Team of IPL 2012

The season Five of IPL has come to a starling end. The good news is that despite the hurtling television ratings the stadiums had been filled and gate revenue has increased. By far this has been among the better IPLs in the past 5 years. The close finishes have been frequent with many a match being decided on the last ball. The batsmen have made merry as usual this time too but the bowlers did have their say in the initial stages of the tournament. The overall good news has been that unlike the previous seasons, most of the star performers have been the ones who had class in them rather than the slog effect of T20 Cricket.

 Now I have sit down to pick my best XI of IPL 2012. I have followed the rule of taking in four overseas players and have picked the squad based on the performance over the season. Here is my team.

Chris Gayle: There is no question on who will face the first ball in my XI. If there was one person who could be described as murderous, it was the Jamaican. The jubilant news has been his sorting out the issues with WICB during the course of the tournament. The overt differences in the number of sixes he hit against the next name in the list, the difference in the runs scored tally all point out this man to be the Power Pack Performer of the second reason in row. Despite his side’s inability to reach the next stage, Gayle was one man army for the Mallaya’s side.

Ajinkya Rahane: The surprise of the season is the Mumbaikar. Rahane was seen as a Dravid school batsman who was more suited for the longer formats. But he adjusted his game to the nuances of T20. His scores at the top kept the Royals atop in the first leg. Though his form wavered in the final half, Rahane had made enough to guarantee him a seat on the plane to Lanka for World T20. His hundred against Royal Challengers is easily the classiest innings of this IPL. There were no brash strokes or slogs. Most shots were conventional and he made it look easy. Another innings of mention was the 98 against Kings XI.

Gautham Gambhir (Captain): He made most of the runs opening the bat and almost took his side to the Knockouts. His captaincy was influential and he finally gave the city of joy what it deserved. He had a point to prove when the selectors stripped of the vice captain role from Gambhir and his form was tragic coming into the tournament. But he hit the stride soon and took his side along with him. More than anything his captaincy gave positive signals to the Indian selectors about the next skipper in line. He will also lead my side.

Rohit Sharma: The slot of Indian middle order batsman does not have many options available since all the three expected trio of Raina, Rohit and Kohli had an ordinary tournament. But this is a personal choice. Rohit once again threw his wickets making his fans shake their head “not again” but when he did score, he scored with authority. The century at Eden Gardens against the eventual champions was a master piece. His presence was pivotal for Mumbai which had top order issues. Though he could have made more runs that the eventual tally, his class keeps helps him sneak into my XI.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni (Wicket Keeper): Dhoni did not have a great IPL either but he did perform when it mattered. Above all he was easily the best keeper of IPL, better than AB De Villers or Kaarthik. Dhoni’s form was wayward until Chennai sneaked into the Playoffs by nook and crook and stroke of luck. But once there, Dhoni and Chennai were different. The Eliminator match against Mumbai witnessed vintage MSD at his best and the much lauded Helicopter was back in business. He may have not got the third win in row but Dhoni gives his side a much needed “Am here when it matters” belief. He will don the gloves in my side.

Ambati Rayadu: After a season of lull in IPL last time, Rayadu fit into the role of finisher for Mumbai winning matches from unbelievable positions. His ability to keep the scorecard ticking combined with powerful shots make him the best candidate for the role of finisher. Rayadu’s class was evident in the chases against Bangalore and Delhi. Though he did not get much opportunities to stamp his authority as he had three seasons ago, Rayadu was the best finisher from India this time around.

Dwayne Bravo: The question of all rounder has been frustrating the Indian cricket circle since Kapil Dev’s retirement and this time it was no different. Despite the ample opportunities, the trio of Pathans and Jadeja could not make it count. Bravo comes here as a go to go man for his side. His bowling in the middle overs was splendid without giving many. His lower order blitz took Chennai to the scores beyond their expectations when the batting started. Bravo played lot of cameos to underline his style. Who could forget that last ball six of Bhatia to keep CSK in the hunt? Though he was expensive in the slog, he managed to take few wickets too. He fills the all rounder slot in my XI.

Dale Steyn: The best bowler in the game currently blew hot and cold this time. When he was good, he was too good but when he went bad, he went to worse. Steyn despite playing for a weak side carried the side to exceptional positions only to see his colleagues throw it away. He did get whacked sometimes but overall he troubled the batsmen more than others. His spell of the tournament against Bangalore threw them out of the tournament. His venomous spells against the best in business made him the stand out bowler of IPL.

