Hamstring injury rules Smith out of IPL finals
Mumbai: The Rajasthan Royals suffered a blow ahead of the Indian Premier League finals tomorrow with South African captain and opener Graeme Smith ruled out of the match due to a hamstring injury.
"Unfortunately, he (Smith) is out for tomorrow's game. We have to make the big decision to make on who will open the innings with Swapnil (Asnodkar)," Rajasthan Royals captain Shane Warne said today at an event organised by Advanced Hair Studio, of which he is a brand ambassador.
"Younis Khan and Kamran Akmal come to my mind as being likely to open in the finals," Warne said.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Monday, May 26, 2008
Miandad gives a thumbs down to Pak version of IPL
Karachi, May 26 (PTI) As the Pakistan Cricket Board ponders on holding its own version of the Indian Premier League (IPL), former Pakistan skipper Javed Miandad denounced the idea saying such a move would destroy the game in the country.Miandad said the IPL is nothing but entertainment and lacks quality."The involvement of too much money will destroy the game of cricket. It (IPL) lacks quality and a cricketer can never get the confidence he needs as a player. Even the greatest of bowlers cannot do anything about conceding sixes and fours," Miandad told the 'Dawn'.The former Pakistan coach insisted five-day cricket not twenty20 was the real test of a player's ability as there was the latter does not require players to showcase their technique.PTI
Karachi, May 26 (PTI) As the Pakistan Cricket Board ponders on holding its own version of the Indian Premier League (IPL), former Pakistan skipper Javed Miandad denounced the idea saying such a move would destroy the game in the country.Miandad said the IPL is nothing but entertainment and lacks quality."The involvement of too much money will destroy the game of cricket. It (IPL) lacks quality and a cricketer can never get the confidence he needs as a player. Even the greatest of bowlers cannot do anything about conceding sixes and fours," Miandad told the 'Dawn'.The former Pakistan coach insisted five-day cricket not twenty20 was the real test of a player's ability as there was the latter does not require players to showcase their technique.PTI
Mohali IPL mess reaches a new low
Mohali: With the Punjab police demanding that nearly Rs.18 million be deposited with it for pending dues of security cover provided for cricket matches at the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) stadium here, ties between the security force and the district administration on one side and the PCA and Indian Premier League (IPL) Mohali franchise on the other have hit a new low.
A terse communication from the Mohali district police chief R.S. Khatra to the deputy commissioner on Sunday has demanded that the security dues be realised from PCA before the next IPL match to be played here on Tuesday failing which no security will be provided for the last IPL match to be played here.
The Mohali police has been stationing between 500 to 1,000 security personnel at IPL matches here. Seven matches were to be played here this IPL season and only one remains to be played, the one on Tuesday. The crucial tie is between the home team and IPL's top team Rajasthan Royals.
The war of words and letter between the police and the IPL franchise, Kings XI Punjab - jointly owned by Bollywood actress Preity Zinta and her industrialist beau Ness Wadia and two other businessmen - have hit a new low with Khatra moving an official communication complaining to the district and state top brass of the 'misbeaviour' and 'insult' heaped on him by Wadia.
Mohali: With the Punjab police demanding that nearly Rs.18 million be deposited with it for pending dues of security cover provided for cricket matches at the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) stadium here, ties between the security force and the district administration on one side and the PCA and Indian Premier League (IPL) Mohali franchise on the other have hit a new low.
A terse communication from the Mohali district police chief R.S. Khatra to the deputy commissioner on Sunday has demanded that the security dues be realised from PCA before the next IPL match to be played here on Tuesday failing which no security will be provided for the last IPL match to be played here.
The Mohali police has been stationing between 500 to 1,000 security personnel at IPL matches here. Seven matches were to be played here this IPL season and only one remains to be played, the one on Tuesday. The crucial tie is between the home team and IPL's top team Rajasthan Royals.
