Chennai 6 runs after 1 over
Thursday, 19 April 2012
Wednesday, 4 April 2012
Kolkata will bank on home support against Delhi
KOLKATA: At the Eden Gardens on Thursday, Shah Rukh Khan's men resume the journey they undertook last season - to put the chaos behind them and claim their rightful place in the IPL.
With key changes in personnel and a new skipper in Gautam Gambhir last year, Kolkata had their best-ever finish in the tournament, but a last-four berth was still considered 'below par' for the most high-profile franchise.
If 'going all the way' is the belief they begin with, Kolkata will be grateful that they take on a Team Delhi that is dangerously depleted. With many players mopping up their international commitments before arriving for the big T20 bash in India, Delhi will be without the likes of Mahela Jayawardene, Kevin Pietersen and David Warner. New Zealander Ross Taylor is out with a broken arm. In contrast, Kolkata will miss only James Pattinson.
If this imbalance on the 'missing men' front encourages Gambhir and his troops, they will be sobered by the thought that in the game's shortest format, it doesn't take too many to turn a match on its head. While Virender Sehwag, who leads the Delhi outfit, is potentially a one-man army irrespective of his dip in form, Irfan Pathan is a man on an upsurge.
But, then, Team Kolkata don't just have the personnel from last year's 'turnaround' show, they have also strengthened their squad with impressive new acquisitions. Brendon McCullum, who had launched the team with that blistering 158 in the inaugural edition, is back and the top-order looks ominous. The Kiwi may well open with Jacques Kallis with Gambhir slipping up and down the order as per the situation.
South Africa's Morne Morkel, New Zealander Doug Bracewell, Umesh Yadav and Ajit Agarkar present appetising options for Delhi in the pace bowling department. With the pace department so well-stacked, Jharkhand sensation Varun Aaron, who is coming back from injury, may just have to wait. But Delhi do seem a trifle short on spin, a department that is teeming with talent in the Kolkata camp. If Shakib-al Hasan added real bite to their spin last year, the options have been further boosted by the induction of West Indian spinner Sunil Narine.
The hosts may well be tempted to present a slow turner, which surprised and felled a few visitors last year. But, then, they are increasingly acquiring an all-weather look about them.
Sibling rivalry too much to handle for Irfan Pathan
KOLKATA: Irfan Pathan, back from injury and "enjoying every moment" of his time with the game, should have been raring to go as Team Delhi prepare for their opening battle in IPL 5 against Team Kolkata on Thursday at Eden Gardens. Instead, he's left with mixed feelings.
"This is the only game of cricket that I don't enjoy. It's something I think I can't handle," Irfan declared at the Eden Gardens on Tuesday as the prospect of taking on brother Yusuf loomed on the horizon. "Otherwise, I love this game; I want to play every day if I can. Honestly, I didn't think it would be upon me first up in the IPL," he added in the same breath.
Then, almost as if he was admonishing himself, the all-rounder reminded that "we are professional cricketers and have to be honest to our teams" before he conjured up a likely and 'dreaded' scenario.
"Just yesterday we were talking and I told him that hope a situation doesn't arise where I'm bowling the last over to him with 10 or 15 runs required. This is the only time I'd be thinking negative; otherwise I love a challenge," he said, before settling for a 'solution'. "The best would be if he scores a 50 or a 100 and we go on to win the match," Irfan smiled.
With Wasim Akram around as Team Kolkata's bowling consultant, is he going to seek his tips too?
"It's too short a time. I only got to say a 'hello' today," said Irfan, who sees Team Kolkata as having "some of the most talented cricketers in the IPL and a good leader in Gautam Gambhir".
Irfan views his comeback from a career-threatening back injury as his "second innings". "This is god's gift. I am enjoying every moment, whether it's boarding the bus or practising. I am counting my blessings," he said.
Not even thinking of an Oz berth: Marsh
MUMBAI: Shaun Marsh's sabbatical to rebuild his game for a spot in the Australian squad starts with IPL 5. The Aussie big-hitter, who intends to give Team Punjab the thrust to go the distance, spoke to TOI on his personal form, struggle to mount a comeback into the national side and much more.
