Clinically operated and removed - RCB through to finals

Credits to the bowling effort of RCB, which ensured a comfortable win against Chennai.

Parthiv patel, for a change was aggresive partner and going great guns. Mathew hayden played second fiddle to Parthiv. Their partnership nicely set the tone for the likes of MS and Raina to come and set a decent score for RCB to chase. MS Dhoni promoted himself up the order to play a steady role till the end. He came ahead of Raina and he was exactly maintaining the momentum needed. Earlier, Mathew Hayden mistimed one of the lofted shots straight into the hands of Manish Pandey off the bowling of R.Vinay kumar. Parthiv Patel immeditely followed behind Hayden.

Dhoni, in his post match interview said, he and Raina got out at wrong times. That's exactly the reason for failing to set a good score. Albie Morkel and Oram had 100 plus strike rates, but from one of them Dhoni expected to have strike rate close to 275, which would have taken the score to 160. Not having enough runs to bowl with, could prove costly as it happened in the crucial match (Semi finals).

Ofcourse, credit should be given to Anil Kumble who mixed his bowlers really well throughout the 20 overs. He exactly used five bowlers of 4 each, which rarely happens in a T-20 game these days. It only explains the role Kumble sets for his top priority bowlers. Winning the toss and bowling first, Kumble couldn't have asked anything better from his bowlers. Praveen Kumar, Kallis and Van der Merwe bowled tight spells of 4 overs at different stages of the game. Kumble has lot of confidence in R.Vinay Kumar, which Kevin pietersen failed to project. He bowled a fantastic last over giving only 6 runs, picking Oram's wicket.

When it comes to RCB's batting effort, the partnership between Manish Pandey and Rahul Dravid sealed the match. Kumble knows about Dravid better than anybody else. Two quick wickets, he sends in Rahul to steady the innings and Dravid takes the opportunity and came up with a partnership which was very vital at that stage of the game. He guided Manish Pandey brilliantly. The shot Manish Pandey played to get out shows how much pressure it would be inside. That would tell more the importance of two batsmen putting together a partnership during a run chase.

Dravid played a fantastic innings. He ensured one boundary is got every over and kept the singles and twos rolling. He allowed Manish Pandey to play his natural game through his able guidance. Dravid's trademark on-drives through mid wicket was visible and he provided the urgency required for the run chase throughout his innings. When he got out, he had already set things for Ross taylor and Boucher.

Kumble sent in Virat Kohli ahead of Ross Taylor and Boucher, which tells about this experienced pro, that he has tremendous confidence in his youngters. Its not about big names, but about roles that is set for each individuals. Having shown that confidence, look at what Kohli could do. He came up with crucial sixes to finish the match earlier than Dhoni would have anticipated. Also Kumble did not demoralise Robin Uthappa. He did pick him in the eleven, but he is part of the winning combination. He has kept him in place during his current form. Past records do not matter to Kumble.

My initial post was "Who better than Rahul and Kumble to change Bangalore's fate". Till date, it holds good. They should have one more good day to finish as IPL Season 2 Champions.

Thanks,

Prashy.