IPL 2017 final: Proverbial David vs Goliath battle

At the start of the season, even the wildest of Rising Pune Supergiant fans could have predicted that their team would be fighting for the team. 

After a horrific debut season, Supergiant had a shake-up in the team roster and the most visible was that of the leader. 

The team management placed their faith on Australian Steve Smith and Dhoni probably had to endure the biggest blow in his career. 

Neutral cricket lovers would love to see Pune win simply because any underdog team triumphing in a league adds to the aura of the tournament. 

Mumbai Indians have done it before and were favourites to reach this stage before the start of the tournament. But Supergiant have shown earlier that if one team can be its hoodoo, it is Rising Pune Supergiant. 

IPL 2017 final : Mumbai Indians' think tank and their strategy helping MI to be in the Final

The last ball of the second Indian Premier League 2017 qualifier between Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders pretty much summed up the fixture. It was a short ball, outside off, Krunal Pandya gave himself room, looking to slash it but got a top edge that went flying towards the third man area. Nathan Coulter-Nile rushed across to his right to catch it, but only managed to get his finger tips to the white object and the ball touched the boundary ropes to end Kolkata Knight Rider’s campaign. Mumbai Indians made bold decisions, stuck to it while KKR despite having plans couldn’t quite execute them. They were sloppy and, dare I say, tired.

After putting up a lacklustre performance and making some strange calls against Rising Pune Supergiant in the Eliminator, Mumbai bounced back in the second Qualifier to storm into the final. However, the tactics were still the same. Harbhajan Singh, once again, couldn’t find a place in the playing XI as Karn Sharma got another go. It was a brave move to back Karn’s wicket taking abilities than Harbhajan’s experience in big matches, but it paid off. The idea was simple, have a bowler who could dismiss batsmen in the middle overs, a trait which Harbhajan and both the Pandya brothers don’t offer to Mumbai’s captain Rohit Sharma.

Mahela Jayawardene has done a great job as Head coach of Mumbai Indians. 
Not just this, Mumbai’s team management seemed to have a plan for each and every top order batsmen from KKR. There were discussions whether Gautam Gambhir would come back to open with Chris Lynn in this important game. But KKR continued with their pinch-hitter Sunil Narine at the top.

Commentator Kevin Pietersen was gushing in Mitchell Johnson’s praise on air. He shared his experience of how intimidating it was to face the Australian pacer in the Big Bash League (BBL) and also revealed how he was excited to see a face off between Lynn and Johnson. He couldn’t have been happier after a top first over from ‘Mitch’. He varied his pace brilliantly and confused his compatriot with change in lengths, thereby managing to induce a top edge which fell in no man’s land. The work was done, neither was Lynn given anything to score off easily nor was he allowed to give the strike to Narine.

Mumbai have the best percentage of wickets (30.30) taken in the Powerplay in IPL 2017. So, when their strike bowler Mitchell McClenaghan sat out due to injury, they decided to toss the new ball to Jasprit Bumrah for the first time in this season and he delivered as Lynn holed out to Kieron Pollard at long on.

The responsibility to provide an explosive start was passed onto Narine. Teams that have been successful against the West Indian have cramped him for room and Mumbai’s bowlers did no different. Stump-to-stump lines ensured that he couldn’t swing his arms freely. The only delivery where he scored a boundary was an overpitched one around middle, which he could flick powerfully over the deep square leg fence. The bowlers forced the southpaw to take risks and when he did take one, he was stumped off Karn’s bowling.

As meticulous Mumbai’s strategy was against every batsman, the execution was just as perfect. That Gambhir has a habit of poking at balls that are in the fourth stump line is a well-known fact, but the way the bowlers persisted with that strategy against the tournament’s second highest run-scorer frustrated him. The dot balls had accumulated and to add to their woes, Bumrah had bowled the fifth over of the innings and trapped Robin Uthappa LBW. KKR’s score at the end of six overs was 25/3.

