pathan was devastating during the first half of the tournament but lost form at the crucial second half.
Best Players - Warne was still the astute captain he was last year, and was Rajasthan's highest wicket taker. Ravindra Jadeja showed that he is a good all-rounder, while Y. Pathan showed that he is one of the most dangerous batsman in T20 cricket.
Kings XI Punjab
They were the secont best team in the league stage last year, but this year they were a weaker team. They did put together some good performances, and I think their best was when they almost chased down 180-odd against Chennai; even though they lost it showed their immense self belief and hunger for victory.
Why they missed out - Inconsistency of their players was the reason for their downfall. They also missed Jayawardena who was injured and didn't play their last few games.
Best Players - Jayawardena was their best batsman, which was why he was deeply missed during the business end of the tournament. Irfan Pathan, though better with the ball, showed his worth as an all-rounder. Yuvraj Singh was inconsistent with the bat but when he scored, he was brutal. He also showed that he is a handy bowler by doing the unexpected feat of claiming two hat-tricks in the tournament.
Deccan Chargers
They won their first 4 games, but got inconsistent after. They do have match-winners in their team and they have shown more confidence than last year.
Strengths - They have strong performers who can make Deccan win against any team - RP Singh and P. Ojha with the ball; Gilchrist, Symonds, Gibbs and Sharma with the bat. On paper they have a strong line-up.
Best Players - RP Singh is the tournament's purple cap holder, while Ojha has been very good too. Their top order batsmen have made contributions in the tournament, esp Rohit Sharma who played a couple of gems when the going was tough.
Bangalor Royal Challengers
They are definitely the surprise package in this year's edition. They didn't have a good start to the tournament but once Anil Kumble vbecame captain things turned around amazingly for the Royal Challenges. Consecutive victories towards the end of the tournament ensured that they go into the semis as one of the teams in form.
Strengths - They have got a balanced side, with different players contributing to the team's success. Kallis esp has been consistent as an all-rounder and is well supported by the other batsmen and bowlers. Anil Kumble's captaincy has also been the catalyst for their resurgence.
Best Players - Kallis is their main all-rounder, Kumble their main strike bowler. Ross Taylor and Boucher have also made important knocks with the bat.
Chennai Super Kings
They didn't have the best of starts to the tournament, but with M.S. Dhoni you can always expect a change in fortunes to occur at any time. He has led them well, and has got the tournament's highest scorer. They are favorites to go to the finals.
Strengths - They are a batting-heavy side.
Best Players - Definitely Mathew Hayden, who is showing very good form. Dhoni and Raina have also been good with the bat.
Delhi Dare Devils
They have been the most consistent performers with the bat and have lived upto the tag of being the pre-tournament favorites. They have a good all-round team and having players like McGrath and Vettori warming the bench just shows how strong their team is.
Strengths - Last year it was their openers. This year it is their middle order. A.B De Villiers has been outstanding, with Dinesh Karthik and esp T. Dilshan giving him good support. Their opening bowlers - Dirk Nannes and Ashish Nehra, have also done well.
Best Players - Nehra is their best bowler, and has consistently taken wickets at the beginning of the innings, while A.B De Velliers and Dilshan have been their best batsmen.
Thursday, May 07, 2009
END OF THE FIRST HALF
Last year, half-way into the IPL we had an idea who would be the teams to beat in the competition. This year, 7 teams have a realistic chance of making the top 4. Contests have been tighter and every match is vital to all teams.
PROBABLE SEMI FINALISTS
Tough to say at this moment. Pre-tournament favorites Delhi have done well to keep that tag as they have lost the least number of matches. If they keep their momentum going they can end on the top of the table.
Deccan had a wonderful start, then lost their way by losing 3 games in a row but with their last win against Mumbhai they have shown that they are very determined to reach the final four.
Chennai didn't have the best of starts in the beginning of the tournament, but have won their last 3 games and seem to have finally decided on their perfect combination, team-wise.
Rajasthan have shown the magic they show-cased in last year's tournament, despite not being as consistent. The possession of some very talented cricketers, no less Yusuf Pathan, continues to make Rajasthan a powerful force in the IPL.
BIGGEST FLOP(S)
Enough has been said about Kolkata's mis-fortunes this season. They have won only one game, and it is very unlikely that they will make the top 4. I think Ganguly should be given the reins back - he is one player who has the ability to lift a team as he has shown in the past.
