Kumble let down by batters, IPL 2009 Finals

Banglore v Deccan, Finals, IPL 2009

Nobody can predict outcomes in sport, but as I had posted yesterday-

"I can tell you that Gilchrist will not be playing his natural game- he will have to earn it. I reckon that he will not be getting balls to cut and pull, but will have to fetch them from outside off or be forced to slog them off the front foot." - saumilzx
...from my post after Bangalore won the semi finals

Kumble has stopped Gilchrist like this before. This time he got one ball at a length outside off, another full and flighted on his pads, and then a third which was flighted in from leg inviting him to loft (slider/googly combo pack with a new ball). Gilchrist was bowled for a duck. But to be fair to Gilchrist, he at least come down the track, rather than slog it off the front foot and get a top edge, as he has often fallen that way in the past.

Compulsive natural batters can be very unnatural against the likes of Kumble and MacGrath- both great bowlers who thrive on a batter's intent and allow you to play your shots ...or rather, sort of allow you...

Kumble continued the strategy from yesterday, and made sure big shots were dried up in the middle overs, when Deccan were asked to bat first. Bangalore slipped in balls into the pads, allowing singles to square leg or straight. Square of the wicket on the off-side, the gaps were available, but the options were not. So batsmen had to go inside out for big shots- only to be caught at deep extra cover or mid off...

When chasing, even though Bangalore lost early wickets, they had the batting resources, since the losses included Pandey (although a star for Bangalore- he was the junior player gambited by Kumble to open) and van de Merve, their bowling all rounder- who did boost their run rate nonetheless.

Dravid who had an off day, dropping Symonds in the slips, played what looked like an injudicious shot- trying to paddle sweep a straight ball from Harmeet (the junior 5th bowler), down to long leg and was bowled. At this stage it looked like rotating strike would have helped, as Taylor and Boucher were better suited for risky shots.

But full credit to Gilchrist for pursuing with Harmeet, who went for 10 runs in his first over. Harmeet responded by keeping it dead straight- wicket to wicket- making it tough to rotate strike. He was indeed the junior star for Deccan today, just as Manish Pandey had been for Bangalore in the last two games.

The end result was that, Kumble won the battle but lost the war- perhaps an apt ending for the Bangalore Management, which woke up late in identifying him as the best choice as leader, when he was always available.

There is only so much one man can do for a team. Although in a team game, the team is greater than its players- it is often the case when a player is let down by the team.

Unfortunately, it was so for Anil Kumble today.

Saumil
Mumbai
25 May 2009

Simon Taufel reads Muralidaran with 100% accuracy!

Yes, there is someone who can read spin wizard Muralidaran. Unfortunately, it is not a batsman, but an umpire! Simon Taufel is the amongst the best in the business for sure.

In today's gripping semi finals of IPL 2009 (Bangalore vs Chennai), Murali was required to weave his magic to try to get a few wickets as Bangalore were chasing a moderate target of 147 with many wickets in hand.

Murali was bowling around the wicket to Dravid/Pandey- as this is how he gets an lbw in play. He was right on the button.

1. Murali's first appeal looked very good. Replays showed that the ball pitched on middle and turned enough to miss leg stump. Not out.

2. Few balls later, his second appeal looked plumb, but fortunately Simon Taufel was not looking into Murali's eyes but at the ball which the batsman missed! Not out. Replays showed that the ball pitched on middle-off stump, but still turned enough to just miss leg!

3. Soon Murali slipped it straighter, pitched on middle-off, surely it must be out this time! Not out. Replays indicated that the ball did not turn enough this time, and perhaps slid to clip the outer side of off stump (was it a doosra?). Cannot be given.

4. Fourth time- Murali flights an off-spinner onto middle stump, to hit middle stump, which Dravid tried to sweep and miss. Out!

Murali ended with 15 runs and a wicket in 4 overs! Could be man of the match on another day, with another umpire around (these figures are still daunting to say the least).

