madhouse musings! » cricket

Bangalore Royal Challengers register a win on home grounds!

nandini — Sat, 03 May 2008 11:43:00 +0000

The body language of RC boys seemed much better today. Finally, it had to take Jumbo to come to the rescue. Well, though he gave out too many runs, that last over was a roller coaster of emotions for all the Royal Challengers fans… At the end, alls well. Rahul Dravid is loved by all again. The fire crackers in Bangalore finally were lighted! Much required, good win by Bangalore by 3 runs. Too bad, Deccan Chargers – try some recharge.

As I write this post I am watching a super-duper of a match Punjab Royals vs. Kolkotta Knight Riders. What a match! What a match! Kolkotta just became the only team in T20 to loose 4 wickets in 5 overs! The energy, the zeal, the comeback by Punjab after their shaky batting is wonderful… As I get back to watching the match, I already know Punjab is winning this evening, with a great treat of cricket. But, in a T20 match, you never know till the last ball is bowled… watching on!

So close, yet so far!

nandini — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 12:32:00 +0000

When the Delhi Daredevils set to bat today, i thought it was a tough bet for Bangalore Royal Challengers… the last 5 overs in the first innings, i began to believe that Royal Challengers may stand a chance.

In the second innings, i thought it was Win time finally for the Mallaya boys. They had everything going right, but, as it had to be… Bangalore lost by 10 runs.

The only consolation, this is the closest Bangalore has got to a win. Ask Rahul Dravid, he says, we are gelling as a team… we should get things working now and win all the games we play from now on.

Duh! What a thing to say, after you’ve played half a dozen games and half way into the tournament!

Delhi Daredevils performed well, with great zeal and style!

Mumbai Indians – Victory Finally!

nandini — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 13:35:00 +0000

For a team that has its ace player injured a team that got caught in the midst of a controversy of a slugfest, for a team that was doing all but winning… Today’s win comes as a big relief.

Though the times were desperate, the Mumbai Indians could have easily crumbled like the Royal Challengers, they had everything that could go against them – Tendulkar not playing, damaged by Bhajji’s controversy, playing on Kolkotta grounds with jam packed fanatic spectators, facing the fierce Knight Riders who have displayed immense grit and passion from their first game!

They had a great game strategy in place, curtail the opponent from scoring and then attack by not giving away wickets. The first innings did go well, as they managed to curtail the Knight Riders to a realistic total. But, the initial batting line gave in to excellent bowling attack of Saurav’s team. There was time when Mumbai was loosing out, but Bravo and Utappa stood sturdy and quick leading the team to victory.

Though the first victory, for a team amidst all of the pressure and emotional upheaval, it is indeed commendable! And now the Ambani’s have more reasons to smile…

Indian Cricket’s Mr.Dependable, The Wall – T20’s Bane?

nandini — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 13:20:00 +0000

Amidst the festivities of a brand new format, glamorous owners, sexy cheerleaders and unimaginable amounts of money, the game of cricket is witnessing a new change – perhaps a much needed change. What with controversies muddying ODI World Cup formats, advertisers loosing interest in backing Test Cricket and the whole business of cricket growing stale?

As I walk away witnessing Match No. 15 in the T20 tournament, I am left with one question in my mind. What does MS Dhoni, Saurav Ganguli, Shane Warne have that Rahul Dravid seems lacking? Barring MS, all other captains are Dravid’s peers or perhaps a little senior. So, the argument of age and adaption doesn’t belong here. Nor does the argument of politics and unfair judgment fully apply. So, what the heck is wrong with Dravid and his Bangalore Royal Challengers?

From the start of this tournament, I have noticed a lack of team spirit among the players of Bangalore Challengers. The captain of the team seems to be under some depression and pressure that I am unable to contemplate. A win that was clearly theirs today was given away on a platter to the Chennai Kings.

The spirit to fight was lacking, the strategy to win and encounter was amiss, the fire in the belly – extinguished! I guess it’s about time the owner of Royal Challengers intervened and demanded performance from the team. Guess its time for a change, a change in captainship or a crash course in aggression, strategy, positive leadership to Dravid – so that he can come back and save his grace in the tournament.

This brings another question to my mind – is this spelling the end to Dravid’s career as a Cricketer? Personally, I hope not!