The semi-finalists will already have been decided by the time Kolkata play Mumbai on Monday, but no one should pass up an opportunity to see the Little Master at the top of his game, says Tobias Gourlay.
Venue & Conditions
The final group-stage game of IPL 2010 will be played at Eden Gardens, where the Kolkata Knight Riders have so far won four of six matches. The ground was used most recently on Sunday, when the pitch was slow and the Rajasthan Royals couldn't stop losing wickets. Compare that to a couple of weeks ago, when the home side's 200/3 wasn't enough to keep bottom-of-the-table Kings XI Punjab at bay.
Team News
Results went against Kolkata yesterday and they can't now qualify for the semi-finals. It's not clear what team they will select for their valedictory game. A couple of days ago, 18-year-old left-armer Jaidev Unadkat took three wickets in only his second IPL match and might reasonably expect another go on Monday. Otherwise, the selectors might make the foreign stars - Brendon McCullum, Chris Gayle, Shane Bond among them - earn their money or they might decide it would be profitable in a different way to give younger local players a chance.
If Mumbai give Lasith Malinga a chance to pick up the rock 'n' roll rhythm of T20 before their semi-final, they might well be at full strength. Malinga's had a few matches off recently, but Mumbai's other star performers have all stayed in the team.
Match Odds
Saturday's easy eight-wicket win over the Rajasthan Royals kept Kolkata's hopes of a semi-final place alive, but then they needed the Kings XI Punjab, who were already eliminated, to beat the Chennai Super Kings in Sunday's first match. Shaun Marsh, who wanted to show Australia what they will miss at next month's T20 World Cup, heaved 88* but MS Dhoni again showed himself to be one of the game's supreme finishers and rendered this match all but meaningless.
Mumbai qualified for the semi-finals a while ago and are now well used to meaningless matches. They have won the last two they have played and they are the best team in the tournament, so it's quite right that they're 1.73 favourites to win in Kolkata, where Sachin Tendulkar's presence in the team will ensure the Eden Gardens crowd isn't as hostile as it usually is to visitors.
Top Batsman
The whole world should be pleased that Tendulkar has overtaken Jacques Kallis, who was recently seen diddling 27 runs from 37 balls for Bangalore, as IPL 2010's leading run-scorer. If Tendulkar plays, he will, of course, lead the Top Mumbai Batsman market. He made 71* in the reverse fixture at the Brabourne Stadium, but the competition has warmed up now. Big-hitting Kieron Pollard and clean-hitting JP Duminy have both shown themselves capable of raising the tempo of the Little Master's symphonies.
The reverse fixture, almost a month ago, was Chris Gayle's first game of the tournament. His 75 wasn't enough for his team that day, but it did win him the Top Kolkata Batsman market. The West Indian's added only one more half-century since then, while another late arrival, Brendon McCullum, has barely accrued a half-century from four innings. Like his opening partner, Sourav Ganguly, the Kiwi has scored surprisingly slowly.
Highest Six Over Total
McCullum is widely remembered for his 158* in the first-ever IPL game a couple of years ago. This season, his strike rate is only 106. Ganguly has ambled along at 118. Because Tendulkar (SR 136) launches only ground assaults, it's counter-intuitive to back his team in the Highest Six Over Total market, but that should mean there'll be a generous odds-against price on Mumbai that will be worth thinking about, whoever his opening partner is (he's had a different one in each of the last four games).
Trivia
If you back Mumbai and the match is close, don't lose your nerve. They're the best in the league in the last six overs, scoring at more than 11 runs per over and conceding at 8 an over.
Tobias Gourlay Says: Back Mumbai Indians at 1.73 to beat Kolkata Knight Riders
Showing posts with label MI. Show all posts
Showing posts with label MI. Show all posts
After guiding Chennai Super Kings to the Indian Premier League semifinal, captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni on Sunday said his side would look for mistakes of Sachin Tendulkar if they face Mumbai Indians in the knock-out stage.
"If we face Mumbai Indians in the knock-out stage, we have to wait for the mistake of Sachin because little master is in top form right now and they are the hot favorites to win the IPL 3," Dhoni said at the post match press conference.
Speaking about Sunday's match, Dhoni made it clear that he was not satisfied with his bowling department which is still struggling to find rhythm.
"The main strike bowlers are still struggling to find form. They are not even capable of utilising the full quota," he said.
Asked about the last over, in which he hit a hapless Irfan Pathan for 18 runs, Dhoni said: "I am not a top-class technical player and knowing that I used my power to wrap up the show but Pathan bowled well."
Dhoni cracked an unbeaten 54 off just 29 balls to guide his team to a six-wicket victory.
He was also all praise for the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium.
"This is one of the most beautiful cricket stadiums of the world. But to host the international matches the venue has to improve. The wicket also needs improvement," he said.
"The facilities for staying here are not up to the mark and the teams have to travel 18kms and back even for practice. Air facilities also need improvement," he added.
"If we face Mumbai Indians in the knock-out stage, we have to wait for the mistake of Sachin because little master is in top form right now and they are the hot favorites to win the IPL 3," Dhoni said at the post match press conference.
Speaking about Sunday's match, Dhoni made it clear that he was not satisfied with his bowling department which is still struggling to find rhythm.
"The main strike bowlers are still struggling to find form. They are not even capable of utilising the full quota," he said.
Asked about the last over, in which he hit a hapless Irfan Pathan for 18 runs, Dhoni said: "I am not a top-class technical player and knowing that I used my power to wrap up the show but Pathan bowled well."
Dhoni cracked an unbeaten 54 off just 29 balls to guide his team to a six-wicket victory.
He was also all praise for the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium.
"This is one of the most beautiful cricket stadiums of the world. But to host the international matches the venue has to improve. The wicket also needs improvement," he said.
"The facilities for staying here are not up to the mark and the teams have to travel 18kms and back even for practice. Air facilities also need improvement," he added.
The Mumbai Indians continued their surge as they drubbed the Royal Challengers Bangalore by 57 runs at the Chinnaswamy stadium on Saturday.
Mumbai posted an impressive 191-4 and then restricted Bangalore to 134-9
Mumbai posted an impressive 191-4 and then restricted Bangalore to 134-9
Bangalore could have restricted the visitors to a lower score but JP Duminy's sensational 42 not out off just 19 balls set Bangalore a steep target. In their chase, Bangalore were never in the hunt as they kept losing wickets regularly.
After a 30-run opening stand, Kevin Pietersen (22 off 16) and Rahul Dravid (16 off 11) kept Bangalore in the game but only for a brief while as the home side crumbled with the asking rate jumping up.
Virat Kohli (37 off 24) took some rearguard action but it was too late in the day for a fightback.