Simon Taufel got them all right! Brilliant umpiring...
Also, spare a thought for the batters facing Murali, who have to judge the ball before it hits their pad or bat.

Saumil
Mumbai
24 May 2009

Karpov Kumble outcaptains Dhoni, Semi Finals, IPL 2009

Bangalore Royal Challengers v Chennai Super kings
IPL 2009 Semi Finals

Anil Kumble, who not too long ago was criticized and almost forced into retirement for his 'defensive' captaincy- has proved a point or too, to his detractors by humbling the mighty batting line-up of Chennai Super Kings. And he did that by a containing strategy rather than tactical punches, as characterized by Shane Warne's success with the Rajasthan Royals last year. The important lesson is that, your team and execution have to back the approach you choose.

Firstly, he chose to field, putting the first innings dot-ball dilemma onto the opponents. The pitch was good but slow, so Kumble had a chance to plan his bowling around that fact (Kallis, Praveen Kumar, plus spin), and allow singles to key players and slip in dots as well. As a result, Chennai could not runaway with any momentum, as they could not really estimate the target.

Hayden was pinned from around his leg stump with options to work it square on the leg side for singles. Kumble slipped in googlies- and Hayden tried to cut and almost got caught at short extra cover (Mumbai Indians had rendered Hayden motionless in the league phase, with Harbhajan bowling the same line). However, Parthiv Patel got off the blocks very well, and it was evident that they had no restrictive plans for him, bowling conventional lengths around off stump.

Dhoni and Raina got singles against the spinners (Kumble and Van der Merve) but Bangalore would take that, since this was not a pitch where wickets in hand would translate to a burst of runs in the end (which is perhaps why Dhoni promoted himself at number 3). In the death overs, again there were many balls wide of the crease, with Oram and Morkel getting only singles to third man or straighter on the off side.

Kumble was clinical in his execution and confident that the uncertainty of not knowing a target would make it difficult for Chennai to bat themselves in (Remember, in T20 the risk is often about a side not playing itself in).

Chasing 147, Bangalore were exactly aware how to pace themselves and not go for anything extravagant. It is easier to say that, but the new kid on the block of Indian Cricket- Manish Pandey provided the strike rate with deft touch play, to make it a run-a-ball game for Bangalore.

It was not easy as it sounds, as Muralidaran was weaving his magic for Chennai. Perhaps, he came on a bit too late, with the damage already done in the first 6 overs (could Murali have bowled the 5th/6th over- Dravid would not like to hit him over the inner fielders; and Pandey who looked good against pace had never dealt with Murali).

All in all, it was Kumble's deep and subtle plans to gambit away some singles- without really trying anything special in bowling that allowed Chennai to get to a good score, but only sort of good.

Will it work for him in the finals against Deccan? I can tell you that Gilchrist will not be playing his natural game- he will have to earn it. I reckon that he will not be getting balls to cut and pull, but will have to fetch them from outside off or be forced to slog them off the front foot.

Another good day of strategic subtleties from 'Karpov' Kumble, might just do it for Bangalore. If so, the celebrations, though, will be anything but subtle.

Saumil
Mumbai
23 May 2009

Up Next

After the IPL is done with, I will be releasing reports on the Mumbai Indians performance in this IPL (losing after being second on the net run rate?), and then later on T20 Cricket itself- perhaps an eBook, but hopelfully at least a screencast.

Subscribe to my RSS Feed to be notified! Keep the mails coming...

Saumil
Mumbai
23 May 2009

Gilchrist Show- IPL 2009... Can Dhoni/Kumble stop him? very likely...

Delhi Daredevils v Deccan Chargers
IPL 2009, First Semi Finals

Delhi had the worst start possible losing Gambhir and Warner for ducks in the first over. However, Sehwag and Dilshan rode their luck (3 chances and half a dozen edges) and counter attacked to revive the situation - 83/2 at 10 overs. That was a platform which Delhi would gladly take considering their poor start. But they failed to push ahead, and Sehwag fell lbw trying to paddle in the dreaded 11th over after the break.

