The IPL Watcher
Newsfile: May 12
Bollinger flies home: Chennai Super Kings’ fast bowler Doug Bollinger has returned to Australia due to personal reasons
Cricinfo
25-Feb-2013
Bollinger flies home: Chennai Super Kings’ fast bowler Doug Bollinger has returned to Australia due to personal reasons. Super Kings had tweeted the news ahead of their game against Delhi Daredevils on Saturday, saying Bollinger would be unavailable for the match. Details of how long he will be away are not yet known.
Doug Bollinger is back in Australia for personal reasons and will not be available for today's game. #CSKvsDD
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) May 12, 2012
Botha keeps the faith: Rajasthan Royals have only 12 points from 13 matches and have slipped to sixth place, but their allrounder Johan Botha believes the team can still make the playoffs. He was particularly confident because Rajasthan’s remaining matches include teams out of the running. “The fact that we have to play two against Pune and Hyderabad and the last against Mumbai Indians gives a little chance," he said. "While the other teams fighting for a play-off slot will be playing against big teams.”
Full postMid-table mayhem
Sixteen matches, five teams, two vacant spots in the qualifiers
Nikita Bastian
25-Feb-2013
Sixteen matches, five teams, two vacant spots in the qualifiers. That's what it's come to in IPL 2012. While Delhi Daredevils and Kolkata Knight Riders have their places in the playoffs all but confirmed, Deccan Chargers and Pune Warriors stand no chance of progressing. Between these two extremes is a pack of five teams, separated by two points, all eager finish in the top four. Here's a look at what they can or must do:
Mumbai Indians, 14 points from 12 games
Mumbai Indians have batting worries going into the business end of the tournament. They are yet to find a productive opening partnership, and in their previous three games they had two batting failures - against Warriors and Royal Challengers Bangalore - and dramatic middle-order collapse that would have cost them the game against Chennai Super Kings but for Dwayne Smith's last over heroics. Can they get their batting in order soon enough to push into the final four?
Chennai Super Kings, 13 points from 13 games
Super Kings came into their final four games needing to win every match and struggling to finish games strongly. Against Rajasthan Royals on Thursday, they checked both boxes courtesy a late blitz from Albie Morkel and Anirudha Srikkanth. They have the benefit of experience - they've successfully scripted comebacks from such a position before - but face one particularly daunting hurdle: Virender Sehwag's rampaging Delhi Daredevils on Saturday.
Full postNewsfile: May 11
Rohit reprimanded: Mumbai Indians batsman Rohit Sharma has been reprimanded for kicking at the stumps after his team’s nine-wicket loss to Royal Challengers Bangalore on Wednesday
Nikita Bastian
25-Feb-2013
Rohit reprimanded: Mumbai Indians batsman Rohit Sharma has been reprimanded for kicking at the stumps after his team’s nine-wicket loss to Royal Challengers Bangalore on Wednesday. His actions were considered to be a Level 1 breach of the IPL code of conduct. Rohit reportedly admitted to being guilty in the matter and the match referee subsequently decided to issue only a reprimand.
Yusuf has not had much opportunity to dominate – Bayliss: Kolkata Knight Riders coach Trevor Bayliss has said Yusuf Pathan’s poor run with the bat in the IPL is not a cause for concern. Yusuf, he said, has not had much of an opportunity to show what he can do. "I am sure with a player of his calibre, he would be there for us in the big matches. He has not had many opportunities. It's difficult in Twenty20 to get going without spending some time in the middle," Bayliss was quoted as saying by PTI. "The middle order probably had some lack of runs but that's only because of lack of opportunities. We have been scoring runs at the top. Obviously, [Gautam] Gambhir has done extremely well. [Brendon] McCullum started to score runs. We have played some very good cricket but we know that there is half a dozen tough games to go, and we must [continue] to do well."