The war of words and letter between the police and the IPL franchise, Kings XI Punjab - jointly owned by Bollywood actress Preity Zinta and her industrialist beau Ness Wadia and two other businessmen - have hit a new low with Khatra moving an official communication complaining to the district and state top brass of the 'misbeaviour' and 'insult' heaped on him by Wadia.
IPL – from cricket to business
As we head into the homestretch of the Indian Premier League Twenty20 tournament, it is perhaps as good a time as any to look back on the past five weeks that, to say the last, have been tumultuous. For sure, cricket has taken a new course and it will never be the same again.
As a concept, the IPL has given the local player a taste of international stage - rubbing shoulders with the stars, playing in front of massive crowds and of course, the Media exposure. To an extent, it has fast-forwarded their careers, though I will be the first to admit that performances in T20 are at best indicators to one’s ability and potential, and nothing more
Of course, the purists are still frowning on the “peripherals” or the so-called entertainment elements that have been used to “dress up” the tournament. For many, it has been a culture shock of sorts, but then, they are in the minority, like it or not. The paying public is not complaining.
“For me, cricket is secondary. I am here to have a good time. It is far better than going to a pub and getting tanked up. It is cheaper to attend an IPL game, listen to some music, dance a bit and generally have some fun with friends. Of course, there is cricket and the sixes. But for me, it is pure entertainment,” said Rajeev, a techie employed with one of the software companies on the OMR.
As we head into the homestretch of the Indian Premier League Twenty20 tournament, it is perhaps as good a time as any to look back on the past five weeks that, to say the last, have been tumultuous. For sure, cricket has taken a new course and it will never be the same again.
As a concept, the IPL has given the local player a taste of international stage - rubbing shoulders with the stars, playing in front of massive crowds and of course, the Media exposure. To an extent, it has fast-forwarded their careers, though I will be the first to admit that performances in T20 are at best indicators to one’s ability and potential, and nothing more
Of course, the purists are still frowning on the “peripherals” or the so-called entertainment elements that have been used to “dress up” the tournament. For many, it has been a culture shock of sorts, but then, they are in the minority, like it or not. The paying public is not complaining.
“For me, cricket is secondary. I am here to have a good time. It is far better than going to a pub and getting tanked up. It is cheaper to attend an IPL game, listen to some music, dance a bit and generally have some fun with friends. Of course, there is cricket and the sixes. But for me, it is pure entertainment,” said Rajeev, a techie employed with one of the software companies on the OMR.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Buchanan vows to make Knight Riders the best franchise
New Delhi: It may be all over for Kolkata Knight Riders in the inaugural season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), but their Australian coach John Buchanan has vowed to make them the "best team" in the coming seasons.
At the launch of his book "If Better is Possible", Buchanan made it clear that every team should have its history and Knight Riders will create its own and also set benchmarks.
"I want to develop the team as the best franchise team. We are also looking for the right people and talent. There is the Bollywood aura but then we don't have history. We are the ones to initiate and set benchmarks," he said.
The Knight Riders made a brilliant start in the IPL but lost way after the departure of key players Brendon McCullum and Ricky Ponting. Buchanan, however, feels that it was Knight Riders' failure to perform well in the first six overs that was the main cause of their downfall.
New Delhi: It may be all over for Kolkata Knight Riders in the inaugural season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), but their Australian coach John Buchanan has vowed to make them the "best team" in the coming seasons.
At the launch of his book "If Better is Possible", Buchanan made it clear that every team should have its history and Knight Riders will create its own and also set benchmarks.
"I want to develop the team as the best franchise team. We are also looking for the right people and talent. There is the Bollywood aura but then we don't have history. We are the ones to initiate and set benchmarks," he said.
The Knight Riders made a brilliant start in the IPL but lost way after the departure of key players Brendon McCullum and Ricky Ponting. Buchanan, however, feels that it was Knight Riders' failure to perform well in the first six overs that was the main cause of their downfall.
