Another combined effort has ensured that we are back to winning ways. On a good Wankhede pitch, we responded well to the challenge of beating our neighbours, Pune Warriors. I was disappointed to miss the game due to an injury. In the nets, I was hit by a toe-crushing yorker and could barely walk. I would love to play the next game but won't risk it. With each passing day, the battle in the league will get tougher and that's where you need your best combinations, efforts and personnel. I assume that's when my services would be required.
Ideal wicket
Coming back to cricket, these sort of wickets are best for any form, be it Test cricket, ODI or T20. The wicket had true bounce, little seam movement with the new ball, turn for the spinners. It hardly matters whether you have a bat in your hand or ball, apply yourself and you will get the rewards.
Munaf exceptional
Our fast bowlers stuck to the task of bowling in the right areas. Munaf Patel was exceptional and showed how he has matured over the years. In any form of the game, line is paramount and length can vary according to your plans. Munaf executes this philosophy very well. Young Abu Nechim is bowling to some of the best batsmen in the nets and the experience is paying him rich dividends.
Striking early
We got a cluster of wickets initially and that gave us a great opening and we were able to apply pressure on the Warriors. Taking wickets is the best form of attack and that's what we have managed to do.
Striking early
We got a cluster of wickets initially and that gave us a great opening and we were able to apply pressure on the Warriors. Taking wickets is the best form of attack and that's what we have managed to do.
Chasing 118 was relatively easy and we managed to do it with minimum fuss. It may have appeared to be a close game, but we were always in control. Finishing it with an over or two to spare would have been better but this also had a positive touch. Some of our middle order batsmen got to spend time and this would help us in future.
Next up are last years' winners, Chennai Super Kings. It's a battle between the defending champions and runners-up and nothing much has changed in terms of combinations. It's a battle of equals and the one who plays better for those 40 overs will emerge winner.
PMG