Earlier, Mumbai got off to a sedate start the Bangalore pacers keeping with McLaren and Sachin Tendulkar in check. When Jacques Kallis sent back Tendulkar (19 off 18), Mumbai were going at less than six-a-over with the powerplay period over.
However, Ambhati Rayadu cashed in on his rich form to up the ante for Mumbai. The very economical Anil Kumble was on the receiving end with Rayadu sending him out of the park off two consecutive balls in one over.
Kallis returned to the attack to send back Rayadu (46 off 27) but that only aggravated Bangalore's woes with the entry of the big Kieron Pollard.
The West Indies all-rounder launched into Pankaj Singh by bludgeoning three towering sixes in one over. But just as Mumbai were looking set for a big score, Kumble snared Pollard (20 off seven).
And then his master move to bring Kevin Pietersen into the attack was rewarded as McLaren's vigil ended. McLaren made a 42-ball 40 after staying in the middle for 16 overs. But Duminy's cameo that wrecked Bangalore at the death proved to be decisive.
Ryan McLaren was a surprise choice for the man-of-the-match award by all means, especially considering the fact that the others in contention were the likes of Kieron Pollard and JP Duminy .
But McLaren's contribution, in the hindsight, was adequate if not substantial.
The think tank of Mumbai Indians had surprised somewhat by promoting McLaren up the order to open with his captain (Sachin Tendulkar ) .
The move didn't have the desired impact though as the batsman struggled to break free.
As the field restrictions eased (after six overs), the team from Mumbai had managed just 34 and lost the vital wicket of Tendulkar - without doubt the slowest start in the tournament for the table toppers.
However, the second-wicket stand between McClaren and Ambati Rayudu (46) yielded MI 69 runs off just 31 balls, with the latter palpably doing most of the damage.
McClaren finally managed to cut loose in the 14th over, hitting Kumble for a couple of boundaries, the first past the bowler and the second, a quick glance towards fine leg.
But the introduction of Kevin Pietersen into the attack in the 17th over yielded RCB a wicket first ball, the Englishman catching McClaren plumb in front.
McLaren's 42-ball knock inclusive of four hits to the fence.
He returned to pick up the vital wicket of Jacques Kallis and finsih with impressive figures of 4-0-21-1.
But McLaren's contribution, in the hindsight, was adequate if not substantial.
The think tank of Mumbai Indians had surprised somewhat by promoting McLaren up the order to open with his captain (Sachin Tendulkar ) .
The move didn't have the desired impact though as the batsman struggled to break free.
As the field restrictions eased (after six overs), the team from Mumbai had managed just 34 and lost the vital wicket of Tendulkar - without doubt the slowest start in the tournament for the table toppers.
However, the second-wicket stand between McClaren and Ambati Rayudu (46) yielded MI 69 runs off just 31 balls, with the latter palpably doing most of the damage.
McClaren finally managed to cut loose in the 14th over, hitting Kumble for a couple of boundaries, the first past the bowler and the second, a quick glance towards fine leg.
But the introduction of Kevin Pietersen into the attack in the 17th over yielded RCB a wicket first ball, the Englishman catching McClaren plumb in front.
McLaren's 42-ball knock inclusive of four hits to the fence.
He returned to pick up the vital wicket of Jacques Kallis and finsih with impressive figures of 4-0-21-1.
Mumbai Indians skipper Sachin Tendulkar has weaknesses like anybody else and the Royal Challengers Bangalore will target them if Tendulkar plays when the two sides square up for a virtual semi-final practice game on Saturday, Challengers coach Ray Jennings said on Friday.
“Sachin Tendulkar is a great cricketer but from my side he walks and goes to the toilet like all of us. We will assess his weakness and attack him on it, like we attack anyone else. He is an impact player but over 120 balls any player can do that, so Mumbai Indians are our target,’’ Jennings said.
Jennings said his team wants to be known as a ruthless cricket side taking one game at a time. Both RCB and the Mumbai Indians, however, also indicated that new faces could feature in the playing eleven.
“We practice as a unit of 23, not 11. Any player who has practiced well is ready for an opportunity. Whatever side we play against, we look at the wicket and the combination of the opposite side and decide our tactics. We could introduce a new player to target one of their players,’’ Jennings said.
“Sachin Tendulkar is a great cricketer but from my side he walks and goes to the toilet like all of us. We will assess his weakness and attack him on it, like we attack anyone else. He is an impact player but over 120 balls any player can do that, so Mumbai Indians are our target,’’ Jennings said.
Jennings said his team wants to be known as a ruthless cricket side taking one game at a time. Both RCB and the Mumbai Indians, however, also indicated that new faces could feature in the playing eleven.
“We practice as a unit of 23, not 11. Any player who has practiced well is ready for an opportunity. Whatever side we play against, we look at the wicket and the combination of the opposite side and decide our tactics. We could introduce a new player to target one of their players,’’ Jennings said.
After smashing a devastating 13-ball 45, effecting two run outs and giving away as little as 15 runs in four overs, West Indies T20 star Kieron Pollard seemed too tired to talk.
Or maybe, the Mumbai Indians youngster hasn't developed the art of gushing about the importance of his role yet. The man who finished off the Delhi Daredevils single-handedly on Tuesday at the CCI was happy that after playing 10 games for a franchise which many thought had overpaid to buy him, he finally came good. "I try my best always. When it comes it comes," he muttered. "Credit to the MI management for keeping faith in me."
The general sentiment was that Pollard was being sent in to bat too low down the order by skipper Sachin Tendulkar. Pollard, though, said he has no problems padding up behind the likes of Saurabh Tiwary and Ambati Rayadu.
"The batting order depends on the decision of the team management," he said. Would he like to play for the Mumbai Indians in IPL 4, or will he go to some other franchise? Pollard was in no mood to even think about this.
"The dream of playing alongside Sachin Tendulkar and nearing a title win is too good to imagine. No 'what after' for me right now. First let's finish the semis and the final, then talk about it," he said.
Daredevils skipper Gautam Gambhir, though, preferred to look at the positives after their third loss on the trot. "This defeat may be a blessing in disguise. We have to play more responsibly, knowing there is no other option," he said.
Or maybe, the Mumbai Indians youngster hasn't developed the art of gushing about the importance of his role yet. The man who finished off the Delhi Daredevils single-handedly on Tuesday at the CCI was happy that after playing 10 games for a franchise which many thought had overpaid to buy him, he finally came good. "I try my best always. When it comes it comes," he muttered. "Credit to the MI management for keeping faith in me."
The general sentiment was that Pollard was being sent in to bat too low down the order by skipper Sachin Tendulkar. Pollard, though, said he has no problems padding up behind the likes of Saurabh Tiwary and Ambati Rayadu.
"The batting order depends on the decision of the team management," he said. Would he like to play for the Mumbai Indians in IPL 4, or will he go to some other franchise? Pollard was in no mood to even think about this.