Most thought that 152 was a decent total, though. But Deccan Chargers, would take that, putting in the opposition to bat first.

But what followed was the poorest bit of cricket. Nannes, their left arm pacer, tried to bounce Gilchrist at first, then bowled another short ball on his off stump- which Gilchrist pulled (along the ground!) to mid-wicket for four. Two straighter ones went to square leg and down the track and another short one was cut wide off third man.

The required rate was flattened in the first over- going for 21 runs! The game was all but finished in 3 overs.

This Gilchrist innings was much better than his World Cup Finals 2007, where he mistimed or mis-hit every 4 or 5 shots. This was a more measured innings since he hit them along the ground, a lot more!

Sehwag said they tried everything- short balls, yorkers, bouncers, full tosses... that is where the problem is. You feed variety to such a player and he will hurt you in various ways.

You do not bowl to prevent Gilchrist from shot making, but actually pursue a one shot bowling approach- wide and full - allowing him to drive on the off side. He still is the cleanest striker in the game (and in bouncy conditions) he may yet hurt you, but you can force many false shots this way.

Actually against Kumble/Dhoni/Tendulkar, Gilchrist has struggled to reach strike rates he is legendary for, in the past year or two.

In fact, that is how Sehwag was restricted!- Deccan bowled into his pads and kept the leg side fielders deep- allowing singles and even twos...rather than try to overcome him.

Dhoni (Chennai) or Kumble (Bangalore) will not let things fall apart like this. Deccan, still has big holes in their bowling attack, and this momentum thing is surely not their way yet. Expect more chess from Kumble or Dhoni than this.... This IPL has been characterized by sluggish pitches and slower bowling. Will the finals be similar?

Saumil
Mumbai
23 May 2009

Mumbai out of IPL 2009- for not playing rubbish enough

Mumbai Indians v Chennai Superkings, IPL 2009
second encounter

So Mumbai are out of the IPL 2009 (they still have a 5% chance of making it, Bangalore(v Delhi, Deccan); Punjab (v Deccan, Chennai); and Rajashtan (v Delhi, Kolkata)- all lose both their games and Mumbai win against Delhi)...

However, todays game sums up Mumbai's performance in this IPL. They played well again, but lost too few wickets but could not get the strike rate burst they needed. But this was a target (149) which Mumbai with a quality bowling attack should have restricted the Chennai batters.

Guess what they did restrict the batters and yet they lost!

When the scorecard for:
Mumbai Indians, includes

• Jayasuria (30 of 17),
• Duminy (62 of 54),
• Nayar (33 of 27),
• Tendulkar (11 of 14).... 148/5

whereas for Chennai

• Hayden (60 of 57, no boundary till 11 overs, and paced his innings 5 of 16 and dropped; 9 of 23; 16 of 29; 25 of 35 at the end of 13 overs). If any other top international batsman paced his chase this way, especially since Raina the only player with proper shots was out early, they would be out of international cricket (which is perhaps why he is out of it!).
• Raina 20 of 12- really the only player who looked like accomplishing the strike rate demanded.
• Dhoni 23-22 (with a four in the last over)
• Badrinath 22-23 with a whole lot of edges

Now if you look at Chennai's scorecard excpet for Raina who made 8 runs more then balls played, you would wonder how you could chase down 149 in 120 balls...

As Tendulkar mentioned in the post match interview- he was spot on- they gave too may extras - 10 wides. But what he did not mention were the 16 innovative leg byes (3 Four leg Byes!) which gave momentum to Chennai's innings instead of losing wickets!

Surely, this is not an excuse which a losing team can cite, but this pretty much sums up Mumbai's outing this year. They were very good overall, but failed to smack a few big ones or string together edgy shots from lots of fringe players (which also Tendulkar tried by shuffling the batting order).

