If you analyze the performance of each of the teams in the IPL, one will know that its the domestic players who have made the difference in the teams in the top four and bottom four. Teams at the top (M.I,RCB,DD) have tasted success with their domestic crop doing so well in every match while the bottom four have players who boast of big international names and domestic players playing in patches.
Mumbai Indians
Lead by the master Sachin up front who is giving Kallis a good chase for the orange cap, has been the pillar for their team's success. So much about his abilities as a batsmen, that his captaincy has been forgotten. It takes a brave captain to send Tiwary and Rayudu ahead of Bravo and Pollard! Especially when the team has spent big bucks on these guys!
The stats will aid his decision..while Tiwary and Rayudu average at 32 each...Bravo averages at 10.8 and Pollard at 14.3. Not to forget another 10 pointer who was once the most menacing opening batsmen : Jayasurya.
But even with Bravo and Pollard not performing to their standards with the bat, it's a win win for Sachin as these guys are excellent in two other areas that is so important in this format of the game! Bowling and Fielding! They have done quite well with the ball complementing Malinga to whom batsmen still do not have a clue!
Such is the balance in this side and i haven't even mentioned Harbhajan and Zaheer! Instrumental in their respective departments! Bhajji will take credit for batting as well.
Royal Challengers Bangalore
When people look at the stats for RCB, one might argue that if it wasn't for Kallis, we would not be in the Top 4. I would argue otherwise. No doubt that Kallis has stood fort upfront. Look closely at the matches that have been won, its been the domestic lot who have turned around the game. Robin has won the game for RCB in three occasions single handedly. Kohli set up the win against Kings Eleven the second time around. Pandey started the onslaught the first time around.
While averages might tell a story with Kallis at 93, the strike rates tell another with Robin consistently scoring @180! and Kohli @ 150! Thats what T-20 is all about, seizing the opportunities to turn around the game in one over!
How can one not mention Jumbo,who has led the team well and has one the best economy rates among the bowlers in the tournament. The two kumar's have done well justifying their selection for the India T-20 Squad. Both picking up three wickets in an over in different games! On first look, it may seem Kallis is a runaway hit but when you look closely, you will see that he has complimented the Uthappa's and Kohli's.
The Bottom Line
The IPL is here to stay! Teams that have got excited with big international names are struggling with their results. They have looked at short term goals. One would not blame them if they are looking to exit with a higher valuation with big names in their sides.
On the other hand, teams that have been consistent are the ones that have built a team over the past 3 years. RCB especially did not have the luxury of the so called T-20 Specialist! They worked hard to find the right combinations and now are set for long term goals.
Teams like Chennai barring the match against RR yesterday, have felt the brunt of over dependence on Foreign Players!
With two new teams joining the IPL next season, one must look to acquire the best domestic lot than big international names that are temporary
No comments:
Post a Comment