A number of players too have disappointed this season, either on the base of their reputation or form last year. Andrew Flintoff and Pieterson, bought for huge chunks this year, have not performed to standard. Jesse Ryder was tipped to be this year's Shane Watson but he has been no-where close. Jayasuriya has had a good strike rate but his average is poor. Greame Smith had a bad tournament until his last game. Harbajan has not been among the wickets, and Gony hasn't been as effective as last year.
Probably the biggest flop is McCullum, who really hasn't made any worthy contribution since his 100 in the IPL's very first game.
PLAYERS MISSING IN ACTION
Most Aussies have been missing due to their tournament against Pakistan, but would be joining their respective teams after it is over. The English and West Indians just left to play against each other. Non of the Bangladeshis have got a game.
Mcgrath hasn't had a chance to play yet due to Delhi's good bowling attack. Ntini hasn't played a game as well as Dhoni wants to stick with his current quartet of foreigners.
And of course, Pakistan.
BIGGEST SURPRISES
Who said T20 is not a place for spinners? Anil Kumble and P. Ojha have been among the wickets, and not many would have expected them to be tough bowlers in this format. The same goes for the unknown Jakati, who has grabbed two 4-wicket hauls in just two games.
Kallis had a terrible tournament last year, but is amongst the runs this year, thereby defying critics who have said that he is not suitable for this format. Dilshan is said to be one of the most underrated batsmen and he has shown why by being Delhi's best batsman in a team full of other big names at the top of the order.
For me, the biggest surprise is Hayden. He had a horrible time with the bat just before retirement, but at present he is batting like the Hayden of old. One of the most important wickets to get in the IPL.
MY BEST XI
(4 foreign players only allowed in team)
Hayden
Tendulkar
Raina
Dilshan
Y Pathan
MS Dhoni (wk/c)
Jakati
RP Singh
P Ojha
Malinga
Y Abdulla
PROBABLE SEMI FINALISTS
Tough to say at this moment. Pre-tournament favorites Delhi have done well to keep that tag as they have lost the least number of matches. If they keep their momentum going they can end on the top of the table.
Deccan had a wonderful start, then lost their way by losing 3 games in a row but with their last win against Mumbhai they have shown that they are very determined to reach the final four.
Chennai didn't have the best of starts in the beginning of the tournament, but have won their last 3 games and seem to have finally decided on their perfect combination, team-wise.
Rajasthan have shown the magic they show-cased in last year's tournament, despite not being as consistent. The possession of some very talented cricketers, no less Yusuf Pathan, continues to make Rajasthan a powerful force in the IPL.
BIGGEST FLOP(S)
Enough has been said about Kolkata's mis-fortunes this season. They have won only one game, and it is very unlikely that they will make the top 4. I think Ganguly should be given the reins back - he is one player who has the ability to lift a team as he has shown in the past.
A number of players too have disappointed this season, either on the base of their reputation or form last year. Andrew Flintoff and Pieterson, bought for huge chunks this year, have not performed to standard. Jesse Ryder was tipped to be this year's Shane Watson but he has been no-where close. Jayasuriya has had a good strike rate but his average is poor. Greame Smith had a bad tournament until his last game. Harbajan has not been among the wickets, and Gony hasn't been as effective as last year.
Probably the biggest flop is McCullum, who really hasn't made any worthy contribution since his 100 in the IPL's very first game.
PLAYERS MISSING IN ACTION
Most Aussies have been missing due to their tournament against Pakistan, but would be joining their respective teams after it is over. The English and West Indians just left to play against each other. Non of the Bangladeshis have got a game.
Mcgrath hasn't had a chance to play yet due to Delhi's good bowling attack. Ntini hasn't played a game as well as Dhoni wants to stick with his current quartet of foreigners.
And of course, Pakistan.
BIGGEST SURPRISES
Who said T20 is not a place for spinners? Anil Kumble and P. Ojha have been among the wickets, and not many would have expected them to be tough bowlers in this format. The same goes for the unknown Jakati, who has grabbed two 4-wicket hauls in just two games.
Kallis had a terrible tournament last year, but is amongst the runs this year, thereby defying critics who have said that he is not suitable for this format. Dilshan is said to be one of the most underrated batsmen and he has shown why by being Delhi's best batsman in a team full of other big names at the top of the order.
For me, the biggest surprise is Hayden. He had a horrible time with the bat just before retirement, but at present he is batting like the Hayden of old. One of the most important wickets to get in the IPL.
MY BEST XI
(4 foreign players only allowed in team)
Hayden
Tendulkar
Raina
Dilshan
Y Pathan
MS Dhoni (wk/c)
Jakati
RP Singh
P Ojha
Malinga
Y Abdulla
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