Match 1 - CHENNAI SUPER KINGS Vs MUMBAI INDIANS
Chennai Super Kings, the defending champions locked horns with the powerful Mumbai Indians.
Mumbai Indians won the toss and elected to field.
Rubbishing the claims of BCCI officials, especially Rajiv Shukla, Chepauk pitch remained to be double paced and not ideal for stroke making. CSK made things worse by not applying themselves to build a partnership before going for the attack. Du Plessis got run out for 2 and Murali Vijay fell for just 10 runs. Barring Suresh Raina who made a brisk 36 off 26 balls, no other batsman cared to stay at the wicket. Things became worse as Dhoni was also run out. CSK's costly purchase Ravindra Jadeja did his first contribution to the team by running his skipper out. He didn't bat well after that. CSK were bowled out for a paltry 112 runs with one ball remaining. Malinga, Pollard and Ojha bowled economically and also captured 2 wickets apiece to rattle CSK.
Mumbai Indians started their chase well. Much was expected from Sachin as he relinquished his captaincy to Harbhajan to get rid off pressure and bat fluently. It was not the case as he was struggling a the crease, hitting a boundary in between. His partner Richard Levi however kept attacking at one end and the score board kept ticking. Levi scored a brisk 50 off 35 balls, but was out immediately after completing his 50. Sachin got hurt by a Bollinger delivery and retired. Rohit Sharma, who replaced Sachin got a nasty blow and was eventually out caught behind. Rayudu and Franklin however steadied the innings and took Mumbai Indians towards the victory point.
So, altogether a poor start by CSK, as in the previous years. But it remains to be seen whether CSK makes a comeback as they made in the past. There is still a long long way to go and there is no need to panic.
Today (5th April), Kolkata Knight Riders clash with Delhi Daredevils in Match 2 of IPL 5.
Harbhajan, discarded from the Indian Team showed his mettle by leading the side efficiently. Now it is the turn of another discard Virender Sehwag to show what he is capable of.
KKR has a balanced side with Gambir and Brendon McCullum at the top, Yusuf Pathan as a big hitter and Kallis & Shakib Al Hasan filling the all rounders' slot.
Delhi has the blasting Sehwag at the top, He can make or break the game with his unpredictable batting. Delhi has been weakened due to the absence of Mahela Jayawardene, Kevin Pietersen who are on their national duty and Ross Taylor who is suffering from an injury.
So the team composition hints at KKR being the favourites. But one man who can change the game is Sehwag.
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