National teams do not need coaches: Warne
Chennai: Shane Warne was anything but ambiguous when he declared with typical finality that national teams do not need coaches, but teams at the first-class and domestic levels need them.
While virtually dashing any speculation about taking up a coaching assignment with a national team, Warne was responding to a query about his dual role as coach and captain of the Rajasthan Royals.
"I am basically a captain who is helping out the team by putting my first-class experience to good use. But otherwise, coach-cum-captain is just a title. I am lucky to have guys like Jeremy Snape and Darren Barry who work things out in the backroom," said Warne who is here for the game against Chennai Super Kings on Saturday.
Chennai: Shane Warne was anything but ambiguous when he declared with typical finality that national teams do not need coaches, but teams at the first-class and domestic levels need them.
While virtually dashing any speculation about taking up a coaching assignment with a national team, Warne was responding to a query about his dual role as coach and captain of the Rajasthan Royals.
"I am basically a captain who is helping out the team by putting my first-class experience to good use. But otherwise, coach-cum-captain is just a title. I am lucky to have guys like Jeremy Snape and Darren Barry who work things out in the backroom," said Warne who is here for the game against Chennai Super Kings on Saturday.
We have done our job, time to pray: Sehwag
New Delhi: Delhi Daredevils captain Virender Sehwag said the team had done their job after beating Mumbai Indians here on Saturday in their Indian Premier League (IPL) match and now was the time to pray for a semi-final berth.
Daredevils, Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians, placed third, fourth and fifth respectively in the IPL standings, are fighting for two semifinal spots with the top two teams, Rajasthan Royal and Kings XI Punjab, already making the cut.
Man of the Match Dinesh Karthik said he was happy to help his team win the crucial game.
New Delhi: Delhi Daredevils captain Virender Sehwag said the team had done their job after beating Mumbai Indians here on Saturday in their Indian Premier League (IPL) match and now was the time to pray for a semi-final berth.
Daredevils, Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians, placed third, fourth and fifth respectively in the IPL standings, are fighting for two semifinal spots with the top two teams, Rajasthan Royal and Kings XI Punjab, already making the cut.
Man of the Match Dinesh Karthik said he was happy to help his team win the crucial game.
Warne all praise for top-order batsmen
Chennai: Despite four changes in the team, Rajasthan Royals managed to win against Chennai Super Kings here on Saturday night and that reflected the depth of their talent, according to skipper Shane Warne.
Speaking to the media after beating Royals by 10 runs, Warne said: "Till the 14th over, I thought Super Kings might yet win the game with about an over to spare. But the wicket of Parthiv Patel was crucial and it helped us get back into the game."
Warne was all praise for his three top-order batsmen, Graeme Smith (91), Swapnil Asnodkar (41) and Kamran Akmal (53 not out), saying they laid the foundation for a big total.
"I am happy that Kamran came good with the bat tonight as we might push him up to open the innings since Smith will be missing our next match due to a hamstring injury," said Warne.
Chennai: Despite four changes in the team, Rajasthan Royals managed to win against Chennai Super Kings here on Saturday night and that reflected the depth of their talent, according to skipper Shane Warne.
Speaking to the media after beating Royals by 10 runs, Warne said: "Till the 14th over, I thought Super Kings might yet win the game with about an over to spare. But the wicket of Parthiv Patel was crucial and it helped us get back into the game."
Warne was all praise for his three top-order batsmen, Graeme Smith (91), Swapnil Asnodkar (41) and Kamran Akmal (53 not out), saying they laid the foundation for a big total.
"I am happy that Kamran came good with the bat tonight as we might push him up to open the innings since Smith will be missing our next match due to a hamstring injury," said Warne.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Jaipur juggernaut keeps rolling with 10-run win
Chennai: Sohail Tanvir bowled a sensational final over as Jaipur waved off a strong Chennai challenge to notch up a 10-run victory at the MA Chidambaram stadium here on Saturday.
The Pakistan fast bowler took two wickets including the dangerous Albie Morkel as Chennai were unable to pull off a victory in a game that never pronounced a favourite till the very end.