Excerpts...
Team Punjab looks a balanced side. Where do you see the team finishing this IPL?
We are looking very good for IPL 5. We are hoping to get one step better than last year and make the final. It's disappointing for Broadie (Stuart Broad) that he got injured. I've no idea whether he's available or not but, obviously, it would be nice to have him over here because he's a world-class bowler.
Your form must be a concern as Punjab will depend on your batting...
Yeah (sighs), I had a pretty disappointing summer for Australia. I am looking refreshed now having been away from the game for a while. I am looking forward to performing in the IPL, hopefully, play well and get some runs under my belt. In T20, whether you're in form or out-of-form, you go there and play with freedom. You don't have to worry a lot about your form. You walk in, play a few shots and you're in the zone...
New season, new plans - have you been briefed about your role this year?
I arrived on Monday but knowing Adam Gilchrist, who is captain and coach, he will get the boys up and going. We had a great team spirit last year, and there's no doubt that the team would be bonding with the same intensity under him. I want to contribute to my team, stick there and enjoy my cricket. I am also looking to help the young guys coming through with my experience as much as possible. I have done so in the previous IPLs and I don't think this edition will be any different. We can't wait to kick start our campaign this season. We are hoping to get off to a good start and get the momentum going early.
Do you think the Australian selectors might consider your case if you perform well in the IPL?
I am sure the (Aussie) selectors will take note of all the Aussie players playing in the IPL. It's a big tournament in world cricket now having moved into its fifth year. Obviously, if any of us perform well over here especially when it's off season in Australia, I am sure the selectors will take note of that.
Will the slump and pressure to perform affect your game?
Getting back to the Australian team is the farthest thing in my mind at the moment. I have a job to do here for the Punjab boys and that's where my thoughts are going to at the moment.
What do you feel is the strength of the team this year?
We have a good bowling line-up. Obviously, Praveen Kumar heads the list. He's a very clever bowler and when Ryan Harris comes he's going to be a big boost for us. We have the young Jimmy Faulkner, who performed very well in Australia this summer for the Melbourne Stars in Big Bash. I am looking forward to seeing him play. And then we have some fantastic young spinners like Piyush Chawla. Our bowling is stacked up and if we can bowl and bat well in the first game, we'll have a strong chance to go the distance this year.
Moreover, if there's a bit of grass on the wicket in Mohali and Dharamsala and we bowl to the conditions, it would be tough for the visiting teams any day. Our bowlers will, hopefully, put us in a good position to do well in the tournament.
Which is the team to beat in your view?
You can't really go past Chennai. They have been pretty consistent over the last three or four seasons. So, they're going to be the team to beat again, but I am backing Chennai to play well. We beat them last year and proved that we can be a tough team too. But unless we do that consistently they will have the upper hand.
Mumbai off to flying start, crush Chennai by 8 wickets in IPL opener
CHENNAI: It suddenly became unknown territory for Team Chennai at their Fort Chepauk and Mumbai made full use of it to get their IPL campaign off to a flying start.
The eight-wicket loss was CSK's first in IPL at home since April 15, 2010 and it had a lot to do with the grass on the relaid pitch. The ball was doing a bit and the Mumbai Indians bowlers hit the right length, which made things difficult for the famed Chennai top-order. Once pushed to the back foot, it wasn't easy for the batsmen to play with the kind of freedom that they are used to and the variety in the Mumbai attack did the rest.
Things got worse for Chennai with three run-outs (Faf Du Plessis, MS Dhoni and R Ashwin) as the Mumbai fielders made use of every opportunity that came their way. The tone was set by Ambatti Rayudu in the very first over when he had Du Plessis with a direct hit from cover. The runs didn't flow during the PowerPlay and as Chennai tried to take liberties against the spinners, they lost wickets to the guile of left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha (2-17). Raina (36 off 26 balls) looked the dangerman for Mumbai, but he, too, holed out in the deep and Chennai were in trouble. And when Dhoni, a brilliant runner between the wickets, failed to beat a throw from Abu Nachem Ahmed, there was no way back for the Men in Yellow.