Morne Morkel: The Purple cap’s proud owner was the man who took Delhi with him in the league stages. His omission in the Qualifier 2 against Chennai showed his ability. What should have been a 170 chase became a 220 chase. He was consistent throughout the season with the supportive home track at Kotla which had bounce and pace in it. He ended up a great economy rate and his presence inspired the battery of quicks in Delhi to punch their weight.

Parwinder Awana: Every IPL throws in a surprise element and this time it was Awana. After a fruitful domestic season for Delhi, Awana led the Punjab attack with grit and determination. While his partners were taken for runs, Awana managed to keep his head steady and ended up among the top wicket takers. He is the only unknown name in the wickets chart of this IPL. His pace and accuracy combined well to give him exceptional returns when others got plundered. He managed to outperform Praveen Kumar, India’s first choice pacer in limited overs by a long margin. He has a promising future lying ahead if he can keep up his promise.

Sunil Narine: The mystery man from Trinidad is the first bowler to win the Man of the Series award in IPL. Ever since he made his name in the last CLT20, Narine was expected to rock the Indian circuits and he did so in some style. His mystery ball was unplayable and he extracted a lot with his high arm action. He was almost unplayable by even the best players of spin. He was the mainstay of the Champion side and his ball to dismiss Tendulkar was easily the ball of the tournament. The World T20 will pose a threat from West Indies through this lanky off spinner. 

Umesh Yadav : The best Indian pacer in display this time. Umesh came of a successful tour of Australia and lived up to his promise. He was fast, furious and proved a perfect ally to Morne as they destroyed the oppositions this time. In the Eliminator when Chennai was going all guns, Umesh proved his class giving as low as 27 in his spell when the total was 222. Yadav holds the promise of Indian pace attack for future. It is unfortunate that I have to place him as the 12^th man in my side.

The side looks good with some classy batsmen who can score quickly as well as play a waiting game when the situation gets tough. The spin attack is manned by a one man army in Narsine but he is more than enough to get the opposition. The pace attack has the two best in the World with a promise from India. The lower middle order is studded with hitters who can score it big. All in all, this looks to be the best choice I could pick up. I would like to mention Mandeep Singh, Shikar Dhawan, Cameroon White, Rahul Dravid, Virender Sehwag, Lasith Malinga, Zaheer Khan and Mutthiah Muralitharan who missed the bus to the better options.

Dare Devilry of the Delhi Daredevils

The Daredevils from Delhi side in Indian Premier League has always studded with some true Devils. Their initial squad read Sehwag, Gambhir, Warner, Dilshan and De Villers. This is as best a batting line up as one can get. Yet the results have not been so fascinating. They did make it to the Semi finals under Sehwag in the first two seasons only to lose there. This was despite the crackling second season where they topped the league charts.

Provided with the option of retention, they erred in not retaining more than Sehwag. The second major auction in 2010 was a mess. They chose with hitters like Finch, Brit etc without going for solid players. Their lack of planning was obvious and with the transfer of their mentor T.A.Shekar, Delhi chose a squad with so many pacers. But the lack of proper spinner bit the side in last season. Infact the side lived and died with Sehwag. No wonder the brittle side was the Wooden Spoon holders of IPL 4.

At this juncture, return of T.A.Shekar as the mentor/manager changed the scenarios. While they still lack a proven spinner in their line up, the batting has been strengthened immensely. They made two very smart transfers during the window period. Pietersen was acquired from Deccan Chargers and Ross Taylor from Rajasthan Royals. These two buys brought the side, two big match winners.

The auction of IPL 5 was perfectly utilized by the side to add depth to their batting and pace attack. Jayawardane was added to the middle order and the value he brings to the table is beyond comprehension. They bought the promising West Indies star Andre Russell who is yet to get a game this season. Doug Bracewell was added to the pace attack which was already among the best in the competition.

The weakness of the side has been the lack of genuine spinner. Here the advent of Shabaz Nadeem stepping into the role of key spinner is pivotal. He has been instrumental in minding the middle overs and has been thus far very successful. If things go well, he may do a Rahul Sharma for Delhi this season. By the fifth match he has 6 wickets but more importantly the economy rate of 4.88 which is second only to the T20 specialist Malinga’s in IPL 5. His ability to squeeze the scoring rate has been critical in Delhi’s campaign. However he has always been given the cushion of bowling against circumspect batting, thanks to the menacing pacers. Van der Merwe has been useful in the couple of matches he played.

