Are specialists giving the multi-skilled players a run for their money?

you will often hear commentators and players talking about momentum; not the usual mass times velocity (incidentally similar to the indicators in the castrol index) but the more literary interpretation. the mumbai indians experienced loss of momentum in their game against the deccan chargers when a winning position was squandered right after the break.

the good thing about t20 is that teams and captains have to think on their feet in situations that are constantly changing. that is not easy especially if two batsmen are very well set and backing themselves. with quick over rates mandatory, captains don’t have much time to present the unusual. the 'strategy time out' gives them that option and forces the batsman to regroup. it kills their momentum and it is extraordinary how often you get a breakthrough immediately after resumption.

you might argue that 84 from 10 overs is still 84 from 10 after the interval. but when you have momentum, you believe you can get it and the fielding side thinks it is tough. the break gives them time to look at it from a different perspective and often that is enough-just to change the approach, from thinking you can't to thinking maybe you can.

but don't let that take away from what the deccan chargers achieved. pragyan ojha's was an excellent spell and he was the game-breaker. in terms of points, dwayne bravo probably achieved more (3 wickets, though his economy rate wasn't as good, a brilliant run out and 21 runs), and that is why he was number two on the man of the match list (a debate on whether he should have been there or dwayne smith) but the game breaker was ojha.

i was personally delighted by that because even though the multi-skilled cricketer is far greater value for money, the specialist won the day. in fact three specialists had outstanding days; lasith malinga, fidel edwards and pragyan ojha. a thumbs-up for the captains who picked them!