IPL 6: RR vs KXIP - The Quick Flicks

Rajasthan Royals have played like a well-oiled machine at home, and it seems like they have built a fortress at the Sawai Mansingh stadium. But away from home, they have generally struggled to deliver the goods. Today, though, with a thoroughly professional performance, RR KOed KXIP in their own backyard.

Snapshots from today’s game :

Rahul Dravid – Deserves a fair play award

When Gilchrist was hit by a throw from mid-on, and Chandila took advantage of it to whip off the bails, Dravid showed sportsman spirit by diffusing the situation. If Kohli or Gambhir was in his place, there was every chance that either of them would have supported Chandila, and appealed for the run-out. Kudos to Dravid for upholding the well-established traditions of the ‘gentleman’s game.’

Pat on the back of RR’s bowlers

In the T20 format, bowling in the end overs must feel like a cauldron of bubbling tensions for bowlers. But RR’s bowlers deserve a pat on the back for getting it bang on the money in the end overs. They just didn’t give any pace on the ball, and varied their lengths beautifully to keep Punjab’s much-vaunted batting line-up in check. Even the flamboyant Miller couldn’t up the ante, and take Punjab to a position of strength on a flat track.

Rahane shepherds RR to a facile win

When RR lost their captain fantastic, Dravid, there might have been a few jitters in RR’s camp. But the impressive Rahane shepherded RR to a facile win. His game is built on playing a mixture of copybook strokes interfused with improvised inventive shots. Sanju Samson played a good knock too by making a quick-fire 47. Samson’s brisk gait to the crease, and his fearless attitude, tells us that he isn’t overawed by playing in the IPL.

Sparse crowd

It was disappointing to see the stadium at Mohali not being jam-packed and buzzing with excitement. As it was a 4 PM start, it didn’t exactly help the cause, but one expects the stadium to be full in the glitzy and glamorous world of IPL.

Rajasthan Royals can win this year’s IPL

Yes, I am making a big call here, but I do believe RR have a great chance of winning this year’s IPL. The unpredictable nature of T20 format makes it very difficult to pick a winner. But it shouldn’t surprise anyone if CSK meet RR in the final of IPL. Both sides haven’t restricted themselves by adhering to rigid conventional thoughts. It can be seen by how both Dravid and Dhoni are not shy of going for the jugular.

In spite of Gilchrist making a comeback and playing well, he couldn’t lift the spirits of Punjab. It has to be said though, cricket is team game and we can’t blame the captain alone for the defeat. It was a collective failure by Punjab and they have a lot of soul searching to do.