Pune Warriors vs Chennai Super Kings – IPL 5 – Match Preview
After losing their first match of this year’s Indian Premier League, Pune Warriors will look to get back to winning ways when they take on a rejuvenated Chennai Super Kings, at their home ground, the Subrata Roy Sahara Stadium, Pune, today, April 14, 2012.
The Warriors had begun promisingly, winning their opening two games before getting a reality check against Kings XI Punjab, which finally managed to kick-start its campaign with an easy 7-wicket win.
Sourav Ganguly has led the team well up till now but the tough work certainly starts here, after the team suffered its first loss. The batting flopped big time, with only Mithun Manhas posting a score in excess of 30. However, the conditions had played a
pivotal part and the slow nature of the track caused plenty of problems for the batters.
With Jesse Ryder underperforming upfront, Tamim Iqbal’s inclusion might be a possibility. The left-hander was in supreme touch in last month’s Asia Cup, where he stuck half-centuries in all of the four matches for his national side and will be eyeing the
opening berth.
Despite showing glimpses of his old-self, Ganguly’s own form has been disappointing – with 20 being his highest score so far. Expectations will be high from the veteran as he looks set to tackle the most successful team in the IPL history.
If Tamim plays, the other overseas players should include Marlon Samuels, Angelo Mathews and Steven Smith, all of whom remain handy all-rounders.
The bowling department has been effective and consistent up till now and one expects them to rise to the occasion. Ashok Dinda has been prolific so far, while Nehra adds the necessary experience. The spin department will see an addition, with Murali Kartik
expected to return after missing the last game. His partner in crime will be Rahul Sharma.
Chennai will be upbeat following by their emphatic last-ball win against Royal Challengers Bangalore as the successfully chased down 206. After a surprisingly slow start, the defending champions will be surely lifted by their spirited performance in the
last game and will now hope to turn around things in their favour.
Their opening position, which has been a cause of debate due to Michael Hussey’s absence, finally found a new hero in Faf du Plessis. The South African showed class and determination to keep his side in the hunt with a sublime 71, weathering out the threat
of the Royals spinners.
Also the return to form for their skipper will be a relief for many. Dhoni had been under pressure to perform and rose well to the task – contributing a significant 41 off 24. His calm approach against Ganguly’s vibrant style will surely be one of the battles
eagerly awaited.
The overseas recruits again showed their stature for Chennai – Albie Morkel 7-ball 28 runs blitz swung the game in his team’s favour before Dwayne Bravo put the final touches with an unbeaten 25. Despite not among the marquee overseas signings, their effectiveness
has been a major advantage for the two-time IPL winners.
Ravichandran Ashwin’s dip in form has also been alarming but with Rahul Sharma in the opposite rank, the current no.1 national team spinner will be eagerly looking forward to put in an improved showing.
The slow nature of the track at Pune will see spin playing a pivotal role and one further expects another low scoring affair.