KKR the team to beat – Sangakkara: Kolkata Knight Riders’ fine form makes them favourites in the tournament, Deccan Chargers’ captain Kumar Sangakkara has said. “To me, the most balanced sides appeared to be Delhi and Chennai. Unfortunately, Chennai has had a kind of an up-and-down season. Royal Challengers [Bangalore] have an incredible side as well,” Sangakkara told IPLT20.com. “Kolkata have been playing exceptionally. You have to give credit to the way Gautam [Gambhir] has managed to get those guys to gel. On form, I would say Kolkata [will win].” Sangakkara’s last-placed Chargers are out of contention for the title. He said the top teams’ Indian contingent made the difference for them. “The most important thing, when you look at all these sides, is the quality of the local players. Delhi has got Viru [Virender Sehwag], [Ajit] Agarkar, Umesh Yadav, Irfan Pathan. Kolkata has Yusuf Pathan, Gautam Gambhir, Manoj Tiwary, [Laxmi] Shukla…”
Full postThe Watson effect
Right from the inaugural season of the IPL in 2008, Rajasthan Royals have always performed above expectations
Madhusudhan Ramakrishnan
25-Feb-2013
Right from the inaugural season of the IPL in 2008, Rajasthan Royals have always performed above expectations. In the first season, led by Shane Warne, they won 13 matches and lost just three on the way to the title. While Sohail Tanvir did superbly with the ball, it was Shane Watson who turned in a highly impressive all-round display. Watson, who was declared the player of the tournament in the first season, scored 472 runs at a scoring rate of over nine runs per over. In a season where he made four fifty-plus scores, his average (52.44) and boundary-run percentage (63.98) were also very high. With the ball, he was no less effective picking up 17 wickets at an excellent average of 22.52 and economy rate of 7.07. His low economy rate was highly creditable in a tournament where the run-rate (8.30) is the highest among all seasons.
Watson missed the next tournament played in South Africa but contributed with the bat in the next two seasons (2010 and 2011). In 2011, he scored over 300 runs again but at a lower scoring rate of 7.82. His boundary-run percentage in the 2010 and 2011 tournaments went up over 68. In this season, Watson missed the first few matches and joined the team late following the tour of West Indies. Almost immediately, he has had an impact scoring 134 runs (average 67.00) with an even higher boundary-run percentage of 73.13. Watson followed up his 36 and 2 for 22 against Kings XI Punjab with a powerful 90 against Pune Warriors making light work of a 126-run target. In matches when Watson has played, Royals have a 20-15 win-loss record and in his absence, they have an even win-loss record (16 wins and 16 losses).
| Season | Runs | Avg/Scoring rate | Boundary-run % | 50+ scores | Wickets | Avg/Economy |
| 2008 | 472 | 52.44/9.10 | 63.98 | 4 | 17 | 22.52/7.07 |
| 2010 | 185 | 37.00/9.73 | 68.10 | 2 | 6 | 30.66/8.36 |
| 2011 | 330 | 33.00/7.82 | 68.48 | 1 | 6 | 40.16/6.69 |
| 2012 | 134 | 67.00/10.44 | 73.13 | 1 | 3 | 26.33/6.58 |
One of the major reasons for Watson's success is his ability to play both spin and pace equally well. He averages above 42 against both fast bowlers and spinners while managing a higher scoring rate (9.51) against the slower bowlers. Watson, who employs the slog-sweep effectively against spinners, has managed a higher boundary-run percentage (71.52) against them than his corresponding number against fast bowlers (64.33).
Full postNewsfile: May 10
CSK’s finishing skills found wanting – Bichel: After allrounder Albie Morkel, it’s now Chennai Super Kings’ bowling coach Andy Bichel who has said that they must work on finishing games off this season
Nikita Bastian
25-Feb-2013
CSK’s finishing skills found wanting – Bichel: After allrounder Albie Morkel, it’s now Chennai Super Kings’ bowling coach Andy Bichel who has said that they must work on finishing games off this season. “The boys have had good starts but what has bothered us is the lack of a finisher. The Sehwags and the Gambhirs have not only scored runs, but they have also finished games for their side. Even, Kevin Pietersen has done that,” Bichel said ahead of Super Kings’ must-win game against Rajasthan Royals. “We really didn’t have anyone to finish the games. As a unit, we have failed to seal games. If we are a bit more consistent, we can do it.”
IPL has helped Sri Lanka players – Murali: The IPL has presented Sri Lanka players with a handy financial and learning opportunity, Royal Challengers Bangalore bowler Muttiah Muralitharan has said. “For us Sri Lankans, it's a great opportunity because the IPL involves big money and we get to earn quite a bit,” he was quoted as saying by the Times of India. “Also, there is exposure to international cricket and players, we get to play with players from different countries.”
Full postJhunjhunwala's amble of a run
Deccan Chargers have dropped catches galore in this IPL. They have fielded at times like an Under-14 side, in the words of their coach Darren Lehmann
Abhishek Purohit
25-Feb-2013
Deccan Chargers have dropped catches galore in this IPL. They have fielded at times like an Under-14 side, in the words of their coach Darren Lehmann. It is an atrocious piece of running, though, that might yet come to define their season.
On Tuesday night against Kings XI Punjab, Chargers' chase had been hit by the fall of Daniel Harris, Cameron White and Kumar Sangakkara in the space of eight deliveries. Akshath Reddy and Abhishek Jhunjhunwala tried to salvage the innings with a sixth-wicket partnership of 43. When Reddy fell in the 17th over, Chargers needed 54 from 21 deliveries, not entirely out of reach.
