Indians Emotions Vs Overseas Practicality in do or die stage
IPL Strokes by Pranav Mehta
Published: 04:10 PM,Oct 06,2021 | EDITED : 08:10 PM,Oct 06,2021
Chennai1
It’s the second last day of the league stage and with just four games to go, all eight teams have a reason to fight for and the thrill can’t be any better. The four teams are still fighting it out to fill the last open spot of qualification to the play-offs. Although, ideally one of Kolkata Knight Riders or Mumbai Indians should qualify realistically, but Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings have an outside mathematical chance. What would be the most interesting part is to see, how do the youngsters react to an emotional situation of their team. Would the rush of blood take over or would practicality prevail?
Chennai Super Kings Vs Punjab Kings –
Chennai Super Kings - Chennai might have already qualified, but their defeat against Delhi Capitals has increased the interest levels of Royal Challengers Bangalore to finish the league stage in the top two slots. Chennai have lost back-to-back matches against Rajasthan Royals to start with and now against Delhi Capitals. From requiring 1 win out of 3, it’s 1 out of one and can Dhoni absorb the pressure and finish on top?
Punjab Kings – Punjab comes into this game with LWLWL record in UAE, and if the record is to be believed then this is their game. But a win is not going to be enough, Punjab needs to absolutely thrash Chennai out by a massive margin to boost their net run rate, and then hope that KKR is overwhelmed by a big margin by Rajasthan Royals and also Mumbai Indians are beaten by a big margin by Sunrisers Hyderabad. Isn’t it a lot being asked for? But then, cricket is a funny game and everything is possible.
What to expect from the match?
The last couple of matches at this venue have been low scoring and if Punjab bowls first, they could make Chennai sweat with the pressure of finishing in the top two spots. Ravi Bishnoi should be the pick of the bowler for this game. With the experience, Chennai should start the game as favourites.
Kolkata Knight Riders Vs Rajasthan Royals
Kolkata Knight riders – Kolkata just needs to win this game and on most days they would be through. But doubt that’s the word being talked about. Surely they would be considering the fact that Mumbai Indians has a match against the weakest Sunrisers Hyderabad and we need to win convincingly to secure the fourth spot.
Rajasthan Royals – Practically they are out, but the young Rajasthani team would be looking to finish the tournament by stamping a note of authority against Shahrukh Khan’s team and at the same time giving them an outside chance/opportunity to qualify for the play-offs. But for this to happen, Rajasthan would need more than a magic wand.
What to expect from the match?
Sharjah is a very small ground and the pitch is not conducive for batting. But if the players play some good quality fearless cricket, a lot is possible. Even a mishit can carry all the way, and with both teams having some quality power hitters, some courageous batting could take the pitch out of the equation. Expect KKR to benefit from an emotional Rajasthan Royals team.
Chennai Super Kings Vs Punjab Kings –
Chennai Super Kings - Chennai might have already qualified, but their defeat against Delhi Capitals has increased the interest levels of Royal Challengers Bangalore to finish the league stage in the top two slots. Chennai have lost back-to-back matches against Rajasthan Royals to start with and now against Delhi Capitals. From requiring 1 win out of 3, it’s 1 out of one and can Dhoni absorb the pressure and finish on top?
Punjab Kings – Punjab comes into this game with LWLWL record in UAE, and if the record is to be believed then this is their game. But a win is not going to be enough, Punjab needs to absolutely thrash Chennai out by a massive margin to boost their net run rate, and then hope that KKR is overwhelmed by a big margin by Rajasthan Royals and also Mumbai Indians are beaten by a big margin by Sunrisers Hyderabad. Isn’t it a lot being asked for? But then, cricket is a funny game and everything is possible.
What to expect from the match?
The last couple of matches at this venue have been low scoring and if Punjab bowls first, they could make Chennai sweat with the pressure of finishing in the top two spots. Ravi Bishnoi should be the pick of the bowler for this game. With the experience, Chennai should start the game as favourites.
Kolkata Knight Riders Vs Rajasthan Royals
Kolkata Knight riders – Kolkata just needs to win this game and on most days they would be through. But doubt that’s the word being talked about. Surely they would be considering the fact that Mumbai Indians has a match against the weakest Sunrisers Hyderabad and we need to win convincingly to secure the fourth spot.
Rajasthan Royals – Practically they are out, but the young Rajasthani team would be looking to finish the tournament by stamping a note of authority against Shahrukh Khan’s team and at the same time giving them an outside chance/opportunity to qualify for the play-offs. But for this to happen, Rajasthan would need more than a magic wand.
What to expect from the match?
Sharjah is a very small ground and the pitch is not conducive for batting. But if the players play some good quality fearless cricket, a lot is possible. Even a mishit can carry all the way, and with both teams having some quality power hitters, some courageous batting could take the pitch out of the equation. Expect KKR to benefit from an emotional Rajasthan Royals team.