Preview : Chennai Super Kings Vs Royal Challengers Bangalore

2 more victories and we’ll be in the Semis. Even one might do, but the lions hunt for their prey rather than depend on others.

Dravid openly said in the Toss last match that they’re here to spoil the party. We need to win this tie to get the momentum going and inch closer to semis. The traditional battle between TN & Karnataka also should add on the interest.

Room for Improvement

Did you notice that Punjab bowlers are doing a good job in the final overs? I’m observing them in the last 2-3 games, that they tend to bowl yorkers. It’s difficult to score boundaries and there are good chances of hitting the stumps. Dhoni tried to reserve sweep but in vain. Dhoni also expressed the same views. The 1-3 yorkers/over in last 3-5 overs just outside the off stump or in the ‘blockhole’ should keep the runs in check.

We’ve had starting problems even when Hayden was playing. We tend to score heavily in the final 5-6 overs and that did some damage control. Still we haven’t established a stable opening partners. Just around 45/1 at the end of 6 overs will go a long way to build our innings.

Fielding par se is just average. We need to keep improving. Direct stump hitting is a very valuable skill to posses in T20. Batsmen should be in constant fear that they might be run out if they sneak a single while passing the ball near to the fielders.

Why RCB is losing

- Test team in T20 jersey? (but honestly I think they’re a ‘good’ team)
- Flop show of the foreign players (Chanderpaul, White, Kallis, Razak, etc.). Misbah and Boucher were OK & Boucher is injured.
- No proper playing eleven. Struggling to find the right combination and they’ve sported a different side every match.
- Owner’s pressure? Charu was sacked and Dravid criticized. Why Mallya (and Katrina) no longer cheering from the stands?

But ultimately they need play as a unit. Can you tell me a single player in RCB is successful? Flashy players (like McCullum or Sehwag) won’t win every match. All round performances and team effort need to be seen. That’s why RR, CSK, KXP and of late MI are successful.

Parthiv to keep

MS Dhoni was injured during the last match and we say Patel keep. He did a good job and with the bat as well. I’ve not seen Patel keep extensively so can’t comment on who is a better keeper. Dhoni not keeping in a way is good as he’s off additional responsibilities. Did you notice that Dhoni unlike other captains who stand in slips/within the circle was fielding in deep mid wicket.

I would love to see Dhoni bowling. But RCB need to be in troubled waters to him to experiment.

Prediction

We’ve not won matches dominating the opponents but for the first tie against KKR. So Chennai need not be complacent and under estimate the opponents. Nevertheless Super Kings should pull off a victory here.

What do you think?