Morkel, the South African left-hander, threatened to take the game away with a blistering 71 from 40 balls that had six fours and four sixes, but Chennai fell apart with the early fall of captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni (12) and a bevy of wickets.
Chennai, who still need another victory to seal their spot in the semi-finals, suffered an early setback chasing 212 with the fall of Stephen Fleming, but recovered with a brilliant counterattacking partership between Parthiv Patel and Suresh Raina, as Jaipur captain Shane Warne's ploy of opening with spinner Yusuf Pathan flopped.
Raina clobbered a majestic 24-ball 45 that dominated the second
Chennai: Sohail Tanvir bowled a sensational final over as Jaipur waved off a strong Chennai challenge to notch up a 10-run victory at the MA Chidambaram stadium here on Saturday.
The Pakistan fast bowler took two wickets including the dangerous Albie Morkel as Chennai were unable to pull off a victory in a game that never pronounced a favourite till the very end.
Morkel, the South African left-hander, threatened to take the game away with a blistering 71 from 40 balls that had six fours and four sixes, but Chennai fell apart with the early fall of captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni (12) and a bevy of wickets.
Chennai, who still need another victory to seal their spot in the semi-finals, suffered an early setback chasing 212 with the fall of Stephen Fleming, but recovered with a brilliant counterattacking partership between Parthiv Patel and Suresh Raina, as Jaipur captain Shane Warne's ploy of opening with spinner Yusuf Pathan flopped.
Raina clobbered a majestic 24-ball 45 that dominated the second
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Gambhir becomes first IPL batsman to amass 500 runs
Indo Asian News Service
Last Updated: May 19, 2008 23:55:12
Bangalore, May 20: Gautam Gambhir, with his 39 in Delhi Daredevils' five-wicket win over Bangalore Royal Challengers Monday night, became the first player in the Indian Premier League (IPL) to score more than 500 runs.
Gambhir has scored 504 at an average of 45.81 in 12 matches. Daredevils captain Virender Sehwag is second in the list with 385 runs at an average of 38.50. Shikhar Dhawan became the third batsman from Delhi Daredevils to amass 300 runs or more in the competition.
Indo Asian News Service
Last Updated: May 19, 2008 23:55:12
Bangalore, May 20: Gautam Gambhir, with his 39 in Delhi Daredevils' five-wicket win over Bangalore Royal Challengers Monday night, became the first player in the Indian Premier League (IPL) to score more than 500 runs.
Gambhir has scored 504 at an average of 45.81 in 12 matches. Daredevils captain Virender Sehwag is second in the list with 385 runs at an average of 38.50. Shikhar Dhawan became the third batsman from Delhi Daredevils to amass 300 runs or more in the competition.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Mumbai vs King's XI: Engrossing tussle on cards
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Mumbai Indians, on a roll with six successive wins under their belt and thirsting for revenge for their previous loss, take on second-placed Punjab King's XI on Wednesday
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Mumbai Indians, on a roll with six successive wins under their belt and thirsting for revenge for their previous loss, take on second-placed Punjab King's XI on Wednesday
Viru confident of taking Daredevils to semifinals
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Delhi Daredevils skipper Virender Sehwag said Monday's 5-wicket victory over Bangalore Royal Challengers will give his side the confidence to win both their remaining two matches to give them a chance for a semifinal berth in the Indian Premier League.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Delhi Daredevils skipper Virender Sehwag said Monday's 5-wicket victory over Bangalore Royal Challengers will give his side the confidence to win both their remaining two matches to give them a chance for a semifinal berth in the Indian Premier League.
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Shah Rukh should follow ICC guidelines: BCCI Tuesday, May 20, 2008
BCCI said it has no problem with Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan sitting with his Kolkata Knight Riders' players in the dugout during the IPL matches but advised the star to follow the ICC guidelines.
