The Indian El Classico
Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians the two most successful Franchises ( 5 Titles each ) in the history of the Indian Premier League clashed at the iconic Wankhede Stadium on Sunday night. The broadcasters spared no effort in generating a frenzy around the match, billed as a showdown of exalted rivals. The mood created was to make this contest akin to the great El Classicos ( The age old Barcelona vs Real Madrid rivalry ), which the world sits up to watch at least twice a year. Whether the frenzy was overwhelming is a matter of discussion, the match undoubtedly was engrossing and though MI had their ups on occasions, they were eventually downed by a better side.
The Hardik Woes
The crowd booed Hardik Pandya, their own captain, no end. The made up smiles and the fake laughter of Hardik as if it was all hunky dory within him and beyond, could not mislead the world . His performance on the field just reflected that. It was a big occasion ( made out even bigger by the media ) and Hardik desperately seeking redemption from his fans wanted to make it big. Unfortunately for the MI skipper things just went from bad to worse. The crowd roared in deafening applause as Dhoni hammered him for 3 sixes in the last over, which tilted the balance in CSK’s favour as they amassed a healthy 206. The crowd celebrated again and jeered their captain as he perished for a 2 of 6 balls while chasing. Hardik took the long walk back to the pavilion, reeling under the unprecedented vitriol from MI fans and in disappointment of failing when it really mattered.
Shivam Dube : The Cleanest Striker
CSK, on the other hand batted and bowled with intensity and purpose. Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad played fluently for his 69 of just 40 balls laced with 5x4s and 5x6s. However, what really fuelled CSK’s score was some clean hitting from Shivam Dube. With due respect to Virat, Shivam is the most fiercest and cleanest hitter of the cricket ball in India today. He is blessed with both timing and power and is relentless when he gets going. His position at No.5 in the T20 World Cup squad is a foregone conclusion. His 10 fours yesterday night were pure class as he rattled the listless MI bowlers to score 66 of just 38 balls.
Matheesha Pathirana : Lasith Malinga Reborn
Matheesha Pathirana with his slinging yorkers was brilliant and deservedly was adjudged the Player of the Match. His 4 for 28 in 4 overs spoiled any chances which MI espoused of breaching the target. Completely modelled on Lasith Malinga, Pathirana with his fiery pace and accuracy was too hot to handle for the MI batters, who, barring Rohit Sharma and to an extent Tilak Verma, hardly resisted. Though Pathirana had a forgetful World Cup 2023, he is a force to reckon with in T20s and as he gains more experience, the better he is going to become. Sri Lanka are blessed to have him indeed. A Malinga reincarnation
Rohit : The Last Man Standing
Rohit Sharma, played an innings true to his style. A ton decorated with finesse and effortless charm. A 105 unbeaten, of 63 balls with 11x4s and 5x6s, Rohit tried his best to take his team home as he pushed his tiring body to the fore. However, there was not much coming from the other end and eventually it was too much to do as MI felt short by a good 20 runs, losing their 4th game in 6 matches and slipping to 8th position. Their two match winning streak brought to a sudden halt.
The Indian El Classico, eventually went to the Challengers from the South, leaving the Western Gladiators a lot to think about.
Read Quick, Read Better @ rizkhan.in