Get the IPL back to India next year! All their big strike rate players (Jayasuria, Bravo, Nayar) were good but not with explosive strike rates. Jayasuria and Bravo were big buys for the sub-continent and Tendulkar has shown faith in the sub-continent (and the catchment players), because this was supposed to be the Indian Premier League...

and yes, do not ever lose another match when 6 runs are needed of 9 balls and 4 wickets are in hand. There is no captain or spectator support which can fix that (not to mention that hat-trick from Rohit Sharma)!

Saumil
Mumbai
16 May 2009

Mumbai Indians squeezed out in first 5 overs

Mumbai Indians v Rajasthan Royals, IPL 2009
second encounter (first match rained out).
... 6 runs of 9 balls with 4 wickets in hand, and yet Mumbai lost!

Sachin Tendulkar addressed the fact that Mumbai Indians were not using their batting resources as well as they should in the short 20 over format. Today, he sent Bravo (who smacked them brilliantly in the last match) and Takawale (their keeper) to flatten the strike rate as Mumbai Indians were to chase a reasonable but competitive 140+.

In my view, such a plan was worth a shot, since the opening bowling approach in this IPL has been to shuffle bowlers and keep it slow. Best to pitch your fringe batters against the fringe or slower bowlers!

The mistake however, was perhaps that Ajinkya Rahane was sent up as Bravo fell early. This meant that Rahane and Takawale, both inexperienced players- could not hit through and did not get out either in the first 5 overs.

In such a gambit, one can discount 2-3 wickets of your support batters if the plan fails, and if it works you get a strike rate boost. However, in this case they had only about 23 runs in the first 5 overs. Mumbai lost wickets and overs!
Postionally, however, it meant that Warne and the spinners would be up against the main batters of Mumbai Indians. That was balanced with Mumbai coming out just ahead, overcoming the deficit of the earlier blunders.

Perhaps the answer was to send Jayasuria or another senior player when Bravo fell, so that stock scoring momentum is maintained.

Yet such plans will be needed. On a bad day, if you can end up needing 6 runs of 9 balls with 4 wickets, the plan can still work.

Will Mumbai play an extra batter? One cannot complain about the fact that Chetanya Nanda (their extra bowler) took out Yusuf Pathan.

Yet, I think there is room for an additional batter, just to reinforce such plans.

Mumbai need 2 in 2- and the good thing for them is that their net run rate is up there.

Saumil
15 May 2009
Mumbai

Mumbai allocate resources for luck; Chargers fail to play in 20 overs

Mumabi Indians v Kings XI Punjab (second encounter, IPL 2009)
Mumbai have second time dissected Punjab for under 120 in this IPL. Having lost the first time, and also observing they have often only lost a few wickets and yet lost games- Sachin Tendulkar made an unexpected change, by pushing Bravo up the order (Jayasuria has been good in patches, but even on his good day his strike rate has been more constructive than destructive).

Bravo had his share of luck, being dropped by Irfan Pathan on a caught and bowled offer when he had not opened his account. Although, two wickets were lost early, Sachin had to just push around for singles, since Bravo had taken Shreeshant apart by then.

Tennis-wise, this was a classic break of serves (score when bowlers look for wickets with the new ball), then hold on to your serve (singles in your comfort zone after 5 over restrictions).

Sachin also had his luck, with an edge that almost carried to slips off Chawla and then inside edged Brett lee for four. He then made the bowlers pay with some clean hits over mid wicket...

Looks like Mumbai are begining to allocate their batting resources better, in this star studded lineup (20 overs do not look enough). In fact, the number of lucky shots they had in this one innings was perhaps more than what they managed in the entire tournament (10 games) so far.

Delhi Daredevils v Deccan Chargers

In another encounter, Deccan Chargers looked like chasing 175 against Delhi, with Gilchrist and Symonds going great guns. However, the other fringe players who got out ate more balls than runs, and Ravi Teja who played himself in, managed 27 of 34, with two fours coming in the 16th over. In fact, a leg bye and singles kept Symonds off strike as the match came close and the Chargers needed only 24 of 18. Bhatia with his uncanny combinations of yorkers and slower leg-cutters, knocked Symonds and Dwyane Smith.

