When the Super Kings take on Mumbai at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore today, a large section of the crowd will be a disappointed lot. They would have expected the home team, Royal Challengers Bangalore, to play, but the Deccan Chargers spoiled their party.
The Chargers ensured they
wouldn't finish last and in the process ousted the Royal Challengers, who should have won after restricting the former to 132. The runners-up of the last edition and Champions League were over reliant on Chris Gayle and AB de Villiers, and once they got out, Bangalore lost the plot.
Steyn contribution
Dale Steyn also contributed to Bangalore's chaos. He is one of the best fast bowlers in the world and he showed us that if you are a good bowler, you will perform irrespective of formats and conditions.
The Super Kings needed three results to go in their favour and many would consider them lucky to have qualified. Luck has often favoured the MS Dhoni-led franchise, but one must not forget that they have been the most successful franchise.
All-rounders like Dwayne Bravo, Albie Morkel and Ravindra Jadeja add depth to their batting and the arrival of the in-form Ben Hilfenhaus strengthens the pace attack. Chennai have a knack of saving their best for the big games, and though they tottered their way to the playoffs, they are the favourites now!
Mumbai had a convincing win over Rajasthan. Their batsmen are in form and the bowlers, led by Lasith Malinga, are doing the job. However, skipper Harbhajan Singh isn't in the best of form. Mumbai have a balanced side but the order of the day will be cool heads to battle the pressure.
The writer is a former Australia batsman