"The dream of playing alongside Sachin Tendulkar and nearing a title win is too good to imagine. No 'what after' for me right now. First let's finish the semis and the final, then talk about it," he said.
Daredevils skipper Gautam Gambhir, though, preferred to look at the positives after their third loss on the trot. "This defeat may be a blessing in disguise. We have to play more responsibly, knowing there is no other option," he said.
The Mumbai Indians dealt a body blow on Delhi’s semi final ambitions by dishing out a 39-run drubbing to the visitors. The star of the match for Sachin Tendulkar’s Indians was Kieron Pollard. After a blazing unbeaten 45 off 13 deliveries with the bat, the big man from Caribbean returned an economical figure of 0 for 15 in his four overs and affected two brilliant run-outs.
Chasing 183, David Warner (31) and Virender Sehwag (20) got Delhi off to a flier scoring 39 in 3.3 overs. Warner did all the damage in his 15-ball 31, charging through covers, going over long-on and driving through mid-off. In the third over, Warner carted Zaheer Khan for two fours and a six with a fine flick, a heave straight down the ground and a well controlled pull. But the party ended when the Aussie opener holed out to Murtaza off a smart slower-one by Dilhara Fernando.
Fernando almost got Sehwag out with another slower-one after a couple of balls but this time Murtaza grassed a dolly. But the young left-arm spinner made amends very soon by getting rid of Delhi skipper Gautam Gambhir (17). Sehwag soon followed him in the pavilion, running himself out in the same over. Murtaza produced a fine quicker delivery in his next over to send AB de Villiers (4) back into the hut.
Delhi’s cause was dealt another big blow when Paul Collingwood (2) ran himself out going for an inexplicable run. After a brilliant effort to send Sehwag back, this time Pollard demonstrated brilliant field-work off his own bowling. After a blistering 69 for 1 in the first six overs, the Daredevils slipped to 94 for 6 after 12 overs, from where it proved impossible to recover.
While all the bowlers contributed their bit, the bowling hero for Mumbai Indians was young spinner Ali Murtaza, who bowled with a lot of guile and confidence. He mixed up his deliveries well to keep the batsmen guessing and hardly gave any width to hit big shots. Murtaza’s four-over spell yielded only 18 runs for the important scalps of de Villiers and Dinesh Karthik (11). Dilhara Fernando too was impressive picking two wickets in his spell for 32 runs. Such was the discipline in Mumbai’s bowling that after the sixth over, they conceded a boundary in the last over.
Earlier, after being restricted to 133 for 4 in 17 overs, Kieron Pollard’s 13-ball blitzkriegs of 45 runs took Mumbai Indians to a highly competitive 183 for 4 at the end of 20 overs. Pollard’s fiery knock was studded with two boundaries and five mammoth sixes.
Ashish Nehra and Pradeep Sangwan bowled a fine opening spell, pitching the ball in all right areas. But luck deserted the two Delhi pacers as on various occasions the ball raced to the fence taking an edge of the bat. Both Chandan Madan (15) and Sachin Tendulkar (30) got the rub of the green going their way. Amit Mishra cramped the batsmen with his tight bowling and McDonald took advantage of it by dismissing Madan with a short ball in his first over.
Tendulkar, on the other hand, looked like a man with intent. Despite the superb bowling, he played some lovely flicks and sweeps in the initial overs. Thanks to his fluency, Mumbai could muster 44 runs in the powerplay. Sangwan finally got rewarded for his persistently impressive bowling when he got the prized wicket of the master blaster. It was a rather soft dismissal as Tendulkar sliced a simple catch to mid-off in his attempt to score a much needed boundary.
Tendulkar’s wicket brought Mumbai’s two young superstars, Saurabh Tiwary (38) and Ambati Rayudu (24) together, with a huge responsibility of reviving the innings. The two batted sensibly, playing their respective roles to perfection. While Tiwary paced up the innings with some lusty blows, Rayudu played the perfect anchor. The long-haired Samson-like power hitter from Jharkhand slog-swept Collingwood for a massive heave over midwicket before smashing a four and a six in Sangwan’s next over. But the 19-year-old bowler had the last laugh when he deceived Tiwary with a slower one which rattled his stumps.
JP Duminy (21) cut loose by whacking Mishra for three boundaries in the 16th over with a flick, a thumping drive and a lucky edge. Rayudu decided to take charge on Nehra in the next over by lofting him over long-on but holed out to de Villiers. But Kieron Pollard stepped on the gas to fetch 50 runs in the last three overs. He started his six-hitting spree with a thwack over long-off and scooped over the keeper’s head.
The big man from Caribbean then cornered McDonald in the last over to cream him for 25 runs. He set two balls scorching in the stands beyond the midwicket fence, thumped one straight down the ground and clobbered the last delivery over square-leg.
Chasing 183, David Warner (31) and Virender Sehwag (20) got Delhi off to a flier scoring 39 in 3.3 overs. Warner did all the damage in his 15-ball 31, charging through covers, going over long-on and driving through mid-off. In the third over, Warner carted Zaheer Khan for two fours and a six with a fine flick, a heave straight down the ground and a well controlled pull. But the party ended when the Aussie opener holed out to Murtaza off a smart slower-one by Dilhara Fernando.
Fernando almost got Sehwag out with another slower-one after a couple of balls but this time Murtaza grassed a dolly. But the young left-arm spinner made amends very soon by getting rid of Delhi skipper Gautam Gambhir (17). Sehwag soon followed him in the pavilion, running himself out in the same over. Murtaza produced a fine quicker delivery in his next over to send AB de Villiers (4) back into the hut.
Delhi’s cause was dealt another big blow when Paul Collingwood (2) ran himself out going for an inexplicable run. After a brilliant effort to send Sehwag back, this time Pollard demonstrated brilliant field-work off his own bowling. After a blistering 69 for 1 in the first six overs, the Daredevils slipped to 94 for 6 after 12 overs, from where it proved impossible to recover.
While all the bowlers contributed their bit, the bowling hero for Mumbai Indians was young spinner Ali Murtaza, who bowled with a lot of guile and confidence. He mixed up his deliveries well to keep the batsmen guessing and hardly gave any width to hit big shots. Murtaza’s four-over spell yielded only 18 runs for the important scalps of de Villiers and Dinesh Karthik (11). Dilhara Fernando too was impressive picking two wickets in his spell for 32 runs. Such was the discipline in Mumbai’s bowling that after the sixth over, they conceded a boundary in the last over.
Earlier, after being restricted to 133 for 4 in 17 overs, Kieron Pollard’s 13-ball blitzkriegs of 45 runs took Mumbai Indians to a highly competitive 183 for 4 at the end of 20 overs. Pollard’s fiery knock was studded with two boundaries and five mammoth sixes.