This was another case where a side had failed to play itself in, and paid a heavy price for those who hurt the strike rate and did not get out!

Looking ahead for Mumbai v Rajasthan...
Perhaps Jayasuria might be floated around and down the order, since most teams are willing to slow down things from the very first ball (not Jayasuria's forte)? Tendulkar and Bravo, might just do the trick, with Jayasuria after 10 overs (sort of like opening after the so called strategic break). Anyway, Mumbai have been playing an extra bowler, so they can just account for Jayasuria as a bowler-batsman, and get in one more pincher (Pinal/Dhawan) upfront... whatever it is, they will need to rollout their batting resources to take advantage of weaker bowlers in other teams.

Saumil
Mumbai
13 May 2009

Mumbai win, but almost did not play themselves in!

Mumbai Indians v Bangalore Royal Challengers, IPL 2009
(second encounter)

Mumbai made 157 for 2 with well constructed knocks from Jayasuria, Rahane and Duminy. Since Tendulkar was out for a duck, it was a fine recovery, but after about 12 overs- it seemed that they did not go for bigger shots. Perhaps, their last few losses had dented their confidence a bit and the reality was that this pitch was really slow and the next man who came in may not get the big shots going.

Nonetheless, this was an example of a T20 batting team in danger of not playing itself in.

But Rahane was indeed a revelation- because he hit many big shots. Brilliant for an orthodox batsman.

I am sure they will rethink their plan- now that Tendulkar, Rahane and Duminy have a similar role! They can get some other strikers, when any one of these is in.

Mumbai need to win at least 3 of 4. They are still very resourceful in bowling and have some decent all-rounders. The good that has emerged from their little slump is that now they have a pretty good idea of who can do that little bit of an all-round role (which bowlers can smack it a bit, and which batters can bowl a few).

They will need to use their all-rounder batsmen (keeper, Bravo, Nayar) and other bowlers (Harbhajan, Malinga etc.)- to get their lucky/fluke shot component going. (see Method-Luck-Fluke Combo Plan).

If Mumbai are willing to add some circus to their method, winning 3 in 4 looks more than likely- since most opposition teams lack a complete bowling attack, which can be exploited by risking in part-time batsmen.

There is perhaps also a good chance that Mumbai may play Pinal Shah (even with Takawale) or an extra batsman, since their 5th bowler options includes Jayasuria, Duminy and Nayar. One might argue that playing too many batsmen in just 20 overs is perhaps not justified, but if they are able to smack 'em even 10 runs in 6 balls, you can throw them around. Tendulkar, Duminy and Rahane (and Jayasuria's strike rates are looking more of a stock player) are sufficient to position the side to a good score. But pushing from good to explosive is what will make the difference.

Saumil
Mumbai
10 May 2009

Method-Luck-Fluke Combo Plan for Mumbai Indians

Mumbai really need to give luck/flukes a chance.
As I have said, there is ample room or rather a mandatory need to explore luck and flukes in T20- which unfortunately the big brand Mumbai batters are way to organized to perhaps stumble upon. Surely, there needs to be adequate method (play constuctively or as per situation), but most teams are using half their side while batting. Many teams-except perhaps Chennai- are usually hitting a much higher frequency of flukes (luck is fine, but flukes!; see defintion below*).

Can luck or fluke be planned? Perhaps not, but it can be postioned or allocated...

