***Official*** IPL 2009

[Uppercut]

Don't think they could possibly be any further from the clinical unit that cleaned up last year.

 

[four_or_six]

Bit of a mess from Rajasthan this year, although they've probably punched a little above their weight thanks to winning so many close matches. Warney doesn't look quite so much of a genius without Watto and Tanvir, though.

And Quiney... why the hell is he playing?! I know the Aussie posters rate him very highly in ODI cricket, but this isn't ODI cricket. This is T20 and he averages 15 over 24 matches! Lee Carseldine should have been playing ffs. The only overseas selection this season that I think has been similarly ridiculous was playing Henriques so often. He's got an even worse T20 record.

 

[pasag]

Now that KKR are winning will SRK come back to SA?

Oh wait

 

[scorpiogal]

RR were absolutely dire. No chance now.

 

[scorpiogal]

Spoke too soon! Oh KKR....

 

[Briony]

RR were absolutely dire. No chance now.

At least they finally bit the bullet and dropped Smith. Trouble is their overseas contingent is the worst. Warne has to play but figures suggest he was the least economical of all spin bowlers and perhaps didn't take enough wickets to compensate. His captaincy may not be enough to make up for his lack of strike force. They have Quiney who is average, Carseldine who has been explosive in domestic cricket but is not a proven international and paid a fortune for an ageing never was like Henderson. Harwood is not a bad choice as a T20 specialist but there are better strike bowlers around. Then they have the erratic one who Warne was loath to play and the abject fat Smith.

 

[Howsie]

McCullum out, that ball did not bounce.

 

[Noble One]

One of the most strangest games of IPL T20 so far.

Was thinking of heading to bed after the Royals innings. Never safe with Shane Warne as captain, always need to be prepared for something special.

 

[Uppercut]

Well this is fun.

It's also conceivably the last time we'll see Warney bowl, so it shouldn't be missed.

 

[Briony]

5/38. Perhaps the pitch is not the greatest. Another match will follow. Could be interesting. KKR hasn't the best tailenders either.

 

[pasag]

Haha, insane.

 

[pasag]

Well this is fun.

It's also conceivably the last time we'll see Warney bowl, so it shouldn't be missed.

You think he won't be back?

 

[Uppercut]

You think he won't be back?

I wouldn't say that, but it's a possibility. His bowling has definitely deteriorated in the past year. It's not even clear whether he merits a place in the XI with Botha around.

Must be minted by now, so I wouldn't be surprised if he sticks to playing poker, commentating and chasing skirts full-time in future and just coach the side. Pollock and (effectively) McGrath have both done it.

 

[pasag]

Quality knock by Shukla, has almost seen them home.

 

[Uppercut]

Quality knock by Shukla, has almost seen them home.

Plumb lbw to Warne earlier though. Therefore doesn't count. [/Richard]

 

[alternative]

Shukla, WAG.

 

[alternative]

Yessssss!!!

 

[Jono]

Didn't agree with the timing of Warne's bowling changes after the break, nor some of the field setting near the death.

Well batted Shukla though.

 

[Briony]

After having them 6/46 you would think astute captaincy could seal the deal with their lower order batting looking ordinary. Not great captaincy by Warne and he was also too expensive in the overall context of the innings. It was their pathetic batting which let them down though headlined by Smith.

And why would you pay over 600K for trash like Henderson?

 

[TT Boy]

After having them 6/46 you would think astute captaincy could seal the deal with their lower order batting looking ordinary. Not great captaincy by Warne and he was also too expensive in the overall context of the innings. It was their pathetic batting which let them down though headlined by Smith.

And why would you pay over 600K for trash like Henderson?

He didn't play.