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Shah Rukh should follow ICC guidelines: BCCI Tuesday, May 20, 2008
BCCI said it has no problem with Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan sitting with his Kolkata Knight Riders' players in the dugout during the IPL matches but advised the star to follow the ICC guidelines.
In Zaheer, India have a bowler leader: Dravid
Bangalore: Rahul Dravid finally had something different to say in public. Having whined about his IPL team's miseries over the past month or so, the Bangalore captain had some nice words for his city and country teammate Zaheer Khan. Dravid handed over a hard-bound copy of the 145th edition of the Wisden Cricketers Almanac 2008 to Zaheer, one of the five Cricketers of the Year, for his exploits in England last year. Zaheer snapped 18 wickets in the three-Test series for the Pataudi Trophy and helped India win 1-0. Dravid arrived for the brief function at the hotel where IPL teams are being put up at and waited for 10 minutes, flipping through a variety of cricket books in his bag until Zaheer arrived.
Bangalore: Rahul Dravid finally had something different to say in public. Having whined about his IPL team's miseries over the past month or so, the Bangalore captain had some nice words for his city and country teammate Zaheer Khan. Dravid handed over a hard-bound copy of the 145th edition of the Wisden Cricketers Almanac 2008 to Zaheer, one of the five Cricketers of the Year, for his exploits in England last year. Zaheer snapped 18 wickets in the three-Test series for the Pataudi Trophy and helped India win 1-0. Dravid arrived for the brief function at the hotel where IPL teams are being put up at and waited for 10 minutes, flipping through a variety of cricket books in his bag until Zaheer arrived.
Why the IPL should fail
There is a real possibility the league will work, but the cricket played so far has been low-grade rubbish, and the whole thing deserves to fall on its face
Mukul Kesavan
April 25, 2008
Innings like McCullum's 158 demonstrate the haplessness of the bowlers rather than the superiority of the batsman © Aneesh Bhatnagar
The cricket stadium at Feroz Shah Kotla in Delhi used to be uncomfortable and squalid, now it's comfortable and vulgar. The concrete terraces have been replaced by plastic seats, there's a giant video screen for replays, the lavatories are better, but the improvements seem beside the point because they don't play cricket there any more
There is a real possibility the league will work, but the cricket played so far has been low-grade rubbish, and the whole thing deserves to fall on its face
Mukul Kesavan
April 25, 2008
Innings like McCullum's 158 demonstrate the haplessness of the bowlers rather than the superiority of the batsman © Aneesh Bhatnagar
The cricket stadium at Feroz Shah Kotla in Delhi used to be uncomfortable and squalid, now it's comfortable and vulgar. The concrete terraces have been replaced by plastic seats, there's a giant video screen for replays, the lavatories are better, but the improvements seem beside the point because they don't play cricket there any more
How will the IPL change cricket?
By Simon Austin
Dhoni, Symonds and Kallis are three of the stars taking part
It has been described as the Indian revolution, the tournament that will change the face of cricket forever.
The Indian Premier League (IPL) introduced new levels of glitz, glamour and wealth to the game as soon as its first auction was held in February.
Since then it has overshadowed the start of the English county season and dominated the cricketing agenda.
BBC Sport talked to some of the main protagonists in the IPL to ask what effect they think it will have on world cricket.
By Simon Austin
Dhoni, Symonds and Kallis are three of the stars taking part
It has been described as the Indian revolution, the tournament that will change the face of cricket forever.
The Indian Premier League (IPL) introduced new levels of glitz, glamour and wealth to the game as soon as its first auction was held in February.
Since then it has overshadowed the start of the English county season and dominated the cricketing agenda.
BBC Sport talked to some of the main protagonists in the IPL to ask what effect they think it will have on world cricket.