Ashish Nehra and Pradeep Sangwan bowled a fine opening spell, pitching the ball in all right areas. But luck deserted the two Delhi pacers as on various occasions the ball raced to the fence taking an edge of the bat. Both Chandan Madan (15) and Sachin Tendulkar (30) got the rub of the green going their way. Amit Mishra cramped the batsmen with his tight bowling and McDonald took advantage of it by dismissing Madan with a short ball in his first over.
Tendulkar, on the other hand, looked like a man with intent. Despite the superb bowling, he played some lovely flicks and sweeps in the initial overs. Thanks to his fluency, Mumbai could muster 44 runs in the powerplay. Sangwan finally got rewarded for his persistently impressive bowling when he got the prized wicket of the master blaster. It was a rather soft dismissal as Tendulkar sliced a simple catch to mid-off in his attempt to score a much needed boundary.
Tendulkar’s wicket brought Mumbai’s two young superstars, Saurabh Tiwary (38) and Ambati Rayudu (24) together, with a huge responsibility of reviving the innings. The two batted sensibly, playing their respective roles to perfection. While Tiwary paced up the innings with some lusty blows, Rayudu played the perfect anchor. The long-haired Samson-like power hitter from Jharkhand slog-swept Collingwood for a massive heave over midwicket before smashing a four and a six in Sangwan’s next over. But the 19-year-old bowler had the last laugh when he deceived Tiwary with a slower one which rattled his stumps.
JP Duminy (21) cut loose by whacking Mishra for three boundaries in the 16th over with a flick, a thumping drive and a lucky edge. Rayudu decided to take charge on Nehra in the next over by lofting him over long-on but holed out to de Villiers. But Kieron Pollard stepped on the gas to fetch 50 runs in the last three overs. He started his six-hitting spree with a thwack over long-off and scooped over the keeper’s head.
The big man from Caribbean then cornered McDonald in the last over to cream him for 25 runs. He set two balls scorching in the stands beyond the midwicket fence, thumped one straight down the ground and clobbered the last delivery over square-leg.
Mohali (Punjab), April 9 (IANS) Master blaster SachinTendulkar who is successfully leading the MumbaiIndians, which is currently topping the Indian Premier League-III (IPL-III), is enjoying full support here clearly overshadowing the local team Kings XI Punjab.
Although some of his fans are anxious about his fitness since during the last match against Chennai Super Kings, Tendulkar had complained of fatigue and dehydration, they are keeping their fingers crossed to see this master in action at the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) stadium here Friday evening.
Tendulkar, who will turn 37 on April 24, had left the field while batting (during the last match), but came back later when Mumbai Indians were struggling tosave the match.
'Obviously Tendulkar is the best cricketer of all times and we really doubt that India could find his replacement in the future. He is like god to us and even our coach shows us recorded tapes of Sachin's match-winning innings to enthuse confidence in us,' Sidhartha Sharma (16), a budding cricketer from Patiala town in Punjab, told IANS.
'I wanted to take his autograph and talk to him but I could not catch him at PCA. Therefore, I will go to the team's hotel with my friends and try to meet him,' said Sharma.
There were a bunch of young cricketers who were thrilled after bowling with Tendulkar at PCA stadium Thursday evening.
'It was a rare honour for me when I shared nets with Sachin and bowled several overs to him. It was a dream come true for me and even my family members are equally excited. Sachin also talked to us for sometime and gave us many batting tips,' said 11-year-old Shubman.
Akhil Jain, another 17-year-old young cricketer, said: 'He is so calm and composed on the field. Even at this age he is very agile and his reflexes are better than any other youngster. It was a great learning experience while bowling to him on the nets.'
So far, Mumbai Indians have emerged as favourites in the IPL-III after winning seven out of their nine matches. Their Friday's opponents Kings XI Punjab, however, are tottering at last place registering only two wins in their ten outings.
The disappointing performance of Kings XI has disappointed their fans and now many of them are supportingTendulkar's Mumbai Indians.
'I am a die-hard supporter of Kings XI and I have watched all their IPL matches at PCA. But today I will supportMumbai Indians because they are the genuine favourites of this tournament and they have proved this with their performance,' a young cricket enthusiast Subodh Sharma told IANS.
He added: 'We are praying that Tendulkar will get fit to play in the match and we want him to score a century today. We also want Bhajji (Harbhajan Singh) to score quick runs and to take early wickets.'
Shipra Petkar, an engineering student, told IANS: 'Kings XI has totally let us down with their miserable performance. They are already out of this tournament so what is the need to support them? We want theTendulkar-led Mumbai Indians to win the game. Tendulkar is still our favourite and we all love him very much.'
On paper, this clash is as heavy-weight as they come. It features not only two of the top sides in the tournament, but also has India's favourite son - Sachin Tendulkar - taking on the man who is most likely to be his heir apparent - Virender Sehwag.
In reality, however, Mumbai come into this match on a high, while Delhi are struggling slightly with two losses against teams they would have expected to beat.
Mumbai have 16 points, and no other team has more than 12. The only way Mumbai will not qualify for the semi-finals is if there is a multiple team tie on 16 points (since at this stage there is no combination possible that will ensure that four teams end up with morethan 16 points), and the others edge Mumbai out on net run-rate. When you consider that Mumbai's net run-rate is +1.04, and the next highest net run-rate is Bangalore's +0.343, it is pretty clear that short of a whole host of statistical freaks, Mumbai are well and truly into the semi-finals.
They can thus afford to experiment and tweak their side in an effort to put the best combination out for the knock-out matches. It might be worth their while to give Graham Napier a chance and get Dwayne Bravo back into the mix. Napier comes with a domestic T20 strike rate of almost 150, and is a handy right-arm medium pace bowler, while if Bravo can get his batting going, he will be an invaluable all-rounder. In fact, Mumbai may want to bench quite a few of their regulars - especially amongst the foreigners - and give chances to those haven't had too many. We might well see Mumbai picking JP Duminy, Sanath Jayasuriya, Napier/McLaren and Bravo for the match, and giving a well deserved break to the likes of Malinga. The young Abhishek Nayar seems to have finally recovered from the injury that kept him out of most of the tournament, and if fit, he too should get a game. Mumbai's biggest disappointment so far has been the performance of Kieron Pollard, who has struck the ball hard and fiercely, but hasn't managed to stay at the crease to have any major impact on a match, with a highest score of 25 in ten innings.
Sachin Tendulkar continues to remain the main man for Mumbai, with almost twice as many runs as the next highest scorer in the side - Saurabh Tiwary. He is of course, capable of firing in all of Mumbai's remaining matches, but on the suspicion that the 'law of averages' must catch up with the man sometime (after only sporadically doing so over 20 years of international cricket), Mumbai have to start planning for how to win in case Tendulkar fails.