113 is hardly a target for Mumbai's batting and all they had to do was not to lose early wickets. Sachin Tendulkar saw that Albie Morkel was making the ball talk and he left a few, which is a rarity in T20 cricket. And when there was anything marginally loose, Tendulkar made full use of it. There was a lot of interest about the other opener Richard Levi (50 off 35 balls), who was making his IPL debut. Levi, with the fastest T20 international ton, was under no pressure and with the Little Master guiding him, things became easy.
The Chepauk crowd, though, got a feel of Levi's hitting talent as he hit a few out of the park with hardly any backlift. However, once he got out, there was a bit of a flutter as Rohit Sharma failed against the bouncing ball and got out while Tendulkar retired hurt after getting hit on his left hand by Doug Bollinger snorter that jumped from a length.
Things could have got trickier if Chennai had managed two more wickets at that stage, but James Franklin and Rayudu put their heads down finished the job.
The buck stops with me: Adam Gilchrist
KOLKATA: At 40, he may be the elderly statesman in the IPL full of youngsters but newly appointed coach-cum-captain of Kings XI Punjab Adam Gilchrist said it is all about shouldering responsibilities and the "buck would stop with him" as he is looking to inspire his side for a path breaking season five.
In this one-year, his association with cricket is limited to hitting a few balls from his close friend Geoff Marsh or coaching his 10-year-old son Harry.
In fact, the last time he played in a competitive match was in IPL IV in 2011 but the highly successful Australian wicketkeeper and explosive opener is not short on confidence.
"I'm feeling fresh and full of energy. It's fantastic to be back," Gilchrist said, all geared up for their opener against Rajasthan Royals on Friday.
Gilchrist said he is enjoying his dual role which he describes as a task to coordinate the players with his highly efficient support staff.
"I would not have taken this job (coach), if I was not enjoying it. I'm more than happy and feeling positive about it. It's about taking responsibility and I know the buck stops with me."
Gilchrist, who was part of the invincible Aussies that won hat-trick of World Cups from 1999-2007, retired from international cricket in 2008 but it's the annual Indian T20 extravaganza that brings balance to his life.
"These days, I'm busy with my business venture of Indian sandalwood besides being the ambassador of a university. Also I'm busy with Harry who is excited about his U-11 cricket," he said.
"I don't need something extra to motivate myself. I do boxing training everyday and once in a while hit a few balls from my very good friend Geoff Marsh ... In such a lifestyle, IPL gives the nice balance. I'm fortunate to be part of this tournament."
Gilchrist praised his support staff which includes two more Aussies in Joe Dawes, the current Indian bowling coach, and former Australian fielding consultant Mike Young as the Kings fielding coach, besides former wicketkeeper Vikram Rathour.
"Young is one of the great motivators and has very high standards. Also the Indian bowling coach Dawes and Rathour have great knowledge of the game. As long as you have a good support staff, the task becomes easier for me in the middle."
Asked whether the side would be over dependent on him and Shaun Marsh, Gilchrist said: "We are relatively unknown side but there are some exciting talents like James Faulkner to watch out for.
"We are looking to make the semifinal first, from then on anything is possible in this format. Hope we get off to a positive start," he added.
He further hoped that the allrounders such as new recruit Azhar Mahmood, the only Pakistani player in this IPL, contribute to the side.
The biggest challenge, he said, would come from two-time defending champions Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore.
"They have got the money. The three teams with the biggest budget ... They look the best side on paper but in T20 any team can win on a given day," he said.
Bench strength and fitness levels will be crucial: Akram
NEW DELHI: Former Pakistan skipper Wasim Akram says fitness and bench strength will hold the key in the fifth edition of the Indian Premier League, which will see nine teams crisscrossing the country over 54 days and 76 matches.
