Eventful day - Mumbai Knocked out, Chennai confirms Semi finals birth and Deccan chargers hangs on to the ropes before falling off the cliff

At the end of match between Mumbai indians and Chennai super kings, two things got confirmed. Chennai confirming themselves a place in the semi finals and Mumbai knocking themselves out of IPL Season 2. I have to come harsh on Mumbai Indians as I was supporting this team for championship. They had their chances in lot of the matches and they blew it up for lots of reasons which probably they could correct it in IPL season 3. Sachin and Sanath, deadly opening combination followed by one of the best all rounder Bravo, J P Duminy and Abhishek Nayar (Mumbai Sensation), Lasith Malinga, the slinger looked good enough. But Sachin disrupted lots of it as the tournament proceeded along and now they find themselves out. Sad, but no pity - That explains the reaction of supporters of Mumbai.

I have to say, Mumbai also failed to use the wonderful support staff that they had with them. Shaun pollock could have done some magic with the ball himself rather than trying to mould some domestic cricketers. Lasith Malinga and Bravo were good. But domestic bowlers were pretty ordinary. Jonty Rhodes' fielding tips and useful batting tips did not bring out the best in many. As far as fielding, each and every team has faltered, so no big compliants. Batting brilliance of domestic cricketers were missing completely.

Chennai on the other hand is using all these matches to get their combinations right. Their opening pair is still a worry for Dhoni. M. Vijay and Parthiv Patel have been tried back and forth along with Hayden. Once Badrinath was also sent in along with Hayden. It has not clicked so far. They have couple of matches to go and they are in a strong position already. They can try out some options and provide everybody equal opportunity to select themselves for semi finals and finals. Manpreet Goni, Makhaya Ntini would definitely play for the remaining two matches. Jacob Oram could be sent up the order to make him find his lost form. It would be ideal time for him to come good.

Hyderabad Deccan charger's match against KKR was another thriller in this Season. 21 runs off last over, Rohit sharma finishing off with a six off the last ball, was a great sight for any cricketing fan. One should have enormous self confidence to come up with such a performance. One would have put a bet on Symonds finishing the match and when he got out, there was Rohit Sharma who kept everybody stuck to the television like a glue. Something told me that Rohit is going to come up with a special knock. He did not disappoint us. I pity Macullum, not KKR team for this blow over and over again. Somebody takes the responsibility from KKR team in each match to actually hand over the match to the opponents. With this kind of performance, I even think they should not have won even one match.

On the other hand, Deccan chargers have saved themselves the worry of knocking themselves out. Two matches to go for them, one win and chart would be re prepared and their RAC status will vanish and confirmation would be seen.

Gilchrist is also getting his combinations right. He has to play both Gibbs and Symonds in the playing eleven to provide his team a chance for the championship. Right now, he himself is in tremendous striking form. He does not allow the captaincy part to rule his batting methods. Thats a tough one to practice, but Gilchrist is a true master in that.

The tournament is really getting a good shape, if evenly balanced team like Chennai, Delhi, Deccan fight in the semifinals. Lets wait and watch, who will join these three teams in clash of four. My bet is on Rajasthan Royals. But Kings XI and RCB are banging the doors too. This tournament is heading for a great climax.

Thanks,

Prashy.