Delhi have more pressing worries on their mind than one man winning all their matches - they have to start winning matches again first. The defeats against Kolkata and Punjab will hurt them, since before those matches, they were on a winning streak and had looked one of the few sides capable of consistently challenging Mumbai. Delhi's best batsman has been Virender Sehwag, but a lot of his efforts have been in solo causes, with the rest of the team not supporting him, with the result that victories of Sehwag's bat have been rather lesser in number than would be expected - especially when Delhi have such good back-up for Sehwag on paper.
David Warner will always remain a hit-or-miss player, and Gautam Gambhir has made it clear on numerous occasions that that is the way Delhi want him to be, since on the days he comes off, he is an unstoppable force for Delhi. However, Gambhir himeslf, alongwith Collingwood and Dinesh Karthik have to play the role of middle-order enforcers, who do the bulk of the scoring when the openers fail. What hurt Delhi in their last two matches was that the middle order did not get going. With an opening combination of Warner and Sehwag, Delhi can expect fliers more often than not, but have to budget for the occasional failure as well.
The one good thing for Delhi was that Ashish Nehra finally recovered enough to play a game, and if Dirk Nannes recovers too then he will come in place of Ferveez Maharoof, which would strengthen Delhi's pace attack immeasurably. Daniel Vettori has been a bit of a let-down so far, leaking runs at 8.31 an over and taking just 2 wickets in the 3 matches he has played, but for a player of such proven ability, he is likely to be part of the starting eleven.
A full-strength Delhi against an in-form Mumbai is one of the marquee matches of the IPL. However, the last time these two sides met, Mumbai annihilated Delhi by 98 runs. Delhi should come fired up to exact revenge, and Mumbai will be equally keyed up, especially on their home ground. A potentially cracking contest looms.
In reality, however, Mumbai come into this match on a high, while Delhi are struggling slightly with two losses against teams they would have expected to beat.
Mumbai have 16 points, and no other team has more than 12. The only way Mumbai will not qualify for the semi-finals is if there is a multiple team tie on 16 points (since at this stage there is no combination possible that will ensure that four teams end up with morethan 16 points), and the others edge Mumbai out on net run-rate. When you consider that Mumbai's net run-rate is +1.04, and the next highest net run-rate is Bangalore's +0.343, it is pretty clear that short of a whole host of statistical freaks, Mumbai are well and truly into the semi-finals.
They can thus afford to experiment and tweak their side in an effort to put the best combination out for the knock-out matches. It might be worth their while to give Graham Napier a chance and get Dwayne Bravo back into the mix. Napier comes with a domestic T20 strike rate of almost 150, and is a handy right-arm medium pace bowler, while if Bravo can get his batting going, he will be an invaluable all-rounder. In fact, Mumbai may want to bench quite a few of their regulars - especially amongst the foreigners - and give chances to those haven't had too many. We might well see Mumbai picking JP Duminy, Sanath Jayasuriya, Napier/McLaren and Bravo for the match, and giving a well deserved break to the likes of Malinga. The young Abhishek Nayar seems to have finally recovered from the injury that kept him out of most of the tournament, and if fit, he too should get a game. Mumbai's biggest disappointment so far has been the performance of Kieron Pollard, who has struck the ball hard and fiercely, but hasn't managed to stay at the crease to have any major impact on a match, with a highest score of 25 in ten innings.
Sachin Tendulkar continues to remain the main man for Mumbai, with almost twice as many runs as the next highest scorer in the side - Saurabh Tiwary. He is of course, capable of firing in all of Mumbai's remaining matches, but on the suspicion that the 'law of averages' must catch up with the man sometime (after only sporadically doing so over 20 years of international cricket), Mumbai have to start planning for how to win in case Tendulkar fails.
Delhi have more pressing worries on their mind than one man winning all their matches - they have to start winning matches again first. The defeats against Kolkata and Punjab will hurt them, since before those matches, they were on a winning streak and had looked one of the few sides capable of consistently challenging Mumbai. Delhi's best batsman has been Virender Sehwag, but a lot of his efforts have been in solo causes, with the rest of the team not supporting him, with the result that victories of Sehwag's bat have been rather lesser in number than would be expected - especially when Delhi have such good back-up for Sehwag on paper.
David Warner will always remain a hit-or-miss player, and Gautam Gambhir has made it clear on numerous occasions that that is the way Delhi want him to be, since on the days he comes off, he is an unstoppable force for Delhi. However, Gambhir himeslf, alongwith Collingwood and Dinesh Karthik have to play the role of middle-order enforcers, who do the bulk of the scoring when the openers fail. What hurt Delhi in their last two matches was that the middle order did not get going. With an opening combination of Warner and Sehwag, Delhi can expect fliers more often than not, but have to budget for the occasional failure as well.
The one good thing for Delhi was that Ashish Nehra finally recovered enough to play a game, and if Dirk Nannes recovers too then he will come in place of Ferveez Maharoof, which would strengthen Delhi's pace attack immeasurably. Daniel Vettori has been a bit of a let-down so far, leaking runs at 8.31 an over and taking just 2 wickets in the 3 matches he has played, but for a player of such proven ability, he is likely to be part of the starting eleven.
A full-strength Delhi against an in-form Mumbai is one of the marquee matches of the IPL. However, the last time these two sides met, Mumbai annihilated Delhi by 98 runs. Delhi should come fired up to exact revenge, and Mumbai will be equally keyed up, especially on their home ground. A potentially cracking contest looms.
Sachin Tendulkar-led Mumbai Indians have the full backing of Mumbaikars. According to TAM Sports, for all India market in the CS 4+ category from March 28 to April 3, Mumbai delivered the highest TVR for IPL3, followed by Hyderabad and Kolkata.
While Mumbai has delivered ratings on double digits on two occasions during these 10 matches, Kolkata delivered the highest TVR of 12.17 per cent. The match was played between Kolkata Knight Riders and Deccan Chargers on Thursday, April 1, 2010, whereas Hyderabad delivered a TVR of 8.19 per cent for the same match. KKR had defeated Deccan Chargers in this match.
Going by the average TVR for these 10 matches – from March 28 to April 3 – Mumbai delivered the highest with a TVR of 6.87 per cent, Hyderabad followed with 5.32 per cent, while Kolkata came third with 5.22 per cent TVR. Delhi delivered an average TVR of 4.61 per cent, Chennai delivered a TVR of 4.5 per cent, Rajasthan with 4.36 per cent, while Bangalore had a TVR of 4.16 per cent. The least TVR was 3.49 per cent in Punjab, along with Haryana, Chandigarh and Himachal Pradesh.