With no Manish Pandey and Yusuf Pathan (he was dropped), Gambhir knew he had to make a move, so he did and played a lovely inside out drive over covers off Karn’s first ball after PowerPlay to fetch a boundary. The southpaw, perhaps feeling a bit comfortable against the spinner, went for a sweep shot only to find Hardik Pandya in the deep. Gambhir departed for a 15-ball-12-run knock.  A plot which was begun by the fast bowlers was ended by a spinner. The next ball Karn, who had a forgettable 2016 season with Sunrisers Hyderabad, bowled a googly first up to Colin de Grandhomme and handed him a golden duck. The seventh over had just finished and KKR had lost half their side. Karn had repaid the faith the backroom staff had put in him and was on a hat-trick. The night hadn't even begun properly but the end was lurking around KKR.

Suryakumar Yadav, who was having a poor season thus far, and Ishank Jaggi, featuring in his second game of IPL 2017, were at the crease. Both the batsmen batted cautiously, showed solidity but made sure that they put the bad balls away. They forged a 50-run stand and looked set to up the ante when Rohit decided to go back to his wicket-taking leggie. Karn’s dream match continued, he broke the partnership, as Jaggi was caught by Mitchell Johnson at long on, and recorded his best bowling figures (4-0-16-4) in IPL. The rest of the Kolkata innings ended like a flash. They were skittled out for 107, a total that was never going to be challenging. But remember, this team had bowled out Royal Challengers Bangalore for 49 in a group match defending 132.  So the hope was still there for Kolkata fans.

Parthiv Patel was given the license to go after everything, at least it seemed so, as the Gujarat captain played some sumptuous shots before perishing for 14. Mumbai had lost two wickets in three overs, but Kolkata’s best bowlers – Narine and Coulter-Nile – hadn’t even bowled yet. Chawla castled Ambati Rayudu to make things even more interesting. One partnership was all that Mumbai required and Krunal Pandya was sent up the order.

                                                     Mahela as MI coach did a wonderful job.
                                                     pic : AFP

Krunal is a batsman who believes in scoring boundaries more than singles and twos. He did the same against Gambhir and Co in his 30-ball 45 run knock, he didn’t go through this method arbitrarily. He preferred safe shots, even while taking the aerial route he chose the gaps smartly. He scored runs all over the park at a strike rate of 150 on a pitch that was slow and where the ball was not coming onto the bat. He was well supported by Rohit who rotated the strike to ensure that dots don’t stack up. Though the Mumbai captain would be disappointed to end his innings with a needless shot. His side had got the partnership they needed to get over the mark.

Mumbai Indians are often mocked for having a star studded backroom staff, but in hindsight the planning is what separated both these sides. What if Kolkata had addressed that Gambhir’s average had dropped down to 19.40 since Lynn’s comeback. The Delhi batsman was struggling to get going in the period where fields were spread out and going back to open the innings could’ve turned things for him and his side. Would playing an out of form Yusuf had helped the side that had lost a solid batsman like Manish, considering his experience in the IPL? Or what if they had played Kuldeep Yadav in place of Ankit Rajpoot, given that the deck at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium was somewhat assisting the spinners?  They will bid goodbye to this season with a lot of questions. Mumbai, on the other hand, will travel to Hyderabad for the final with smiles and a tinge of worry as their nemesis Rising Pune Supergiant ask them some new questions. But they will afford to take rest for a day as their team management search for the answers.

Injury scare !! - Coulter-Nile doubtful for Mumbai match

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) pacer Nathan Coulter-Nile is doubtful for their last Indian Premier League (IPL) tie against Mumbai Indians (MI) on Saturday. 

Coulter-Nile was not seen at practice on Friday. When asked about his update, bowling coach L. Balaji said: "It is up to the medical staff to decide so I will reserve my comment on that. Injury wise we are all safe." 

Coulter-Nile, who was injured during KKR's home game against Rising Pune Supergiant, has so far played six matches and has taken 11 wickets. 

