If history intends to repeat itself, the Kolkata Knight Riders will be out to ensure that nothing of that sort happens. Their campaign in 2008 commenced with wins against the Royal Challengers Bangalore and Deccan Chargers before bad times set in that lasted the rest of the season and the following one.
It’s a format that demands high intensity and focus for 40 overs amid a lot of noise and frenzy. The margin for error being minimal means the players are on their toes all the time, as each ball has the potential to turn a match. Keeping that in mind and wiser from experience, Sourav Ganguly isn’t exactly smiling.
“Yes, the team’s clicked in two games but we are not partying until we win a few more,” Ganguly said after Sunday’s win against Bangalore. He meant every word given the relentless nature of the format, which doesn’t allow the teams to lower their guard.
The Chennai Super Kings lost out on all fronts on Sunday but they are a team who know how to win.
Their record is proof and they have match-winning batsmen although the bowling remains a concern. Even then, it can come down to a few good overs and both teams are aware of this.
Ganguly has a tough call to make. Shane Bond arrived on Monday morning and given that Tuesday’s match starts at 8 pm, the skipper might be tempted to think that his potential trump card will get enough time to recover from jetlag.
Complicating his problems is the fact that his other fast bowlers have bowled well so far. But Ganguly, as captain, has always treasured a true fast bowler and it will be interesting to see how he deals with this issue.
The Super Kings’ headache is different it’s not a problem of plenty. Their only strike bowler is Muttiah Muralitharan and apart from off-spinner R. Ashwin, the other bowlers, especially the faster ones, went for plenty on Sunday. But again, it’s a question of a few important deliveries.
That’s why it will be a test of steel at the Eden Gardens.