The highest TVR delivered by Mumbai was on Sunday, March 28, 2010, which was at 11.74 per cent. The match was played between Mumbai Indians and Deccan Chargers, which delivered a TVR of 6.53 per cent TVR for the same match. Against Kings XI Punjab too Mumbai witnessed a double digit TVR of 10.15 per cent. Mumbai Indians had won both these matches.
While most of the matches played so far saw Mumbai deliver ratings of 5 per cent and higher, the only two matches that that perhaps disinterested Mumbai were played between Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore and CSK and Rajasthan Royals played on Wednesday, March 31, 2010 and Saturday, April 3, 2010, respectively.
Not surprisingly, there is certainly team loyalty, or rather city loyalty, building up, wherein every city that has witnessed high ratings had their respective city playing the match and having won. The highest TVR delivered by Bangalore was 7.63 per cent, not surprisingly, Royal Challengers Bangalore had won that match against Kings XI Punjab.
Rajasthan Royals captain Shane Warne said grassing Sachin Tendulkar's catch proved to be the turning point of their crucial Indian Premier League match against Mumbai Indians, which his side lost by 37 runs.
Aditya Dole dropped Mumbai skipper Tendulkar while on 45 off Siddharth Trivedi and the champion batsman later went on to make a 59-ball unbeaten 89 to guide Mumbai Indians to a competitive 174 for five.
"Dropping Sachin's (Tendulkar) catch hurt us costly because he went on to score the runs. We also responded poorly in the bowling and fielding department after the missed chance," Warne told after Mumbai Indians beat his side by 37 runs to become the first team to enter IPL 3 semifinals.
The legendary Australian leg-spinner, who guided Rajasthan to the Inaugural IPL title in 2008, also said that they did not help their cause by their irresponsible running between the wickets while chasing.
"We conceded 60 runs in the last four overs. I know these things happen but we had a bad start to our run chase. A few runs outs also hurt us. But we batted deeply with Aditya Dole and (Abhishek) Raut adding few crucial runs in the end.
"It was not at all a good time to lose a match," Warne said.
Mumbai Indians skipper Tendulkar said although he got a life on 45, he was satisfied with his innings today as it came under difficult circumstances.
"Sometimes catches are dropped sometimes run outs are missed, these things happen in cricket. But though I was dropped on 45, in the end I had to score runs after getting the life," Tendulkar said.
"I don't play to prove anything to anybody. The source of inspiration for me is that I am playing for enjoyment. I am playing well and it feels nice. Today, I enjoyed my batting because it was challenging initially and then I had to be patient in the middle.
"I had to plan the innings. When big shots were required they came in and it was very satisfying," he said.
He also rubbished suggestions that Mumbai Indians batting revolves around him and praised Kieron Pollard for contributing today with both bat and ball.
"In Twenty20 games it is difficult to be consistent. Pollard has contributed well with quick 25 runs and Yusuf's (Pathan) wicket. Everyone in the team is playing his role," Tendulkar said.
Pollard first scored a breezy 25 off 13 balls and shared a vital 50-run stand with Tendulkar to help Mumbai Indians post the competitive total on the board and then got the important wicket of dangerman Yusuf.
Aditya Dole dropped Mumbai skipper Tendulkar while on 45 off Siddharth Trivedi and the champion batsman later went on to make a 59-ball unbeaten 89 to guide Mumbai Indians to a competitive 174 for five.
"Dropping Sachin's (Tendulkar) catch hurt us costly because he went on to score the runs. We also responded poorly in the bowling and fielding department after the missed chance," Warne told after Mumbai Indians beat his side by 37 runs to become the first team to enter IPL 3 semifinals.
The legendary Australian leg-spinner, who guided Rajasthan to the Inaugural IPL title in 2008, also said that they did not help their cause by their irresponsible running between the wickets while chasing.
"We conceded 60 runs in the last four overs. I know these things happen but we had a bad start to our run chase. A few runs outs also hurt us. But we batted deeply with Aditya Dole and (Abhishek) Raut adding few crucial runs in the end.
"It was not at all a good time to lose a match," Warne said.
Mumbai Indians skipper Tendulkar said although he got a life on 45, he was satisfied with his innings today as it came under difficult circumstances.
"Sometimes catches are dropped sometimes run outs are missed, these things happen in cricket. But though I was dropped on 45, in the end I had to score runs after getting the life," Tendulkar said.
"I don't play to prove anything to anybody. The source of inspiration for me is that I am playing for enjoyment. I am playing well and it feels nice. Today, I enjoyed my batting because it was challenging initially and then I had to be patient in the middle.
"I had to plan the innings. When big shots were required they came in and it was very satisfying," he said.
He also rubbished suggestions that Mumbai Indians batting revolves around him and praised Kieron Pollard for contributing today with both bat and ball.
"In Twenty20 games it is difficult to be consistent. Pollard has contributed well with quick 25 runs and Yusuf's (Pathan) wicket. Everyone in the team is playing his role," Tendulkar said.
Pollard first scored a breezy 25 off 13 balls and shared a vital 50-run stand with Tendulkar to help Mumbai Indians post the competitive total on the board and then got the important wicket of dangerman Yusuf.
It was his highest ever score in the Indian Premier League .
It ensured his team a spot in the semi-finals of the lucrative competition for the first time in three attempts.
And it helped him grab hold of the Orange Cap - for the highest scorer in the tournament with 512 runs - from Jacques Kallis' head.
You guessed it right - we are talking about Sachin Tendulkar .
Tendulkar's unbeaten 59-ball 89, inclusive of 10 boundaries and two sixes, helped Mumbai Indians post a formidable 174 for five and eventually beat Rajasthan Royals at the Sawai Man Singh Stadium in Jaipur on Sunday.
The Mumbai skipper, shared a crucial 63-run fourth wicket partnership with JP Duminy (31) and then added 50 runs with Kieron Pollard (25) for the fifth wicket to help the table toppers recover from 30 for three.
Tendulkar, when on 45 was dropped by Aditya Dole off Siddharth Trivedi , and the Master Blaster made the Rajasthan side pay heavily for their blunder, smashing 20 in the bowler's final over.
During his knock he surpassed Royal Banngalore Challengers' Jacques Kallis tally of 501 runs and took possession of the Orange Cap.
And his side ensured that his record - of not losing a match having scored a fifty in this tournament - remained in tact for a fifth match in succession.
It ensured his team a spot in the semi-finals of the lucrative competition for the first time in three attempts.And it helped him grab hold of the Orange Cap - for the highest scorer in the tournament with 512 runs - from Jacques Kallis' head.
You guessed it right - we are talking about Sachin Tendulkar .
Tendulkar's unbeaten 59-ball 89, inclusive of 10 boundaries and two sixes, helped Mumbai Indians post a formidable 174 for five and eventually beat Rajasthan Royals at the Sawai Man Singh Stadium in Jaipur on Sunday.
