Will there be a new IPL Champion this time around?

By Francis Saldanha
Bellevision Media Network

22 May 2012: I won’t say if CSK deserved it and RCB didn’t...both of them had a scratchy tournament...but CSK showed some tenacity...no one in the team was clicking but they scrapped through by winning crucial moments... as for RCB...bowlers thoroughly exposed... and over dependant on Gayle...... it’s a lesson for  young Virat Kohli to put his head down and concentrate heavily on his game...such wild swishing of the bat won’t take him anywhere...he is a damn good player...he should control his ways...that too being a captain. Hope next year does him and RCB team some good.... CSK...I wouldn’t really think they will go on to win the tournament...but I won’t be surprised either....a first time winner of the cup would be a welcome change....my money is on Delhi Daredevils!!!

I have no doubt in my mind that CSK is lucky to be there, but let’s be honest that apart from 3 top teams, no team has really looked superb. It was Gayle & De Villiers force that drove RCB throughout and when they failed, RCB choked out!! CSK is a really good team, no doubt! But will they lift up their game this time and show the class they possess, is really a mystery.

 

 

Having said that, King’s XI, RR and RCB were not better than CSK? For RCB, it has been a 1-man show. It would be DD or MI, who will win the cup. KKR doesn’t have big-match temperament and MI has the ammunition to pack off CSK in the semis. It is an opportunity for CSK to show their skills & talent in the Play- offs, as they are well experienced but unfortunately this season completely out of form. As a Team, here and there only few players did well to get those 16 points and 01 additional point due to rain.

Also, they lost to King’s XI and MI in their league matches, which had put them in big trouble. Now, it is their turn to give their best to MI.

While I am a big supporter of our national cricket team captain but it would be a shame if CSK went through the finals. They played well below their potential throughout the tournament and needed 3 lifelines as to make it. They don’t deserve being a finalist. Unlike last year where they started poorly but fought back determinedly in the second half, this year they were limping throughout of the IPL .Now they have come I think they will make full use of it!!! We all know how dangerous CSK can be in the playoff stages. As we all know very well that cricket is a funny game & an unpredictable one too…

 

Looking forward for a cracking 4 games!!