"With all the travel involved and summer upon us, fitness will be the key. Hence bench strength and fitness levels will be crucial," Akram, who is a bowling consultant with the Kolkata Knight Riders, said.
"It will be interesting to see how senior Indian players like (Sourav) Ganguly, (Rahul) Dravid, (Sachin) Tendulkar, (Virender) Sehwag and Zaheer (Khan) cope up. They all have major roles to play for their respective teams," he added.
Akram believed the pressure will be enormous on Ravindra Jadeja who will look to justify the amount Chennai shelled out for him.
"IPL 5 will tell us how much Ravindra Jadeja has evolved as a cricketer. He started promisingly on the Australian tour but faded out. He may have talent but he now has to justify the price that Chennai paid to acquire him. Jadeja really has to get his act together and the pressure will be enormous.
"At the same time, Virat Kohli will be under pressure to continue his good form. He has been a revelation so far for Indian cricket and deserves all the adulation he is getting on and off the field. Kohli now needs to keep his feet firmly grounded and enforce the belief that he is India captaincy material," Akram said.
Akram backed KKR and Royal Challengers Bangalore to make the qualifiers, besides usual favourites Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians.
"It is difficult to predict which teams will end up as top four. The IPL has always thrown surprises and it has made or marred reputations.
"But looking at team combinations and back-up staff strength, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore and Mumbai should go all the way till the qualifiers and eliminators."
The 45-year-old Akram is hoping to see New Zealander Brendon McCullum deliver the goods for KKR.
"Personally, I will like Brendon McCullum to fire for KKR. I am sure the pugnacious Kiwi will deliver better under Gautam Gambhir. There will be no personality clashes and both Gambhir and McCullum are professional enough to know what's best for Kolkata.
"Every IPL has had its share of heroes and zeroes. Chris Gayle took IPL 4 by storm. This is a good opportunity for Kevin Pietersen to justify the faith Delhi have in him."
Talking about his team, Akram said the strength lies in its balance.
"Kolkata has had a change of coach. I believe Trevor Bayliss did extremely well for Sydney Sixers, who won the Big Bash League in Australia. Having coached Sri Lanka in the last World Cup, Bayliss knows the culture of sub-continent teams. He should be a good influence.
"But KKR's strength lies in its balance. They have a good skipper and the right combination of youth and experience. Manoj Tiwary, Yusuf Pathan and Iqbal Abdulla are extremely capable. Pros like Jacques Kallis, Ryan ten Doeschate, McCullum and Eoin Morgan provide the depth and variety."
According to Akram, the IPL will provide the Indian fans an opportunity to have some fun, after the disastrous showings of the national team in recent times.
"The IPL has always exposed new players and I am sure this year's tournament will be no exception. But the focus will always be on the marquee players and the 'costliest' ones will be closely monitored by critics and fans alike.
"But there is no substitute for experience and cricket, irrespective of its format, always respects the person who follows its grammar."
Rusty start to our title defence: Dhoni
Chasing 113 to win, Mumbai Indians scored 115-2 with 19 balls to spare and Dhoni said another 30-odd runs could have made a difference on this pitch at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.
"It is not a typical Chennai wicket. We started well but we didn't do well in the last overs, so it was a rusty start for the tournament. We did well though with the bowling," Dhoni said after the match.
Asked what could have been a winning score, Dhoni said: "It is difficult to judge seeing how they chase. If we would have scored 150-160, there approach would have been different but seeing if you ask me, may be would have though 140-145 odd runs would have been difficult.
"I felt it was better to bat when we batted and there was something for fast bowlers as well later on but (Richard) Levi batted very well," Dhoni said
His Mumbai counterpart, Harbhajan Singh said it was a good toss to win as the wicket was very unpredictable.
"Well good game, it was good toss to win, wicket was quite unpredictable, not the same wicket that we played earlier, all the boys played well and Levi played terrific," Harbhajan said.
Asked about their brilliant work on the field, Harbhajan said: "Fielding is a very important part of T20 cricket, one catch, one run out can make a difference, like we got Dhoni out, if he would have stayed then another 30-40 runs would have been difficult on this wicket."