Jhunjhunwala's negligent running, though, gave the impression that Chargers had long given up. After mishitting a full toss to mid-off, Jhunjhunwala ambled down the pitch for the single. But Shaun Marsh quickly reached the ball and threw at the non-striker's end. By the time Jhunjhunwala realised that he would have to increase his pace, the stumps had already been knocked down by the direct hit.
After nine defeats from 11 completed games, Chargers have four matches left. They might still win a few, like the previous season, but like in Jhunjhunwala's case, the stumps have been knocked down for some time now.
Full postNewsfile: May 9
Vettori or Kohli for RCB?: Royal Challengers Bangalore’s Tillakaratne Dilshan has said the team is yet to decide on who will captain against Mumbai Indians on Wednesday
Nikita Bastian
25-Feb-2013
Vettori or Kohli for RCB?: Royal Challengers Bangalore’s Tillakaratne Dilshan has said the team is yet to decide on who will captain against Mumbai Indians on Wednesday. A change in team combination meant the full-time captain, Daniel Vettori, did not play their last match, and they were led by Virat Kohli to a five-wicket win against Deccan Chargers. "We will take a call on the captain tomorrow [Wednesday],” Dilshan told PTI. “It will be either Vettori or Kohli. We have not taken a decision yet.”
Gilchrist says his return to the XI not guaranteed: Kings XI Punjab full-time captain Adam Gilchrist hopes to be fully fit in time for his team’s next game, against Chargers on May 13, but has said he will not necessarily walk right back in to the XI. “I am hoping to be available. I felt good prior to this [Tuesday’s game], I hope to be available for selection [before the next game]. And then, we have to work out what our best team is,” he told IPLT20.com. “Whether or not I am in, that needs to be worked out. Nitin Saini is doing a wonderful job behind the stumps and has played a couple of very good innings for us.” Gilchrist had injured his hamstrings in both legs during the game against Kolkata Knight Riders on April 18, and David Hussey has captained since, recording four wins in seven matches.
I can do great things – Dwayne Smith: After coming into the IPL late, as Mumbai Indians replacement for the injured Mitchell Johnson, Dwayne Smith wasted no time in grabbing the spotlight – in his first game he knocked off 14 runs from the final three deliveries to snatch a thrilling win against Chennai Super Kings on Sunday. He hopes to do more as the tournament progresses. “I am pleased about what I was able to do on my first evening here, but I'm over that now,” he told the Times of India. “I'm looking at the next game, and hope to make an even bigger impact. As long as I am confident, I know that I can do great things.”
When fit, I directly play matches – Malinga: Mumbai Indians’ fast bowler Lasith Malinga is the IPL’s leading wicket-taker across seasons and arguably the most effective limited-overs bowler in cricket at the moment. If he has a problem, it is fitness. He had missed three games earlier in the IPL because of back spasms, and has already retired from Test cricket due to a dodgy knee. Injuring the knee in 2007, Malinga said, had made him change his training routine. “I’m looking to play for another two or three years. I cannot run much or train hard now after the knee injury,” he told Mid-Day. “Whenever I am fit, I directly play a match. It is very important for bowlers to maintain bowling fitness. I have that and know how to manage it. I trained very hard when I was 20-21 and did a lot of running, [now] I don't go much to the gym.”
Full postSmith's leap in vain
Steven Smith’s boundary fielding had already provided one of the highlights of the tournament three days ago, but he topped that with an effort against Rajasthan Royals that was so extraordinary that it left even experts scrambling for the
Siddarth Ravindran
25-Feb-2013
Steven Smith’s boundary fielding had already provided one of the highlights of the tournament three days ago, but he topped that with an effort against Rajasthan Royals that was so extraordinary that it left even experts scrambling for the rulebook to check whether it was legal.
In the third over of the chase, Shane Watson muscled a delivery from Murali Kartik towards the long-on boundary, where Smith was stationed. He rushed across to try latch on to an overhead catch, but realised the momentum was going to take him across the rope. He lobbed the ball in the air, though not within the field of play; then, having crossed the boundary, he jumped and pushed the ball back over the rope before rushing back into the field of play to finally pouch it on the third attempt.
It was a moment that showcased incredible athleticism and an outstanding presence of mind, but Smith had nothing to show for his efforts as it was adjudged, according to the rules, as a six. The laws had been changed in October 2010 to deem an effort invalid if the fielder touches the ball after crossing the rope and before coming back into the field of play. That meant Smith’s second touch made the Watson shot a six.
Smith’s Warriors team-mate Angelo Mathews had first triggered a debate over the legality of these sorts of fielding during the 2009 World Twenty20 with a similarly breathtaking outfield effort.