Pace attack of Delhi is so far miles ahead of the other sides. In five matches, they have managed to crumble two big sides for partly scores. Irfan Pathan is getting back his mojo and that is good news not just for Delhi but India too. Umesh Yadav, the revelation of the wretched tour Down Under is continuing the good work giving little space for the opponents to get away the pressure created by Morne Morkel. Morne is in the firing mode. Currently holding the Purple Cap, he has been unplayable by any means. 12 wickets at an average of 9.33 and economy of 5.89 are just amazing. Skipper cannot ask for more. The fifth bowler has been a problem with Agarkar going for a plenty as usual. That is something that Sehwag needs to address.

Finally, coming to their strongest forte, Delhi’s batting line up is the best in the competition. Bangalore may have a more terrorizing line up and Chennai may have a more solid one, but Delhi’s is more menacing and consistent one. Sehwag is yet to fire his usual self but then the side is not in need of it too so far. Everyone knows what could happen if he fires. Jayawardane is someone who can score runs without making the opposition aware of it. 

Pietersen has just scored a spectacular century and his shots stamp its authority. Ross Taylor can be destructive when he gets his groove and it has been seen earlier in IPL and Champion Leagues too. Naman Ojha is a chirpy customer who can play some big shots as well. Pathan is a useful all rounder. The class of top order has been such that Delhi can play five regular bowlers in their team. This adds a big advantage to the side’s strength.

In the first five matches, apart from one game against Royal Challengers where they lost before the arrival of the big three in the middle overs, Delhi’s game plan has been the same. They have chased in all matches, mostly their bowling attack gives a lesser work to their batsmen. So far their batting is yet to be tested except in the game against Chargers but given the class of the batsmen, it is not going to be a big deal. 

Smart selection and clear planning has taken the side to the top of the table. They have just one loss and four wins in five. The bowling has been menacing and batting classy. The run rate they have a notch above the others. If they maintain the same form, Sehwag could very well lift this IPL. Afterall, Dare Devilry is in their name itself.

Chennai Super Kings : Hatrick on Cards?

The successful running module of a Franchisee can be learnt from the reigning champions of IPL, the Chennai Super Kings. They are owned by the man who heads the BCCI and it has led to lot of criticism from various fraternities over the ‘Conflict of Interest’. But over the years their side has been the most successful one in IPL. They were runners up in first edition and came third losing the semifinals in second edition. Since then CSK triumphed the successive tournaments. In each time, they looked down and out before their captain or his compatriots bailed the side out. They sneaked into the knock outs and once there, they were champion material. The side was formed with a clear head. They had a nucleus of players around which the side was built. Among the IPL sides, they are most bounded side.

CSK is led by a clear headed M.S.Dhoni. His captaincy credentials in limited over cricket needs no introduction. He had steered Team India to World Cup wins in T20 and ODIs and has led the side to No 1 ranking in Tests. His record with the franchisee includes two IPL wins and a Champions League title. Apart from being a smart skipper, Dhoni is among the best keepers in Cricket right now and is considered by many to be one of the best finishers in Limited over Cricket. Being a cool customer even at the most demanding situation, his attitude has rubbed onto the team. No wonder they manage to score high points on ‘Fair Play’ table.

The side is not the best on paper. But in the field they are totally different especially at their den, The Chepauk and in knock out matches. The side is chosen with the home conditions in the mind and has a perfect blend of youth and experience. The local flavour of Tamil Nadu cricketers is a big factor and three of the key players – Vijay, Ashwin and Badrinath hail from Chennai. The squad may not have many genuine bowlers but the immense strength of allrounders in the team is unmatched in IPL.

Batting is opened by Murali Vijay. He is one of the IPL success stories. He has failed to hold on his place in the national team but in IPL, Vijay is altogether different. He has altered his game to suit the needs of the side and hits the ball very well. In Indian conditions his form will be the key. With him at helm is Mr.Cricket Mike Hussey. Hussey who never opens for Australian side is astonishing surprise for CSK. At one drop, Raina walks in. He can play both the waiting game and can hit the ball out. He may be tested abroad but in India, Raina is among the joys to watch with the bat. At No 4,Badrinath walks in. Unlucky to miss out a place in test squad, Badri is among the prolific scorers in domestic cricket and he balances the hitters of the side with his natural game. When the side is under stress, expect Badri to accumulate and lead the game.