The Mumbai skipper, shared a crucial 63-run fourth wicket partnership with JP Duminy (31) and then added 50 runs with Kieron Pollard (25) for the fifth wicket to help the table toppers recover from 30 for three.
Tendulkar, when on 45 was dropped by Aditya Dole off Siddharth Trivedi , and the Master Blaster made the Rajasthan side pay heavily for their blunder, smashing 20 in the bowler's final over.
During his knock he surpassed Royal Banngalore Challengers' Jacques Kallis tally of 501 runs and took possession of the Orange Cap.
And his side ensured that his record - of not losing a match having scored a fifty in this tournament - remained in tact for a fifth match in succession.
Sachin Tendulkar took the Mumbai Indians to the semi-finals of the IPL by thumping the Rajasthan Royals for the first time on their home ground. Though they had an almost perfect start, the Royals were dazzled by Tendulkar's magic on Sunday as they lost by 37 runs at the Sawai Man Singh Stadium on Sunday.
Shane Warne tried all his tactics at the 'fortress' but Tendulkar was up for it as he revived the Mumbai Indians with an unbeaten 89 off 59 balls. Once tottering, the Mumbai Indians managed an impressive 174-5, thanks to a super innings from their skipper.
In their chase, Royals were never in the hunt with Zaheer Khan and some needless run outs giving Mumbai control right from the onset. The home team could manage only 137-8 in their 20 overs.
Rajasthan lost three wickets for 11 runs and never managed a fightback with Adam Voges (28) top-scoring for them. After both openers perished, they were jolted when Shane Watson (one) was run out in the third over due to a mix-up with Faiz Fazal. Yusuf Pathan (10), who had slammed a hundred against the Mumbai Indians in their previous outing, could manage only one six before skying one off Kieron Pollard.
Earlier, after electing to bowl, Shane Watson ripped through the Mumbai top order with three quick wickets to have the visitors on the mat at 30-3 in the fourth over. The Aussie all-rounder snared Sanath Jayasuriya (one), Ambati Rayadu (zero) and Saurabh Tiwary (15).
Tendulkar and JP Duminy (31 off 32) then started the recovery process with some steady batting. The master also stitched a crucial stand with Kieron Pollard (25 off 13).
After a patient half-century, Tendulkar, who was dropped on 45 by Aditya Dole, opened up his shoulders in the end, blasting Siddarth Trivedi for 20 runs in the last over including two sixes. The Mumbai skipper also smashed 10 boundaries in his unconquered knock.
Tendulkar's blaze in the end also helped him snatch back the Orange Cap from Royal Challengers Bangalore's Jacques Kallis. The South Africa all-rounder now trails Tendulkar by 11 runs.
Match facts
Rajasthan v Mumbai, JaipurSunday, April 11
Start time 2000 (1430 GMT)
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Big Picture
Mumbai Indians have lost two in a row but there's no need for them to hit the panic button yet. They are still top of the table, and reaching the semi-finals should not be too tough. What will worry them is the misfiring batting, which has failed twice in two matches, and still looks dependent on Sachin Tendulkar. Their bowling, though, with the trio of Lasith Malinga, Zaheer Khan and Harbhajan Singh at its heart is among the best in the tournament. Mumbai are up against a confident Rajasthan Royals, coming off two contrasting wins - a come-from-behind thriller against Deccan Chargers and a demolition of Kings XI Punjab - that has resurrected their chances of making the final four. Add to that their perfect record at Jaipur - eight wins in eight - and Shane Warne's boys should provide a stiff challenge to the table-toppers. A victory for Rajasthan will give them a share of the lead in the standings, but defeat could leave them needing to win both their remaining matches.
Form guide (most recent first)
Rajasthan Royals WWLLW
Mumbai Indians LLWWW
Team talk
Mumbai's overseas allrounders haven't been at their best this season. With Kieron Pollard and Dwayne Bravo struggling, Sanath Jayasuriya could get another look-in. JP Duminy should retain his place after top-scoring against Punjab. Ryan McLaren's place could also be under scrutiny after failing with the bat, and being given only two overs. Rajasthan left out both Morne Morkel and Shaun Tait in the match against Punjab, but might decide to pick one of them to inject some pace into the attack for Sunday. Adam Voges could be the one to miss out after not getting to bat or bowl against Punjab.
Previously
Rajasthan 2 Mumbai 2The previous encounter between the two teams this season will be remembered for the ferocious hundred from Yusuf Pathan that nearly took Rajasthan to an incredible victory. Mumbai eventually prevailed by four runs.
In the spotlight
Yusuf Pathan v Harbhajan Singh: Yusuf has a liking for the spinners, and had carted Mumbai's attack in the absence of Harbhajan when the teams met earlier in the tournament. Mumbai's main spinner will have a key role in shackling him on Sunday. The openers: Both sides have openers who are in form - Sachin Tendulkar and Shikhar Dhawan for Mumbai, Michael Lumb and Naman Ojha for Rajasthan - and they'll have a huge role in shaping the outcome of the game.
Prime numbers
- Sachin Tendulkar's solidity through the tournament has meant that Mumbai have been the best team in the Powerplays, scoring at 9.13 and losing only eight wickets in ten matches.
- Rajasthan's 66 sixes is the second-highest by a team in the tournament so far; Mumbai are bottom of the list with 41.
The chatter
"[The] team is very happy to be back here, we like playing out here, we have got a good record and I think we are in a good space at the minute."
The threat of Sachin Tendulkar taking the game away by the scruff looms as the biggest hurdle between defending champions Deccan Chargers and a victory in their Indian Premier League tie against Mumbai Indians at the D Y Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai tomorrow.
Tendulkar, who created history by making a double hundred against South Africa in Gwalior ODI last month, has not let up in his run-scoring ways and stands tall for Mumbai Indians in their quest to clinch the coveted IPL crown after the disappointment of the first two seasons.
The champion batsman has been in sublime form and has literally led his team from the front with his superb poise at the crease, which is reflected in MI going into the tie atop the points table with eight points.
Tendulkar, who created history by making a double hundred against South Africa in Gwalior ODI last month, has not let up in his run-scoring ways and stands tall for Mumbai Indians in their quest to clinch the coveted IPL crown after the disappointment of the first two seasons.
The champion batsman has been in sublime form and has literally led his team from the front with his superb poise at the crease, which is reflected in MI going into the tie atop the points table with eight points.
Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar slammed his fifth 50 in IPL and paved winning path for Mumbai Indians in cahsing target of 156-run against Kolkata Knight Riders on Monday at Brabourne stadium, Mumbai.
Sachin made 50 runs in just 35 balls with nine fours.
Sachin made 50 runs in just 35 balls with nine fours.
Mumbai Indians demolished the Kolkata Knight Riders absolutely and won the match by 7 wickets.