Full postNewsfile: May 8
Gambhir fined: Kolkata Knight Riders captain Gautam Gambhir has been fined for his team's slow over rate during their IPL match against Delhi Daredevils on Monday
Nikita Bastian
25-Feb-2013
Gambhir fined: Kolkata Knight Riders captain Gautam Gambhir has been fined for his team's slow over rate during their IPL match against Delhi Daredevils on Monday. Knight Riders, who beat Daredevils by six wickets, were assessed to be one over behind the required rate after the match. Since it was Gambhir's first offence of the season, under the IPL's code of conduct relating to over-rate offences, he was fined $20,000.
Dinda says comeback was rushed: Pune Warriors fast bowler Ashok Dinda had said prior to Tuesday’s game against Rajasthan Royals that he was a doubtful starter, as he is yet to fully recover from his side strain. Dinda had picked up the injury during Warriors match against Royal Challengers Bangalore on April 17, and was sidelined for five games because of it. He has since played two matches, but, he said, his comeback was rushed because of Warriors’ loss of form after a decent start to the league. “It takes a bit of time to recover from side strain. Had we kept on winning, perhaps I wouldn't have come back as early as I did. But the situation was such that I had to take the chance,” Dinda said. Despite missing out due to injury, Dinda is Warriors' leading wicket-taker so far, with nine scalps.
CSK can still finish in top four – Albie: With five wins in 12 games, Chennai Super Kings, the two-time IPL champions, face the possibility of not making it to the knockout rounds of the league for the first time. If they are to progress, they must win four of four games, and even then it could come down to net run rates. However, allrounder Albie Morkel is not ruling Super Kings out just yet. "It is a massive challenge but we like challenges. I wouldn't be surprised if we made the top four. It is going to be difficult but we are a champion team and we know how to win trophies,” he told PTI. The team’s problem, so far, has been finishing off games, Albie said. “The finishing is not up to the mark. It is not something we are used to. It is just the closing of the games, whether batting or bowling. It is just one ball at the crucial time. If we nail the little basics at the right time, it would make the difference."
Cricket has moved ahead with IPL – Pollock: Mumbai Indians bowling coach Shaun Pollock has said the IPL has aided cricketers both financially and technically. “Before the IPL, soccer players, golfers and tennis players were the envy of other sportspersons. Now cricketers have joined the big-buck-earners,” Pollock was quoted as saying by IANS. “Cricket has moved ahead amazingly with the IPL, both financially as well as technically. The IPL is a platform for cricketers to experiment and try out new things. We have seen bowlers coming up with baffling deliveries and batsmen playing hitherto unknown, breathtaking shots. It has broken all barriers. The playing format may be the same as any form of international cricket, but the players from different backgrounds and cultures are mingling like one family. That has helped the players to share their experiences with others and gain immensely.”
Full postNewsfile: May 7
Kamran Khan returns to farming : Kamran Khan, the former Rajasthan Royals left-arm seamer who was picked up by Pune Warriors last year, has returned to work on his brother’s farm in Nadwa Sarai village in Uttar Pradesh
George Binoy
25-Feb-2013
Kamran Khan returns to farming: Kamran Khan, the former Rajasthan Royals left-arm seamer who was picked up by Pune Warriors last year, has returned to work on his brother’s farm in Nadwa Sarai village in Uttar Pradesh. He wasn’t picked to play by Warriors this season.
Kamran, who was reported for a suspect bowling action in 2009 while playing for Royals and hopes for a comeback, told Indian Express about the difficult time he’s had. “That’s when the taunts began,” Kamran said. “It’s almost like they were waiting for me to fall.
“Not many people here understand cricket. They now tell me how useless I am, and how my career is over because I chuck.
"I’ve learned to ignore them. Instead, I spend my days training for a comeback in the mornings and evenings. During the day, I work on my brother’s farm, keeping to myself, away from the rest of the villagers.”
Sunil Narine enjoying “honeymoon”: With 13 wickets from eight games at an average of 12.92 and economy rate of 5.25, Kolkata Knight Riders spinner Sunil Narine is one of the most dangerous bowlers in the IPL. His variations have confounded most batsmen but he will be up against two players skilled against spin when Knight Riders play Delhi Daredevils – Mahela Jayawardene and Virender Sehwag. “The contest with Narine will be exciting tomorrow,” Jayawardene said on the eve the game. “He is going through a honeymoon period. But more and more he plays, batsmen will start analysing him and then it will be his real test. The key will be whether he is improving as a bowler from what he is right now.” Sehwag also had praise for Narine but warned that the Kotla would be a challenge for the spinner. “He bowled superbly and he mixed his deliveries pretty well. I think he is a very good prospect but the Kolkata track does help him even more. It is not going to be easy for him at Feroz Shah Kotla as the wicket is different out here andhasn't really aided the spinners much.”
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