On A Sunday afternoon, infront of a packed Wankhede Stadium in glittering blue, what happened in the final over was heart breaking for 30,000 spectators. For Kings XI to win, 9 runs was required from 6 balls and the ever consistent Shaun Marsh hit the first ball of Thissera Pereira for a six. Game Set Match.
Well One good thing coming out of it was the point table has become wide open. Now apart from the struggling Deccan Chargers, every other team has a fair chance to get into the top four. There is very little to differentiate between the first eight teams. I think the next 10 days are going to be crucial to IPL 5 as it may decide who has the edge over the others.
Focussing on today's game between Punjab and Mumbai, the later is still the favourite despite the former's win on sunday. Sure steady bowling and responsible batting from Kings XI got the better out of Mumbai on their home turf, but the men in blue has an overall pool of talent than the other. Both team has one star player sidelined due to injury. Mumbai might miss Malinga for his slinging yorkers and Gilchrist for his explosive start. With Franklin in good batting form, he is expected keep the slot of the opener with Sachin Tendulkar and the middle order looks formidable with Rayudu, Sharma, Pollard and Yadav. Do not forget Richard Levi and Herscelle Gibbs are waiting in the wings. Munaf and RP may not have the precision of Malinga, but they are still international level bowlers and with the help of bhajji and Ojha can clean up any side. Kieron Pollard and franklin can share the quota of fifth bowler.
But from the other side with Gilly not playing and Valthatty not making an impact, the top order is heavily dependant on Shaun Marsh to chip in. Yes Mandeep and Saini did a good job on sunday but it will be too much to expect on them so early on their career. It would be interesting to see how david Hussey will be taking the challenge of leading the Team by stabilising the middle order. One good thing happened for the is Azhar Mahamood's inclusion finally. Hey is a key player to watch as he has tons of experience in subcontinental wickets. Praveen Kumar looks bleak in this tournament so far and Awana is getting close to a force to reckon with. Apart from that I dont see any letahl bowling weapon there in Kings XI circuit.
All I am saying is that MI looks much formidable than their opponent on paper. I know that what matter's most is who is performing in the middle but hey!!! that paper looks super heavy. So this is what I predict ----Its Payback Time!!!!!
Well One good thing coming out of it was the point table has become wide open. Now apart from the struggling Deccan Chargers, every other team has a fair chance to get into the top four. There is very little to differentiate between the first eight teams. I think the next 10 days are going to be crucial to IPL 5 as it may decide who has the edge over the others.
Focussing on today's game between Punjab and Mumbai, the later is still the favourite despite the former's win on sunday. Sure steady bowling and responsible batting from Kings XI got the better out of Mumbai on their home turf, but the men in blue has an overall pool of talent than the other. Both team has one star player sidelined due to injury. Mumbai might miss Malinga for his slinging yorkers and Gilchrist for his explosive start. With Franklin in good batting form, he is expected keep the slot of the opener with Sachin Tendulkar and the middle order looks formidable with Rayudu, Sharma, Pollard and Yadav. Do not forget Richard Levi and Herscelle Gibbs are waiting in the wings. Munaf and RP may not have the precision of Malinga, but they are still international level bowlers and with the help of bhajji and Ojha can clean up any side. Kieron Pollard and franklin can share the quota of fifth bowler.
But from the other side with Gilly not playing and Valthatty not making an impact, the top order is heavily dependant on Shaun Marsh to chip in. Yes Mandeep and Saini did a good job on sunday but it will be too much to expect on them so early on their career. It would be interesting to see how david Hussey will be taking the challenge of leading the Team by stabilising the middle order. One good thing happened for the is Azhar Mahamood's inclusion finally. Hey is a key player to watch as he has tons of experience in subcontinental wickets. Praveen Kumar looks bleak in this tournament so far and Awana is getting close to a force to reckon with. Apart from that I dont see any letahl bowling weapon there in Kings XI circuit. 
Indeed...They paid them Back.
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