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

Mumbai Indians need a doze of bad shots!

Today the Mumbai Indians lost their second game of the IPL 2009 to Kings XI Punjab, failing to chase 120 in 20 overs on a sluggish track. The previous loss was against Deccan Chargers chasing 169. In both matches they were well within reach and fell short by a few runs.

The good news is that they are finding the right combination and are now batting clinically, with roles well defined. Tendulkar, Duminy, Dhawan can provide the stock runs with par/above par strike rates. Jayasuria, Bravo, Abhishek Nayar can provide the burst.

The bigger question is who will provide the 20 odd runs which most teams fluke around with inside edges and mistimed shots?

In the match Mumbai lost against the Deccan Chargers, Duminy had one bottom edge square cut for four. Today they had a fluke four by Harbhajan to third man. Just 2 fluke boundaries in 240 balls is not acceptable by T20 standards!

Moreover, they had few wickets in hand. I think Harbhajan, Zaheer, and Malinga, (he can hit, and we do not know what Pinal Shah can do) can be used tactically, like a chess shot or at times like a tactical sacrifice or exchange....

In ODIs, there is often an issue about getting all out before the full quota of 50 overs. In Twenty20 Cricket, there is a concern that a side may not play itself in, as there are only 20 overs for 10 wickets.


Saumil
Mumbai,
29th April 2009