Australia scraps triangular one-day format
Tue, 20 May 2008 06:02 GMT
Cricket Australia (CA) will scrap its triangular one-day international format after almost 30 years and play more Twenty20 internationals, it was revealed Tuesday. CA's schedule for the 2008/09 season involving New Zealand and South Africa shows the organisation attempting to revive interest in its one-day series and moving to meet demand for the ultra-short Twenty20 form. The triangular one-day format introduced by the late media mogul Kerry Packer in 1979/80 helped revolutionise cricket but has been ditched in favour of a model that ensures Australia plays in each match.
Tue, 20 May 2008 06:02 GMT
Cricket Australia (CA) will scrap its triangular one-day international format after almost 30 years and play more Twenty20 internationals, it was revealed Tuesday. CA's schedule for the 2008/09 season involving New Zealand and South Africa shows the organisation attempting to revive interest in its one-day series and moving to meet demand for the ultra-short Twenty20 form. The triangular one-day format introduced by the late media mogul Kerry Packer in 1979/80 helped revolutionise cricket but has been ditched in favour of a model that ensures Australia plays in each match.
Afghanistan take first step towards cricket World Cup
Mon, 19 May 2008 14:32 GMT
Afghanistan take first step towards cricket World Cup
Mon, 19 May 2008 14:32 GMT
Burgeoning cricket talent Afghanistan are confident as they prepare for the first step towards the 2011 World Cup, captain Norooz Khan Mangal was quoted as saying Monday. Afghanistan are one of 12 teams featuring in the division five event of the ICC (International Cricket Council) World Cricket League, which starts in Jersey from May 23. "A few years ago, any talk of Afghanistan playing in the World Cup would have been laughable. But not any more as we are taking the first step with the qualifying rounds," Mangal is quoted as saying in an ICC press release. The winners will qualify for the next stage of the qualifying rounds. India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh host the World Cup in 2011.
Burgeoning cricket talent Afghanistan are confident as they prepare for the first step towards the 2011 World Cup, captain Norooz Khan Mangal was quoted as saying Monday. Afghanistan are one of 12 teams featuring in the division five event of the ICC (International Cricket Council) World Cricket League, which starts in Jersey from May 23. "A few years ago, any talk of Afghanistan playing in the World Cup would have been laughable. But not any more as we are taking the first step with the qualifying rounds," Mangal is quoted as saying in an ICC press release. The winners will qualify for the next stage of the qualifying rounds. India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh host the World Cup in 2011.
Mon, 19 May 2008 14:32 GMT
Afghanistan take first step towards cricket World Cup
Mon, 19 May 2008 14:32 GMT
Burgeoning cricket talent Afghanistan are confident as they prepare for the first step towards the 2011 World Cup, captain Norooz Khan Mangal was quoted as saying Monday. Afghanistan are one of 12 teams featuring in the division five event of the ICC (International Cricket Council) World Cricket League, which starts in Jersey from May 23. "A few years ago, any talk of Afghanistan playing in the World Cup would have been laughable. But not any more as we are taking the first step with the qualifying rounds," Mangal is quoted as saying in an ICC press release. The winners will qualify for the next stage of the qualifying rounds. India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh host the World Cup in 2011.
Burgeoning cricket talent Afghanistan are confident as they prepare for the first step towards the 2011 World Cup, captain Norooz Khan Mangal was quoted as saying Monday. Afghanistan are one of 12 teams featuring in the division five event of the ICC (International Cricket Council) World Cricket League, which starts in Jersey from May 23. "A few years ago, any talk of Afghanistan playing in the World Cup would have been laughable. But not any more as we are taking the first step with the qualifying rounds," Mangal is quoted as saying in an ICC press release. The winners will qualify for the next stage of the qualifying rounds. India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh host the World Cup in 2011.
Gul's twin-strike rattles Warne's men
Cricketnext.com
Kolkata lost wickets at regular intervals against an accurate Jaipur bowling attack. Munaf Patel's two early strikes put the home side under pressure and the runs were never easy coming with Sohail Tanvir showing his mettle once again. [2219 hrs IST]
Delhi back to winning ways
Delhi revive flagging IPL campain
Delhi know their fate lies in their own hands in the last stretch of the IPL.