Next batsman is Dhoni who can change the match in few balls. He has been the backbone of batting and can win matches from unexpected situations. The allrounders like Styris, Dwayne Bravo, Albie Morkel all make the batting go deep. The latest addition Jadeja is another utility player and expects him to sizzle given that his place in the national side is under question. The backup players include Srikanth junior Anirudha who can hit out, talented Mukund, inform Vasudevadas and Australia’s Bailey. ICL recruit Ganapathy Vignesh is a amad slogger. Expect him to make it count if he gets a chance.Even their standby keeper Saha, Ashwin and Kulasekara can slog out.

The strength of the side is the presence of too many allrounders. Albie Morkel has been exceptional performer for Chennai over the years opening the bowling and his lower middle order slogs. Dwayne Bravo is another dual performer with both bat and ball. Styris adds to the variety with his ability to play big innings and chip in a few overs. Jadeja can bowl his spell and cart a few boundaries. Raina has been judiciously used with the ball by Dhoni and Ashwin can hit few boundaries. Faf de Plessis is a potential star in making for South Africa and he adds depth. Jogninder Sharma, famous for his last over in successful T20 World Cup circa 2007 is also with Chennai. In all they have the best allround talent in IPL. 

Spin bowling has been their strength. Ashwin’s spells in powerplays against powerful hitters will go down the folklore of IPL and he is the best spinner in India at the moment. To aid him, Chennai has Jadeja with useful slow left arm variants and Randhiv, the off spinner with talent and potential. Jakathi has made name for himself in IPL with his accurate bowling and is probably one Goa player to make the state proud.

Pace bowling has always been the weakest link of Chennai. But smart pickings have strengthened the side along with the abundant pace bowling all rounders. Bollinger is all but a Chennaite and he has been the vital cog in Chennai’s wins in last two seasons. He will be partnered by his team mate Hilfenhaus who made life hard for India down under recently. Kulasekara is a branded ODI specialist and he has a key role to play in Chennai’s campaign. Albie will open the bowling. He might be expensive but chips in with useful wickets. Bravo and Styris add to the medium pace bowling options. Indian pacers have been a problem for Chennai perennially. Tyagi and Yo Mahesh have a chance to prove it otherwise this time.

Summing up, with a balanced batting line up that bat deep and blessed with hitters, accumulators and enforcers, Chennai will create trouble for the opponent bowlers. Their spin attack is known to squeeze the opposition and check the flow of runs while Ashwin attacks with the ball. Pace bowling is not the best in competition but has been more than adequate for winning matches. Ground fielding has been a revelation so far. Above all, Dhoni’s captaincy makes them a Champion material and one may not be surprised with a hatrick of win this season. Remember that they will get to play the knock outs at their den if they make it and they have not lost at home in the recent times in IPL. Powerful batting, excellent spinners, adequate pace attack, Dhoni’s smart captaincy combined with almost unbeatable home record backed by loyal supporters in the stands makes it too hard to right Chennai off. Hatrick of wins can be on cards this time too provided they play to their potential.

Best XI : Murali Vijay – Mike Hussey – Suresh Raina – Subramaniam Badrinath – Mahendra Singh Dhoni – Dwayne Bravo – Ravindra Jadeja – Albie Morkel – Ravichandran Ashwin – Nuwan Kulasekara – Shadab Jakati.

Mumbai Indians : Can T20 stars steal the show?

After two seasons at the bottom half, Mumbai Indians hit top with two excellent seasons but failed to close on the last steps each time. One final and one semi-final losses came after a great show in the League matches. The side’s resiliency came into fore when they won the Champions League last time with as many as 7 first choice players unavailable including the regular skipper. Their off season was busy with some fruitful transfers and smart purchases in the auction. Owned by the richest Indian, Mumbai Indians are not lacking in the riches of option.

They made two brilliant strategic transfers. Lack of a proper wicket keeper batsman had forced them to rely on keepers without much batting ability like Tare, Pinal Shah in the past or part time keepers like Rayadu. Even their keeper buy, Davy Jacobs was indisposed last time and failed in the few matches he played. They have made a smart buy in Dinesh Kaarthik. Kaarthik is one guy who can be all around. He is a decent keeper, and bats well. He can provide solidarity if early wickets fall and can add to the total with some lusty blows in the slog overs when needed. He will occupy a major spot in the middle order. Next addition was Pragyan Ojha. Ojha is IPL’s best spinner and will be spinning his web for Mumbai this time. 

