The formula is now set. Bat first. One of the top five batsmen to score 50+ at 200 strike-rate. Get to 160 total. Rotate your bowlers and keep the opposition guessing, Make sure Rabada is playing, fit and raring to go. Victory cannot be far.
ASHOK’s FIVE is concerned that CSK needs significant overhaul post Match #7 – DC vs CSK in the ongoing IP 2020.
Prithvi takes off, finally
He is a free-flowing batsman alright and a pleasure to watch as he eases into his drives and lofted shots. That 64 in 43 balls set up the match and the man-of-the-match for him. All he needs to do is to ensure consistency and stop falling prey to the rush of blood.
Young heads on mature shoulders
That partnership between Pant and Iyer was very uncharacteristic and indicative of how the young guns also mature. Even with such accomplished batsmen like Stoinis and Hetmeyer in the dug-out, they went about building a partnership and rotating the strike effortlessly. And I think that was one of the key reasons for getting to the 175 total. As Sunny Gavaskar mentioned, a run-rate of 8 per over combined with the dew factor in the second innings is enough!
Rabada is unplayable
Though he attributed the success to the team maturing well and coming into its own, I think Rabada has by far emerged as the best bowler this year. Some of his deliveries are simply unplayable.
CSK batting in a mess
Team CSK needs to take time out and formulate a plan. The batting at the top and middle order is simply not falling into place. This is not a debate any more about where Dhoni will bat. In a way, the team has been true to its philosophy of laying its trust on the players and as an example, letting Murali Vijay open. That’s not working. Nor is the Kedar Jadhav, Jadeja, Gaikwad formula working. I just hope they have a plan B in place.
Team Delhi Capitals for the cup, anyone?
I think I am enjoying the way in which Ricky Ponting has been successful in moulding the team. Both Amit Mishra and Axar Patel seem to be enjoying themselves and the team is perhaps the first off, the block in becoming a unified entity. There is a clear game plan, intent on the faces and resolute determination. Time for a new team up there this time?
The leader board looks nicely even this time and its difficult to predict who will make it. The next match is SRK vs KKR and both teams haven’t opened their accounts as yet. In summary, the league is beginning to warm up, the patterns are set and the contest look exciting.
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