Asif in danger of missing rest of IPL
SLC at loggerheads with selectors
Trouble brewing in Sri Lanka ahead of India tour
Local newspaper Daily Mirror has learnt of a 'fear of dictatorship'.
Jeers for cheers
Cheerleaders asked to leave, allege racial bias
Girls were reportedly asked to leave because of their skin colour.
'I miss playing international cricket'
Wizard Warne considering Test return
The leg-spinner to consider comeback if Australian team needs him.
Cricketnext.com
Kolkata lost wickets at regular intervals against an accurate Jaipur bowling attack. Munaf Patel's two early strikes put the home side under pressure and the runs were never easy coming with Sohail Tanvir showing his mettle once again. [2219 hrs IST]
Delhi back to winning ways
Delhi revive flagging IPL campain
Delhi know their fate lies in their own hands in the last stretch of the IPL.
Asif in danger of missing rest of IPL
SLC at loggerheads with selectors
Trouble brewing in Sri Lanka ahead of India tour
Local newspaper Daily Mirror has learnt of a 'fear of dictatorship'.
Jeers for cheers
Cheerleaders asked to leave, allege racial bias
Girls were reportedly asked to leave because of their skin colour.
'I miss playing international cricket'
Wizard Warne considering Test return
The leg-spinner to consider comeback if Australian team needs him.
-->
Specials Features >>
Exchange students
The IPL has given young players the opportunity to interact with their elders and betters - both from India and overseas
Siddhartha Vaidyanathan
May 20, 2008
VRV Singh is among the many young Indian players who have benefited from sharing a dressing room with overseas cricketers in the IPL © AFP
It was the penultimate over of the Delhi Daredevils' innings and Punjab's VRV Singh, as he had done while bowling in the death through the tournament, was trying to get every ball in the blockhole. The first, which ended up a low full-toss, was turned to short fine leg by Virender Sehwag; the second, which Tillakaratne Dilshan tried to pull, was an attempted yorker that turned into a beamer down leg side; and the third, which Dilshan paddled past short fine leg, was another low full-toss.
That was when Mahela Jayawardene, fielding at deep third man, decided to run halfway across the field to have a word with the bowler and captain. As someone who captains Dilshan in the Sri Lankan team, it was obvious Jayawardene saw through his plan. Fine leg was pushed back, three full-ish balls followed, the line was controlled according to how Dilshan moved in the crease, and the remainder of the over produced just three. In a game that was decided by six runs, it was a crucial over.
There are many reasons for Punjab's ascendancy to second spot in the IPL - balanced side, strong bowling attack, good mix of Indian and foreign talent - but tactics have played a big part.
Specials Features >>
Exchange students
The IPL has given young players the opportunity to interact with their elders and betters - both from India and overseas
Siddhartha Vaidyanathan
May 20, 2008
VRV Singh is among the many young Indian players who have benefited from sharing a dressing room with overseas cricketers in the IPL © AFP
It was the penultimate over of the Delhi Daredevils' innings and Punjab's VRV Singh, as he had done while bowling in the death through the tournament, was trying to get every ball in the blockhole. The first, which ended up a low full-toss, was turned to short fine leg by Virender Sehwag; the second, which Tillakaratne Dilshan tried to pull, was an attempted yorker that turned into a beamer down leg side; and the third, which Dilshan paddled past short fine leg, was another low full-toss.
That was when Mahela Jayawardene, fielding at deep third man, decided to run halfway across the field to have a word with the bowler and captain. As someone who captains Dilshan in the Sri Lankan team, it was obvious Jayawardene saw through his plan. Fine leg was pushed back, three full-ish balls followed, the line was controlled according to how Dilshan moved in the crease, and the remainder of the over produced just three. In a game that was decided by six runs, it was a crucial over.
There are many reasons for Punjab's ascendancy to second spot in the IPL - balanced side, strong bowling attack, good mix of Indian and foreign talent - but tactics have played a big part.
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