Man of the Match: Sachin Tendulkar
Kamaal Catch Award: Sourav Ganguly
Maximum Sixex Award: Chris Gayle
Kamaal Catch Award: Sourav Ganguly
Maximum Sixex Award: Chris Gayle
Sachin Tendulkar: It was a good wicket to bat. Dhawan played well in the first over and I carried on from the second over. We put them on the backfoot early on and we capitalised on it. All our bowlers bowled really well today. Our fielding was quite good. On the whole it was a good track, the ball came on to the bat. I want to thank the crowd for supporting us and that will take us a long way.
The Teams:
Mumbai Indians: Sachin Tendulkar (capt), Dwayne Bravo, Shikhar Dhawan, Harbhajan Singh, Zaheer Khan, Ryan McLaren, Lasith Malinga, Kieron Pollard, Rajagopal Sathish, Aditya Tare (wk), Saurabh Tiwary.
Kolkata Knight Riders: Sourav Ganguly (capt), Chris Gayle, Shane Bond, Murali Kartik, Angelo Mathews, Cheteshwar Pujara, Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Owais Shah, Ishant Sharma, Harpreet Singh, Mandeep Singh.
Sachin Tendulkar and Saurabh Tiwary struck half-centuries to help Mumbai Indians to an emphatic 98-run victory over Delhi Daredevils in Wednesday's Indian Premier League action.
Tendulkar's innings of 63 at the top of the order came off just 32 balls and contained 11 boundaries as the legendary Indian put his side on course for 218 for seven from their 20 overs.
In reply, the Daredevils collapsed to 120 all out and had to bat without captain Gautam Gambhir, who picked up an injury during the Mumbai innings.
Tendulkar and Sri Lanka veteran Sanath Jayasuriya put on 38 in less than four overs for the opening stand - the latter scoring just seven of them before Yogesh Nagar took a fine catch at mid-off.
Aditya Tare hit two sixes before he was bowled by Pradeep Sangwan, bringing Tiwary to the crease in the seventh over.
Tiwari added 48 for the third wicket with Tendulkar before the opener was caught by Nagar this time off spinner Amit Mishra, but Tiwari kept up the good work with 61 from 37 deliveries with four fours and three maximums.
He added 71 with Ambati Rayudu, who struck 34 off 21 balls before he was run out in the penultimate over, and there was still time for new batsman Dwayne Bravo to hit a six off one of the four balls he faced.
The total was always going to be difficult to reach and the chase never got off the ground despite the top five batsmen all getting starts.
Openers Virender Sehwag and Tillakaratne Dilshan began their reply reasonably promisingly with a 38-run stand, but Lasith Malinga broke the partnership in the fourth over by bowling Sri Lanka team-mate Dilshan for 17.
Bravo then removed Sehwag (26) and AB de Villiers, before Dinesh Karthik, Farveez Maharoof and Mithun Manhas all went cheaply, leaving the Daredevils in trouble from which they could not recover.
Bravo, Harbhajan Singh and Jayasuriya claimed two wickets apiece as the Indians strolled home.
Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals will look to put behind their unsuccessful campaign last year when they clash on Saturday to kick-start their respective IPL campaigns in Mumbai.
While two of the game's greatest players renew their rivalry on the field, Shane Warne and Sachin Tendulkar are also in charge of their respective sides.
Rajasthan Royals captain Warne has already started plotting against Tendulkar, and a day before the game he was wondering whether the Mumbai Indians stalwart would be coming out to open the innings or drop himself down the order.
Warne's reason for speculation was based on the Royals' pace sensation Shaun Tait, who would look to subdue Tendulkar's onslaught.
"Question to cricket followers. Do you think Sachin will open and face Tait. Or drop himself down order and let others take on Tait?" Warne wrote on Twitter.
Warne's question generated extreme interest on the website, with replies ranging from Warne trying to kick up controversy to the spin legend trying to play mind games.
"Why does everyone think I'm saying Sachin scared of Tait. You guys are being too sensitive. I just asked where he would bat? (Will he) open/(or drop himself down) middle?" he added.
Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals clashes have been billed as the clash between the two stars, and it won't be any different this time around.
Two giants of the game, one still active and the other retired, are set to take centrestage at the Brabourne Stadium when the Sachin Tendulkar-led Mumbai Indians start their Indian Premier League campaign against Shane Warne's Rajasthan Royals here tomorrow.
When Sachin Tendulkar confronts his long-time adversary Warne as leaders of their respective teams, it will become the main show at the famed Cricket Club of India.
It was at this ground that Tendulkar set the tone for the visit by Australia in 1998 by hammering the leg spin legend, who went wicket-less after conceding over 100 runs in the first innings, all over the park to notch up his maiden double century in first class cricket.
When Sachin Tendulkar confronts his long-time adversary Warne as leaders of their respective teams, it will become the main show at the famed Cricket Club of India.
It was at this ground that Tendulkar set the tone for the visit by Australia in 1998 by hammering the leg spin legend, who went wicket-less after conceding over 100 runs in the first innings, all over the park to notch up his maiden double century in first class cricket.
I expect IPL III to be the best of them all. There is a quiet, steely way the teams are approaching this extravaganza. There is no thumping of chests, no war cry, no feeding of the ever-hungry paparazzi. They know how fickle this format is and good starts are no guarantee to top finishes. The best of campaigns can get derailed and slow starters can zip past on the home stretch. It's a marathon. Teams need stars on the field as well as those up in the sky!
The story of this IPL could well be Sachin Tendulkar's. So far, the pastures of this format haven't interested him. The great man can adjust to all forms of the game and looks primed for the final frontier. A relaxed Tendulkar as captain will help.
A few other notings too. Teams who have better domestic performers are better insured. The wickets would be worn out and batsmen can party. A total of 180 could take some defending, more so since most playing areas are curtailed. Bowlers need to have a game plan and a relaxed attitude.
Matthew Hayden has already got tongues wagging with his mongoose bat. It has a shorter blade and longer handle and I am told the "sweet spot" is as much as twice that of a regular bat. The edges are thicker too so all those swishes off his big forearms could actually fly beyond those short-square boundaries. Wonder, if the man-giant needed it in the first place!
Most teams would look to conserve wickets for the final assault and in this respect the role of opening bowlers and batsmen would be critical. A good start or early wickets might as well be a clincher in this IPL. It's a cricket basic and still matters in any contest, any format. Good fielders too can turn a game on its head with smart run-outs. I expect Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders to make a move this season. Kolkata could still have a worry or two about their bowling but the house looks in order. The glam teams again would be Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Daredevils, the latter determined to break their semifinal jinx.
Kings XI Punjab have gone for a change of guard while the redoubtable Mahendra Singh Dhoni is ever on the prowl for Chennai Super Kings. Kieron Pollard, Manish Pandey and Yusuf Pathan are the young stars to watch out for.
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