Dada vs KKR

Even before the IPL started Facebook and Twitter started buzzing with talks of Dada coming to Edens and conquering the city of joy. As Pune got off to a flier the whispers became a roar and pictures of Ganguly chasing SRK with a sword were too visible for anyone to miss.

One month into the IPL things have changed. Kolkata have played some great cricket to be safely perched at number two with four wins from the last four games and Pune have lost their way and is languishing at second last just ahead of a hapless Deccan Chargers. Gambhir looks in blazing form and Kallis has done his bit to ensure stability in the middle order. In Debabrata Das KKR have found a finisher they really lacked. KKR’s bowling has probably been the deadliest amongst all competing teams and Narine’s tremendous wicket taking spree has contributed significantly to KKR’s rejuvenated look. With Mc Cullum and Pathan still to fire KKR has all the potential of destroying any side in this IPL.

On the other hand Pune has been let down by an inconsistent opening pair, minimal batting depth and lack of impact players down the order. Smith has looked the only player in the squad capable of winning matches. Even Clarke’s arrival has failed to create the impact it was expected to have and Pune have continued nose diving farther into a bottomless pit. What bodes even worse for Pune is Ganguly’s inability to remember the format of the game while in the middle. In the last two matches Ganguly’s slow strike rate nullified heroic efforts by Steve Smith and Mithun Manhas. He looks like a complete misfit in this IPL and honestly should consider dropping himself for a few games at least. If not anything else, it will send a very clear message to the team to perform or perish. However, Eden Gardens might just be the place for Dada to make his comeback.

Looking at the two teams this contest is unlikely to justify its billing and KKR should steamroll over PWI like the heavy roller rolled over the Eden Gardens pitch. Gambhir should again be too hot to handle on an Eden pitch he has made his own over the last few matches. Law of averages will probably catch up with Mc Cullum who might just make a mockery of the game. A tight KKR bowling should be too much to handle for a clueless Pune batting. Finally, the best chances Dada has of going back as a hero is by dropping himself and sending an unequivocal perform or perish message to the entire team.