Here is a possible plan as with Mumbai Indians:
Note: this is not a batting order, but what can be expected from whom

• Jayasuria (just go for it)
• Tendulkar, Duminy (method)
• Pinal Shah, Dhawan (method+luck)
• Bravo, Nayar (luck)
• Takawale, Harbhajan, Malinga, (luck+flukes)
• Zaheer (or Dhawal) (preserve, bat only if needed)

Those who have method next to their name, have to do regulation stuff, then try something else. Such players are responsible for some stock runs 25-40 runs (run-a-ball or closer)

Those who have luck, need to go for calculated risks, but with valid cricket shots. You still need clean shots, but if innacurate, you should have percentages in your favor, and keep ticking (15-30 runs at 120% strike rate)

Those who have fluke have to try and fabricate it- do predetermined stuff- but keeping some chance that you do not get out (let the ball hit the pads, if getting down the track or stay back and across (off stump guard?), but be prepared to block if cannot be hit... 10-12 runs in 6-8 balls is a bonus- as these are the ones who otherwise are sitting in the dugout.

I am sure classic cricket theory can give way to weird predetermined stuff, since cricket theory was invented for bastman to survive test session, not to get out in 6 balls... but those who do explore luck/flukes will need to have adequate hitting abilities, to score big when they do get lucky. The above Mumbai Indians do have that.

Hint: those who have flukes in their arsenal, have to be used in between the batting order- somewhere- and use all of them (3 in this case)- and make sure they do get out if they are not having a strike rate of 150%!

Saumil
Mumbai
9 May 2009

* Luck vs Fluke, as in my previous post:
Luck is different from fluke. When you try something and it happens well but not as perfectly- you are lucky, but when you try something and what happens is totally different- it is a fluke).

Mumabi Indians- ?!#?/!!

Mumbai Indians v Delhi Daredevils, IPL 2009

Whose idea was it today to make so many changes?
I am afraid, Sachin would not come up with this Ronchi-Duminy opening and himself at number 4, especially with other fringe players being bowlers. This was the poorest bit of cricket planning, I must admit -as a Mumbai/Sachin admirer- that I have seen a long time. (even if Jayasuria was tired a bit and needed to be rested, one more batter was needed- and perhaps Takawale or Dhawan in for Rahane).

Let us look at the possible logic behind such changes:

1. Since Mumbai are at the bottom of the table (just above Kolkatta), they need something drastic? Wrong. Firstly, they were not 7th, since other teams above have played more matches. And most teams are about a 1 or 2 points ahead or behind after the halfway point.

2. Tendulkar and Jayasuria are letting them down?
Sure, they have not fired in 4 games, but in the context of 14 games, that is not just likely, but perhaps to be accounted for. Smith (Rajasthan Royals), Gautam Gambhir (Delhi), and most others- except Hayden (Chennai) and Gilchrist (Chargers) have been just as messed up. And even with Chennai/Chargers, the other opener is just as uncertain. In fact, Tendulkar and Jayasuria are just fine.

The fact of the matter is that in this format it is OK to be messed up a bit, since fringe players can somehow roll out clean hits, alternating it with rubbish shots, at any phase of play. Unfortunately, most big-brand Mumbai Indians batters are organized cricketers (even Bravo- clean hitter seems orthodox amidst the circus of T20).

3. Mumbai does not look like a winning or champion team? This also baseless, because every match they have played so far, someone has had to beat them (and they have lost two from winning positions- which also you can take in your stride, in this format).

Their problem has been that they have not explored the lucky and fluke shot factor very well. Luck is different from fluke. When you try something and it happens but not as well, you are lucky, but when you try something and what happens is totally different- it is a fluke)

Today, AB De Villers was all over the place against the spinners, padding those which he could not reckon, inside edging, and then gloving one between leg-slip and the keeper. He had lots of luck and flukes, but then followed it up with clean shots against Sachin's bowling.

Anyway, Mumbai need to win 3 or 4 from 5.
Not gone yet.

Watch out for my method/luck/fluke combo plan...

Saumil
9 May 2009

A positional chess shot from Dhoni

Chennai Super Kings v Kings XI Punjab

After the Chennai had spanked the bowling to all parts of the ground in a rain reduced 18 over match, Punjab had a daunting task to chase 180 odd at 10 an over.

Katich was an unexpected starter in this chase, and did superbly to chip a few over fence on both sides of the ground. But when Yuvraj stepped in, the asking rate was 12 an over. Something which perhaps only Yuvraj has the ability to perhaps go for. And he sure did- smacking them over mid wicket with ease.

