Debutants mark the Difference: Analysis of CSK Vs MI, Match 1, IPL 2012.

IPL 2012 has opened up on a silent note. The opening match between the defending champions, the Chennai Super Kings and the strong contenders for the title, the Mumbai Indians was expected to be a block buster going down to the wire. But it ended up being a dump squib with Mumbai having a cakewalk over the rusty Chennai. The crowd at Chennai came with the full expectation of seeing their side end up on the right side only to be disappointed at the nature of the loss more than the loss itself.

Harbhajan, the newly anointed skipper got the first step right by winning the toss and electing to field. The first look at the Chepauk pitch did surprised many with a tinge of grass. The bounce and carry on the pitch was unknown in this city till now. And the moment the pitch seemed to aid bowlers, Mumbai appeared the better side for a more rounded bowling resources. 

The match has been won for Mumbai by two of their new comers. Ojha is among the top notch bowlers in IPL and it is a master stroke to acquire him from Deccan. Mumbai needed a spinner to compliment Harbhajan and Mumbai got the second best spinner on the land. Until Ojha’s introduction at the tenth over, Chennai was threatening to reach a big target but Ojha immediately put the brakes by dismissing well set Raina. That was the turning point of the game and Chennai never recovered from the loss. Ojha’s spell of four overs got him two wickets for a partly 19.

If Ohja was exceptional, Pollard is not to be left behind. Pollard is among the players born for this format with his belligerent hitting, spectacular fielding and useful bowling. On a day when he was never required to bat, he had already done his part in not allowing the lower middle order of Chennai that includes Dhoni, Morkel and Jadeja to score freely. The squeeze has been put and Chennai’s famed batters departed to edges. 

The amazing aspect of Mumbai’s game was the sharpness of ground fielding. Three run outs were effected. Rayadu relieved off his keeping duties sent back Faf De Plessis in the first over itself for a sharp throw from short covers when batsmen tried to steal a quick single. Dhoni’s run out ascertained the need for a sharp regular glove man and here Dinesh Kaarthik is going to be a boon for Mumbai. To beat Dhoni, a very smart runner between the wickets takes a lot. Ashwin was run out for the umpteenth time and it comes as a no surprise.

Mumbai came in to chase a partly total of 113 and man what a start they had. Levi was signed in as a replacement for Symonds. He came in with a reputation having scored a big hundred of just 45 balls against the Kiwis. The innings he played yesterday showed that it was no fluke. To watch him bat along with Tendulkar was like witnessing a “Beauty and Beast” together. Levi with unorthodox strokes can very well blend with a flawless Tendulkar. Here again Mumbai needed a proper opening partner to Tendulkar and Levi seems to fit in perfectly. His fifty on IPL debut will send message to the teams on his ability. Tendulkar retired hurting his finger and his injury may be a concern for Mumbai. But before that, playing just few balls, Sachin showed his class in that six over covers of Morkel’s bowling.

Rohit was hit by a Bollinger special and departed immediately. He is one player who has immense potential but has not lived up to it. He may want to have a strong IPL as usual since the opportunity at a stint in Indian Test side is knocking the door. Once Levi and Rohit departed, the win was a formality and Rayadu and Franklin finished the things without much fuss about it.

The game plan of Mumbai reflected that of Chennai’s usual one. Squeeze the opposition in the middle overs has been Super King’s formula throughout the years and this time they got the taste of their own medicine from Ojha’s slow left arm spin and Pollard’s sharp medium pace. Mumbai’s fielding reflected the gap between the sides. Chennai’s sharpest fielders like Raina, Vijay were all sloppy on the field. The partly score to defend did no help either.

This game also show caused the team’s choices at the auction. Mumbai had acquired a perfect opening partner for Tendulkar, a very good wicket keeper batsman and a smart spinner to support Harbhajan. All the three chinks in their armour were patched up and the three men made a big difference. Levi won the small chase in a mean time; Kaarthick not only freed Rayadu but also was very sharp behind the wickets. Ojha probably was the man who won it for Mumbai dismissing dangerous Raina and Bravo, the two Super Kings who showed signs of form. In contrast, the biggest purchase of the year Ravindra Jadeja was an utter failure. He could not make a mark with the bat despite having adequate time to rebuild the innings. His bowling was torn apart by Levi and he looked out of sorts with both bat and ball. 

Mumbai with a strong combination and a new captain looks dangerous. They had always began the IPL on style before running out of gas and it needs to be seen if they can change the habit this time. Apart from Tendulkar’s injury scare Mumbai has nothing to worry with a clinical performance while Chennai needs to reassess their strategy. Above all, Chepauk’s pitch may be very sporting but this is not what IPL needs. All in All, Chepauk has failed Chennai.

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.