Their auction buys began with Gibbs. Despite being out of favour with national team, Gibbs had a good Big Bash and will be ideal foil to Tendulkar at the top. They solved the lack of Indian pacer with R.P.Singh. With him, Mumbai has all the three top wicket takers of IPL. Australian pacer Johnson will add their pace strength and they purchased the latest South African sensation Richard Levi. They made their day by buying talented Lankan Perara who is one more of dual players. 

Mumbai will be led by Master Blaster. The man has just scored his hundreth hundred in International Cricket. He holds most of the batting records in both forms of cricket now and still he is as enthusiastic as ever. After a rather sedate year, IPL can refresh him mentally. His form has dictated Mumbai’s rise in the last two seasons and Ambanis will expect that to happen once again. However captaincy has not been his cup of tea and a tournament win can shut out few detractors regarding his captaincy. In case they need another one to lead the side, Harbhajan is ready made option with CL T20 win under the belt.

Batting is filled with best Indian youngsters. Sachin will walk at the top and his name says it all. To partner him, three South Africans can be tried. Gibbs has an experience as good as Tendulkar. Levi is in fine form right now. If Jacobs can fit into the role as he did in CL T20 2010, Mumbai will breathe ease. At one drop Rayadu comes in and he will hold a place of importance. He might have been an Indian player but for ICL stint. He is followed by Rohit Sharma. Technically the best batsman among youngsters, Rohit has always been a star in IPL. India will be benefitted if he can transpire it to the international cricket. At No 5, Kaarthik adds depth. All these three players can play a defensive game and can hit out. At No 6, the options are aplenty. In case Mumbai looks for an Indian, Surya Kumar Yadav can walk in and he is a potential star in making. If foreign player is the solace, Franklin or Perara can do the job really well. Both are known for their big hits. The backup includes the blitzkrieg Australian Blizzard known for his huge blows. Peterson can bat as well. Wankhade, Suman, Amitzoe all add depth. Lets us not forget Pollard, the T20 star in the side. If he finds form, God save the opposition. They bat deep with Harbhajan and even Malinga capable of winning matches with the bat.

Side is blessed with immense all rounders. Pollard gives everything on the field. He is a damn mad hitter, chips in with useful wickets and fielder of highest quality. Franklin played a big role in their fortunes in CL T20 and last IPL and Perara is a welcome addition. Peterson is an allrounder of high class and Surya Kumar Yadav will be keenly watched.

Spin has been a weak link and now with addition of Ojha, he forms a potent pair with Harbhajan. Bhajji will have a point to prove after being dumped from the national side. This is the best opportunity for him to show cause that he is not a spent forcet yet. Ojha will be keen to show that he can be useful not just in tests but in limited overs too. The two men are likely to form a potent combination in the middle overs. Peterson can chip in useful overs. Chachal and Nayak offer promise. Rohit can bowl few overs and he has a hatrick to his name.

Their pace attack has the best limited overs bowler in Malinga. Lasith was the reason of their success in last two seasons and CL T20 title win. His Yorkers are legendary and opponents will be tested as usual. R.P.Singh will add to the options and he is among the Top 3 bowlers of IPL. Johnson will be on a mission to prove himself to the Aussie selectors and Munaf to Indian counterparts. Both bring immense experience. Abu Nechim backs up and he tends to be expensive. McKay is in great form now and Kulkarni is a work horse. Perara bowls well with new ball and Pollars has a key role in the middle overs. Thus their pace attack can be menacing with Malinga at the head.

The side is well endowed with T20 stars. They have the most experienced cricketer of all time to lead them and spin is led by a stalwart and a promise. Batting is blessed with best of Indian domestic players. Ground fielding is among the best in IPL easily. Their Indian contingent is probably the best in IPL with as many as 6 Team India stars. All in all, this makes them a perfectly moulded T20 side. The biggest challenge will be the ability to win the knockouts. A place in Knockouts is not far and one need not be surprised in Tendulkar raises the Trophy at Chennai in May.

Best XI : Richard Levi – Sachin Tendulkar – Ambati Rayadu – Rohit Sharma – Dinesh Kaarthik – James Franklin – Kieron Pollard – Harbhajan Singh – Lasith Malinga – Rudra Pratap Singh – Pragyan Ojha.