With three overs left, Punjab needed 43 odd in 4 overs- and Dhoni had a simple surprise- he brought on Suresh Raina a part-time off spinner. He just did the positional thing- bowl the right angle at the right pace, cramming the batsman from room a bit- and before they could come to terms with the angles, the over was done and gone with just a few singles!

Sure, part time bowlers have a place in a limited overs format, but to bring one on just to do the basics- against a Yuvraj in full flow, when 3 overs remain, was a positional shot (as in chess- one move that changes a lot), and in this case by just cutting momentum- not forcing anything.

Suddenly Yuvraj and Jayawardene could only get singles, and the last over by Balaji was also more of a flighted one (with about 20 runs to get, he was given the buffer).

Brilliant!

Saumil
Mumbai
8 May 2009

Mumbai Indians mess it again, but still in fray

Mumbai Indians v Deccan Chargers (second encounter)
IPL 2009

This is the second chase of a moderate total that Mumbai messed up. After losing Jayasuria and Tendulkar early, Pinal Shah -who was expected to bat sometime- finally did and pushed the rate for them. He was organized and innovative as well to flatten out the moderate strike rate of 25 runs over a run-a-ball.

Eventually needing about 47 in 36, Bravo tried to go for the big shot of fringe spinner Suman. You can blame him, but had it cleared, the equation would then be close to run a ball- so it was not the worst idea, but he could have waited toward the end of the over, perhaps? Anyway what followed - was a hat-trick given away to Rohit Sharma... 31 of 18 with only the tail wagging (Malinga not in yet with a hit? I thought he was capable of decent hits).

Anyway, as a Mumbai Indians fan, it was heartening to see Pinal Shah approach his innings. It is still a wide open field and Mumbai need to win 3 or 4 of their next 6 matches. Hopefully the worst is behind them, and Zaheer can get fit soon. And if a team cannot win 3/4 in 6, they do not perhaps deserve to be in the semis anyway.

The good news so far is that, Mumbai have usually managed to be in the race when their top two have failed, which I would doubt if most other teams would hold on.

Saumil
Mumbai
7 May 2009

Mumbai Indians lose, with half their side intact

Mumbai Indians vs Banglore Royal Challengers, IPL 2009
3 May 2009

Just reiterating the fact that T20- there is a chance that a side may not play itself in. Mumbai Indians recovered from 3 early wickets, very well indeed- to post a competitive 149 but losing only 4 wickets.

But since Tendulkar and Duminy were out early, it was perhaps not easy to slip in pinch hitters like Harbhajan or Zaheer, as Jayasuria could boost the strike-rate and needed someone to give him strike. All in all, the rebuilding of the innings, although very well executed, proved costly on a track which offered more.

Well played Kallis- the first batsman in this IPL to really take Malinga apart. It looks like the rain has finally gone and we can be in for good batting tracks. South African players could well hold the key to success as conditions get typical for South Africa.

Saumil
Mumbai
4 May 2009

Thanks Sachin

Looks like Sachin Tendulkar has answered portions from my last post (Mumbai are not getting their doze of flukes, which is perhaps necessary for a T20 format) about inserting a tactical component to just push the strike rate- using guys who may get you runs in an unsound manner.

Today, against Kolkatta, Mumbai Indians did produce many more fuzzy scoring shots- starting with Tendulkar- who bottom edged a square cut and then got a thick outside edge. After Jayasuria went early, Harbhajan and Abhishek Nayar only added 20-odd runs together at about run-a-ball, which is not bad for a failure. Maybe next time it can be Zaheer Khan, if Harbhajan gets out (Nayar is a bit more precious and can play a bit constructively as well).

This has a relationship to chess, based on intention-execution aspects of sport, as covered in my book. There is a also a deeper connection of sequenced/simultaneous participation in a sport- affecting space/mobility- be it chess or cricket.

Saumil
Mumbai
1 May 2009