One of the major problem areas for teams last year was the
fact that some key foreign players were forced to quit the IPL midway
and attend to national duties. A team like the Chennai Super Kings was
especially affected as their four-match winning streak at the beginning of the
competition was halted by the departure of Mathew Hayden and Micheal
Hussey, both of whom were in tremendous form and whose absence was sorely
felt.
Something similar is about to happen to teams this year too
as important English and West Indian cricketers will leave so that they can
concentrate on their bilateral series. One team that is bound to get most affected
would be the already struggling Bangalore Royal Challengers as their
captain and prize catch (in the auction held just a few months ago) Kevin Pietersen
heads home. What more worrying is the fact there seems to be no clear decision
made on who his successor will be. Till a few days ago, it was widely assumed
and reported that South African Jacques Kallis will assume the mantle once Pietersen
leaves. But in a press release, team coach Ray Jennings has said anyone amongst
Anil Kumble, Rahul Dravid, Mark Boucher or Jacques Kallis himself
can take over the reign. Kallis's case has apparently become weaker due to his
indifferent form with both, the bat and the ball. [He's scored only 124 runs
and claimed just 1 wicket] Moreover, Dravid who was in such good form will be
missed for a few more games as he's already flown home to be with his wife who's
expecting their second child.
Coach Jennings, true to his outspoken ways, came down harsh on his players and
said that he was extremely disappointed with some of their performances. He went
on to say that a coach can only do so much; he can practice as much as he can
with the boys but when the moment arrives in the match, it's the players that
have to make it count and deliver. He however did concede that he too may have
erred in some of the decision makings.
Alongwith the Shahrukh Khan-owned Kolkata Knight Riders, Bangalore is another
team that have never really looked threatening enough in the competition so far.
As a result, its no surprise to see these two teams languishing at the bottom
of the table with Bangalore in the 7th position.
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