Meanwhile, KKR vice-captain Suryakumar Yadav picked up a knock while training. Suryakumar, who is enduring a lean patch, was injured off a Trent Boult rising delivery and was seen sitting beside the nets for some time before leaving the field. 
Suryakumar has played eight times in this edition scoring just 74 runs.

Chennai Super Kings crowned Champions

25th April

IPL 2010 FINAL

MUMBAI INDIANS vs CHENNAI SUPER KINGS

CSK won the toss and elected to bat.

Brief scores

CSK 168/5 in 20 overs

S.Raina 57*

M.Vijay 26

M.Dhoni 22

D.Fernando 2/24

Mumbai Indians 146/9 in 20 overs

S.Tendulkar 48

A.Nayar 27

K.Pollard 27

S.Jagati 2/26

1 Half century

S.Raina 57*

S.Tendulkar 48

Man of the match - S.Raina

Suresh Raina smashed 3 sixes and 3 fours in his quick knock of unbeaten 57 in only 35 balls.

This was Chennai's first IPL trophy after previously missing out in 2008(losing finalists) and 2009 (losing semi finalists).

Player of the series - S.Tendulkar

Both teams have qualified for this year's Champions League Twenty20 tournament to be held in South Africa this September.

3rd place team Bangalore Royal Challengers also qualified.

Most runs - Orange Cap

S.Tendulkar 618

J.Kallis 572

S.Raina 520

Most wickets - Purple cap

P.Ojha 21

Harbhajan Singh 17

A.Mishra 17

A.Kumble 17

Most sixes

R.Uthappa 27

M.Vijay 26

Y.Pathan 24

Bollinger powers Chennai into Final

22nd April

2nd Semi Final

DECCAN CHARGERS vs CHENNAI SUPER KINGS

Chennai Super Kings won by 38 runs.

Brief Final Score:

CSK -142/7 in 20 overs (Badrinath 37, Dhoni 30, Harris 3/29)

DC- 104 all out in 19.2 overs (Symonds 23, Bollinger 4/13, Jakati 2/44)

No half centuries

S.Badrinath 37

M.Dhoni 30

D.Bollinger 4/13

R.Harris 3/29

Man of the match - D.Bollinger

Doug Bollinger's superb bowling figure is the best in IPL 2010 and also the best in IPL semi finals.

Chennai Super Kings now join Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2010 Finals on the 25th.

These two teams are qualified for the Champions League which is going to be played in September this year.

The 3rd team will be decided in a play off between semi final losers Bangalore and Deccan.

Chennai is playing in IPL final after 2008. Last year also they qualified for the semi finals.

Most runs - Orange Cap

S.Tendulkar 570

J.Kallis 553

S.Ganguly 493

Most wickets - Purple cap

P.Ojha 21

Harbhajan Singh 17

A.Mishra 17

Most sixes

R.Uthappa 27

Y.Pathan 24

M.Vijay 24

Magnificent Mumbai crush Bangalore to enter Final

21st April

1st Semi Final

MUMBAI INDIANS vs ROYAL CHALLENGERS BANGALORE

Mumbai Indians won by 35 runs.

Brief Scores:

Mumbai Indians: 184 for 5 in 20 overs (Saurabh Tiwary 52 not out; Dale Steyn 2/43).

Royal Challengers Bangalore: 149 for 9 in 20 overs (Ross Taylor 31 not out; Kieron Pollard 3/17)

1 Half century

S.Tiwary 52*

A.Rayudu 40
K.Pollard 33*

R.Taylor 31*

K.Pollard 3/17

Man of the match - K.Pollard

Pollard put up an awesome all round performance today. Scored his 33 quick runs with 3 huge sixes in only 13 balls and took 3 crucial wickets. Pollard also excelled in fielding too.

Saurabh Tiwary is continuing his good form, Hitting 4 sixes and 3 fours in his 31 ball 52.

Mumbai Indians now face the winner between Chennai Vs Deccan semi final on the 25th.

This is the 1st time Mumbai entered into IPL semi finals and they made it to the Finals.

