From today for the next four days it is going to be double headers time. Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bangalore and Gujrat Loins vs Risng Pune Supergaints. Mumbai Indians, who have made a good comeback after losing their opener to Pune Supergaints will be facing Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Chinnaswamy stadium, where they enjoy fantastic record winning six out of the seven matches they have played so far in IPL.
The Pandya brothers have shown good consistency for them and so have Parthiv Patel and Rana with the bat. The only worry has been Rohit Sharma their captain’s poor show as he has not crossed single digit score in three matches. In one match of course he was done by bad decision and that can’t be a lame excuse as Rohit is Mumbai’s mainstay. Jos Butler should convert his good starts to big ones so that there wont be much pressure on the middle and lower order.
Whether Kohli will play today or not is doubtful and if he plays Bangalore can be a little relaxed as the Indian batsmen in their squad have not clicked so far. AB Devilliers, who replaced Gayle straightaway impressed everyone, but his fantastic effort went in vain two days ago. And if Galye is fit Stanlake or Mills should make way and Bangalore will go for a local bowler.
In other match Rising Pune Supergaints are struggling again. This year their start was superb when they defeated Mumabi Indians in the first match, but lost the next two. Steve Smith missed the that encounter and Deplisis who played in his place did not shine. Today they have to regroup themselves to be in the race for the top four positions first. Dhon’s bad run has also been disappointing for them. They are meeting Gujrat Loins who are in the same boat. For Gujrat Jason Roy playing for the first time is looking good and he should make the most of the chances he is getting. Raina, the captain is also not in good touch and their bowlers have also not stuck form.
In yesterday’s match Kolkatta Knight Riders scored a facile win, continuing their domination over Kings XI Punjab. First they did a good job in restricting Punjab to 170 on a good newly laid batting track and then chased the target without any difficulty. Captain Ghambir played a fine innings.
Mahavaadi Sudeer– DD Commentator