Asked about their brilliant work on the field, Harbhajan said: "Fielding is a very important part of T20 cricket, one catch, one run out can make a difference, like we got Dhoni out, if he would have stayed then another 30-40 runs would have been difficult on this wicket."
Man-of-the-match Richard Levi, who scored a 35-ball 50 on IPL debut, said it was an unbelievable experience to open with iconic batsman Sachin Tendulkar.
"It came on nicely on to the bat. One or two bounced a lot. It was unbelievable [opening with Sachin]. He was very easy to talk to," he said.
Tuesday, 3 April 2012
IPL opening ceremony leaves Lalit Modi unimpresses.
The opening ceremony of IPL may have left most stunned but former Chairman Lalit Modi was unimpressed and he tweeted his disappointment in no uncertain terms.
Even as bollywood and international celebrities danced and sang in front of a large Chennai gathering, Modi was active on twitter, giving vent to what he felt was mis-management on the part of the Board of Control for Cricket in India ( BCCI ). " Can`t bear to watch it anymore - as on tv it looks appalling. Was really looking forward to seeing something well presented. I am sure the Ratings will show," he wrote on the micro-blogging site.
Michael Clarke Signs for pune warriors
Australia test and one-day International captain Michael Clarke is set to make his IPL debut having signed for the Pune Warriors
Sourav Ganguly to lead Sahara Pune Warriors
Pune Warriors India, the IPL franchise of Sahara India Pariwar, a major business conglomerate and prime promoter and patron of sports in India, announced that the legendary all-rounder and former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly will lead the side of Pune Warriors India as Captain in fifth season of IPL.
Gilchrist appointed captain-cum-coach of Kings XI Punjab.
XI Punjab has announced the appointment of former Australian wicket-keeper and dashing opening batsman Adam Gilchrist as captain-cum-coach for IPL season 5
Graeme Smith to miss IPL 2012 to have ankle surgery
South African opening batsman and Teat skipper Graeme Smith will miss the fifth edition of the IPL which begins on april 4th. He will get his left ankle operated for which the recovery perios will be in excess of 2 months.
TENDULKAR HANDS CAPTAINCY TO HARBHAJAN
The Mumbai Indians have confirmed that Sachin Tendulkar has relinquished the captaincy and handed the role to off- spinner Harbhajan Singh.
Monday, 2 April 2012
IPL Without Sri Lankan Players.
Sri Lanka has ordered its cricketers to return home leaving IPL for Practice before next month`s tour to England. Sri Lanka wants to prioritize national games over IPL.
Sports Minister Mahinadananda Althugamage said " In future, national cricket players can participate in foreign tournaments only in a manner that will not affect practices of the Sri Lankan national team"
Pop Star Katy Perry To Perform At IPL-5 Opening Ceremony
The famous pop star, Katty perry would be taking active part in the IPL opening night at YMCA grounds in chennai. Other performers include amitabh bachchan, Priyanka chopra, Salman khan, Kareena kapoor and Prabhu deva.
Having ruled the top music lists and having won all the prestigious awards from the Billboard to that of Brit, Katy, the pop princess has now moved towards the IPL bandwogan. She will be now performing at the opening ceremony of IPL - 5, being held in chennai, on 3rd April, 2012.
Having explored different parts of the globe and now ready to make fer debue performance through IPL in INDIA, the pop star will be helping flag off the upcoming season of league in her own style.
About Katy`s much-awaited performance, Rajeev Shukla, IPL Chairman said, " We are looking forward to the pop-star Ms. Perry`s performance at the Opening nite of DLF IPL 2012. A performer of her standard will make the eve more special for IPL family - organisers, players and fans. The originality and verve of her music suits that of the contest and we are looking forward to have an inspired participation from her."
This visit would be her second visit to India. She was married to British actor-cum-comedian Russell Brand in October 2012 in India. Unfortunately, the couple parted away within 14 months of their marriage.
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