Earlier Kochi Tuskers began magnificently, with the opening pair of McCullum and Laxman putting on 80 for the first wicket. Even Zaheer was treated with scant respect. McCullum smote the dangerous Dirk Nannes for two fours and one six and then Laxman hit two mighty sixes and Kochi was 80 for no wicket, in more or less 10 overs ! A great start with 8 per over ! A new star franchise had zoomed to the international cricket horizon. Even though she lost, Kochi palyed bravely.
Laxman was eventually out for 36 and Kochi lost the first wicket at 80. Then the game, which was controlled by Kochi so far, turned. Mahela was out for 18 and Brad Hodge for 27. Jadeja played well for this 23 not out, which included a mighty six. McCullum perished for 45, but what a great innings it has been !
We had said in our columns before that Kochi will have to sort out a lot of things, before they take on the might of Mumbai and Chennai. Yesterday's match showed some weaknesses.
Why play with two keepers, McCullum and Patel ?
Sreeshant impressed his fans, by removing the dangerous Dilshan in the second ball. The outswinger had induced Dilshan to play the ball in the air. Sreeshant said he will bowl at 150 kph in this IPL. We are all waiting for him to bowl at 150 or above !
Kollywood ( Kerala Hollywood ) was represented by the actress Mamta Mohandas, Mukesh and Jayaram. Mamta was wearing the Kochi orange jersey and said she will champion the cause of Kochi. Reema Kallingal, another actress, has also joined Kochi Tuskers.
Vijay Mallya was interviewed when Kochi were going great guns at 60 for no wicket. He said Kochi is playing well, but then RCB has a formidable batting line up and can chase any total.
Virat Kohli played well, before he was adjudged lbw to Vinay Kumar.
It was the inexperience of the Tuskers which did them in. Mahela arrived only on the morning on Sat, he has no interaction with the players and his decision to give the 18th over to the inexperienced Gomez was inexplicable. He could have given the ball to some more experienced bowler. Gomez was out for a duck and you can imagine the mental state of such a player. No wonder Bram Villiers lofted him for three mighty sixes. Till the 18th over, the match was in the balance. This decision proved to be fatal for Kochi !
Kochi will have to sort out a lot of problems. Kochi and Pune, as new entrants, are the minnows of this IPL. Chennai and Mumbai have got great stars and are well experienced. It may take Kochi just 4 or 5 matches to jell as a unit. We hope Kochi will come out of the crisis with flying colours, as she has the potential to come good !
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