In a master class of a captaincy from the old legend of the game Rahul Dravid, the defending IPL champions and Shahrukh Khan's franchisee Knight Riders lost their first game in the IPL season 6. In a virgin Jaipur pitch, Dravid offered no leeway to the Bollywood dancer's team who never recovered from the initial blows RR bowlers offered to them.
The middle order of the Knight Riders -- Kallis, Bhatia, Morgan, Yusuf Pathan feasts on spinners and taking a cue from this fact, Dravid offered no leeway to them. Despite chasing only 145 the Riders were bundled out for 126 and lost the game by 19 runs.
Earlier the Riders restricted RR to a decent 144 in 20 overs with no batsmen crossing 50. Rahane and Hodge scored decent 46 and 36 respectively. In the end 144 proved too much for the defending champions just like 149 proved too much for Sir Jadeja's team on Saturday.
Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad are on the top of the table. Led by legendary # 3s of their respective countries (Sanga is no legend outside SL, but within SL he is), this 2 franchisees have one of the lowest "star value" and hence they gel more as a team. The results are for every one to see. They might lose a game or 2 by big margin, but they would for sure put up a big fight and often scare big teams. And that's where this 2 teams might win more fans outside their traditional fan base.
One such example of player with limited talent but tremendous temperament is Hanuma Vihari. Although there is very little evidence on his talent, but he has shown enough of temperament and attitude on positive side. He almost got SH to the victory yesterday with a fighting 44 off 46 balls. Even though later in the Super over, the SH won, but it was Hanuma Vihari who got them to this stage. Except for Sanga and Cameron White, the batting prowess of SH is pretty limited and with players like Vihari in the team, the results in the remainder of tournament will be more favorable than not.
That leaves a lot of lesson for the players with "tremendous potential" but little temperament like Rohit Sharma. 2 games in the season and he is yet to find his mojo. Vinay Kumar, captain of Karnataka Ranji side was unlikely hero of 2 games in row -- MI and SH by bowling a good last over. But he lost his balance when it mattered the most -- Super Over.
If we take a look at the results so far in this IPL, the franchisees who are more of team than mere collection of Indian and foreign players have excelled. Again RR and SH lead on this count.
Unfortunately on one side when it is a delight to see Dravid led RR to win the games, on the same hand it is a crunchy feeling to see Shilpa Shetty jump on every wicket RR takes or every four or 6 their batsmen hit. The Bollywood intrusion in cricket is the worst part of IPL, that I continue to hate.