Most runs - Orange Cap

S.Tendulkar 570

J.Kallis 533

S.Ganguly 493

Most wickets - Purple cap

P.Ojha 20

Harbhajan Singh 17

A.Mishra 17

Most sixes

R.Uthappa 27

Y.Pathan 24

M.Vijay 23

Pollard blasts Delhi all around and Mumbai wins big

13th April

MUMBAI INDIANS vs DELHI DAREDEVILS

No half centuries

K.Pollard 45*
S.Tiwary 38
A.McDonald 33*
D.Warner 31
S.Tendulkar 30

Man of the match - K.Pollard

Kieron Pollard smashed 5 sixes and 2  fours for his aggressive 13 ball unbeaten 45.
He was also involved in crucial dismissals in run outing Sehwag and Collingwood when Delhi batted.
Pollard bowled his 4 overs very economically too.

After this defeat Delhi must win its remaining two matches to qualify for the semi finals.

Most runs - Orange Cap

S.Tendulkar 542

J.Kallis 528

S.Ganguly 366

Most wickets - Purple cap

P.Ojha 18

A.Mishra 15

R.Vinaykumar 15

Most sixes

Y.Pathan 24

R.Uthappa 24

M.Vijay 21

Teams	Mat	Won	Lost	Tied	N/R	Pts	Net RR	For	Against
Mumbai Indians	12	9	3	0	0	18	+1.116	2084/237.0	1831/238.3
Royal Challengers Bangalore	12	6	6	0	0	12	+0.343	1900/225.0	1924/237.3
Delhi Daredevils	12	6	6	0	0	12	+0.024	1908/237.0	1909/237.5
Rajasthan Royals	12	6	6	0	0	12	-0.288	1917/230.4	1959/227.5
Deccan Chargers	12	6	6	0	0	12	-0.438	1865/238.3	1946/235.4
Chennai Super Kings	11	5	6	0	0	10	+0.107	1835/218.0	1813/218.1
Kolkata Knight Riders	11	5	6	0	0	10	-0.417	1737/219.2	1784/214.0
Kings XI Punjab	12	4	8	0	0	8	-0.484	1912/236.2	1992/232.2

Sachin super steers Mumbai once again..

11th April

RAJASTHAN ROYALS vs MUMBAI INDIANS

1 Half century

S.Tendulkar 89*

J.Duminy 31

A.Dole 30

S.Watson 3/37

Sachin Tendulkar's highest score in IPL.

He became the 7th player to score 1000 IPL runs in this match.

Man of the match - S.Tendulkar

This is the first time Rajasthan Royals have lost in their home grounds.

Mumbai Indians became the first team to be qualified for the semi finals and this is the 1st time they are through to last four.

Most runs - Orange Cap

S.Tendulkar 512

J.Kallis 501

S.Ganguly 366

Most wickets - Purple cap

P.Ojha 16

A.Mishra 15

R.Vinaykumar 14

I.Pathan 14

Most sixes

Y.Pathan 23

R.Uthappa 21

M.Vijay 21

Points Table

Teams	Mat	Won	Lost	Tied	N/R	Pts	Net RR	For	Against
Mumbai Indians	11	8	3	0	0	16	+1.040	1901/217.0	1687/218.3
Royal Challengers Bangalore	11	6	5	0	0	12	+0.443	1762/205.0	1773/217.3
Delhi Daredevils	11	6	5	0	0	12	+0.206	1764/217.0	1726/217.5
Rajasthan Royals	12	6	6	0	0	12	-0.288	1917/230.4	1959/227.5
Chennai Super Kings	11	5	6	0	0	10	+0.107	1835/218.0	1813/218.1
Kolkata Knight Riders	11	5	6	0	0	10	-0.417	1737/219.2	1784/214.0
Deccan Chargers	11	5	6	0	0	10	-0.539	1714/218.3	1808/215.4
Kings XI Punjab	12	4	8	0	0	8	-0.484	1912/236.2	1992/232.2