Beyond math

Posted on April 12, 2010 | 0 views

News Update from Other Blogs Around the world

It’s down to the Round of 16 in the IPL – of course, that’s not the number of teams but the number of games left before the semifinals. All but PZ’s Kings are in with a chance. Some about to lose the grip but still hanging in there and some waiting for that one elusive win to move from waitlist to confirmed status.

Beyond the mathematics of points and run-rates, there are some clear, yet subliminal, strengths and/or weaknesses of teams that may have the final say at the conclusion of league stage. I have analytically tried to eye that for the teams still in fray. Take a look!

Mumbai Indians (MI)

The away ghost: As I pointed out in my last post, MI’s real test starts after Game 8 when they play 5 of their remaining 6 matches away and it turned out as suspected. They lost to Chennai and now have to face Punjab in Mohali and Rajasthan in Jaipur before touching base for their last home game. If MI loses these two as well, then all their hopes will be pinned on the game against Delhi Daredevils at home because after that their last two league encounters are also away games. MI may prove me wrong today itself by beating Punjab but if they don’t, then it remains to be seen if they can bury the ‘away ghost’ or are only ‘Lions at Home’.

Delhi Daredevils (DD)

Bowling quandary: Delhi’s problem lies in stringing together a winning combination that is consistent, more so in bowling than batting. Yes, the injuries to Nannes and Nehra haven’t helped matters but the replacements don’t look promising, as was visible in the runs they bled in the death overs against Kolkata. This may prove fatal for DD who still need to win at least two of their remaining 4 matches.

Rajasthan Royals (RR)

Shane Warne: Wonder what that man does to lift the team’s spirit but whatever that is, it’s nothing less than magic and only within the realms of a mentor like Warnie. The possibility that this may be his last hurrah as a player makes him doubly dangerous.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)

Who to play and who not: Their issue is team selection due to a large number of quality expats (10 in total). This has compounded Kumble and Jennnings’ problems. The ‘who to play and who not’ question needs to be answered quickly or else the team may miss the bus.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK)

Just-in-time arrivals: We have already seen what effect Bollinger has had on CSK’s bowling and with Michael Hussey too in ranks now, watch out for Chennai. The welcome surprise has been Murali Vijay turning into a ‘technically correct butcher’. Vijay and then Hussey, Raina and Dhoni lower down will allow Hayden to play his natural game, which makes it intimidating for bowlers.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

Tough assignment: The concluding games for KKR are against RCB, CSK, RR and MI respectively. So it means Kolkata cannot blink with four taxing games in a row. The only solace is that their last two matches are at home where they play well with a huge fan base.

Deccan Chargers (DC)

Living on the edge: Of the seven teams in fray, they have the bleakest of chances to make it. With four games left for them, DC has to win each one of those because of the poorest run-rate. That is the only way they can harbor any hopes of finishing in top four. Looking at their mixed performance in the season, it looks highly unlikely.