IPL 8 Preview: When a 44-year old veteran takes on a rookie of seventeen
Royal Challengers Bangalore (Washout)
What went wrong: Young Sarfaraz Khan was livid at Dinesh Karthik’s misjudgment and reacted comically when the latter was run out, going for a second that didn’t exist. Bangalore had lost AB de Villiers to another run out just two overs ago and suddenly they were under a bit of pressure. A special effort was needed to take the game away from Rajasthan Royals. Sarfaraz played a gem, scoring 45 not out off 21 balls. Skipper Virat Kohli was so impressed that he left the dug-out to salute the 17-year-old.
What went right: Bangalore were favourites to win the contest after having 200 runs on the board. But their chances washed away by the rain. They’re now placed fourth in the table with seven points from as many matches.
Kolkata Knight Riders (bt CSK)
What went right: On familiar territory of the Eden Gardens, Kolkata avenged their Chepauk heartbreak. Once again, 44-year-old Brad Hogg was the standout performer with 4/29 in four overs. He changed the game, although Andre Russell was adjudged Man of the Match. Sunil Narine’s absence has turned out to be a blessing in disguise for the defending champions.
What went wrong: Two youngsters, Manish Pandey and Suryakumar Yadav were not pulling their weight. Pandey should have built on his last season’s success. But, so far, he has failed to make an impact. Once again, he got out to a poor shot against Chennai Super Kings. Yadav, the team’s vice-captain, followed suit. Time for them to stand up and be counted. Kolkata’s middle-order appears to be heavily dependent on Russell’s pyrotechnics.
Conclusion:
It’s Bangalore’s batting versus Kolkata’s bowling. It’s a 17-year old rookie versus a 44-year old veteran. It’s Gayle, Kohli AB and Sarfaraz against Hogg & company. Gayle singlehandedly ended the first leg. But since, Kolkata’s bowling has added some firepower.
