This edition of the IPL has been exciting to the core and heading towards the closure of the league stage, the playoff seats are still up for grabs. This has happened because there is very little difference between the teams. The teams that haven't done well are Deccan and Pune, but both have had some close finishes.
The matches to be played today are crucial. The Royal Challengers Bangalore face Deccan in a must-win battle. Bangalore have put together one of the best sides for the Twenty20 format but had a shaky start to the season because of which they find themselves in a spot of bother. But they are a team, who if they make it to the playoffs, can emerge victorious with ease.
Deccan, on the other hand, had little luck with wins and decided to play party-spoilers for Rajasthan. Deccan ruined Rajasthan's party, and would again look to do the same when they face Bangalore in Hyderabad, while Rajasthan look at a similar role against the Mumbai Indians, who should have won against the Kolkata Knight Riders at the Wankhede Stadium.
Deccan, however, have a huge obstacle in front of them named Chris Gayle. Cricket is no doubt a team sport but there are some individuals who make a huge difference, and such has been Gayle for Bangalore. His innings against Delhi at the Kotla was one of the best T20 innings ever. How many times have we seen a batsman hit 13 sixes in an innings? Without doubt he is the best in this format, and has created similar impact in various conditions all over the world.
{{/usCountry}}Deccan, however, have a huge obstacle in front of them named Chris Gayle. Cricket is no doubt a team sport but there are some individuals who make a huge difference, and such has been Gayle for Bangalore. His innings against Delhi at the Kotla was one of the best T20 innings ever. How many times have we seen a batsman hit 13 sixes in an innings? Without doubt he is the best in this format, and has created similar impact in various conditions all over the world.
{{/usCountry}}The writer is former Aussie batsman