Can Gilchrist save Hyderabad IPL?

Hyderabad Deccan Chargers will attack Kolkata Knight Riders in a do or die clash at Uppal stadium in Hyderabad. Hyderabad is on the verge of elimination if it loses this IPL game. But Kolkata is on high after defeating Bangalore Royal Challengers in the last match. Hyderabad wins if Gilchrist plays well; that’s the situation. Brad Hodge departure will not have much impact on Kolkata fortunes. There are still some doubts over Shoaib Akthar whether he plays or not. VVS Laxman is unavailable for Hyderabad due to injury.
Image courtesy: Eenadu Daily.

Salman Butt should play for Kolkata as he is in immense form in the recent Pakistan series. David Hussey will once again need to play vital role as he did in the last match between the two teams which was marred due to bad pitch and flood light problems. Ishant Sharma should take the wicket of Adam Gilchrest early; otherwise Kolkata will be in trouble. Kolkata top order batting is a concern.

Why Kolkata is taking a batsman like Akash Chopra into their team? Except Rajasthan and Chennai, other teams are not doing much ground work. No team is employing surprise strategies, innovations and different plans according to the situation. I hope we will see more such things in IPL 2009.

Match timing: From 4 PM onwards at Uppal stadium in Hyderabad.

IPL Statistic:

1. Hyderabad lost all the home matches and Hyderabad is the only team that owns this dubious record.

Key players:

1. Adam Gilchrist: One man army.

2. Rohit Sharma: Consistent performer.

3. Ishant Sharma: Gilchrist needs to be more careful against him.

4. David Hussey: Unsung hero in IPL. He is like Mohinder Amaranath of Kolkata (mental strength). Unforgettable innings even in defeat along with Saha.

Why Hyderabad is losing:

1. There is no visible passion either in the team or franchisee.
2. It has worst coach in the form of Robin Singh.
3. It has captain who doesn’t spend minimum time to spot young talent and nurture him.
4. They are not practising seriously even before the match day.
5. There is no clear strategy or match planning.
6. Absence of strike bowler.
7. Captain and coach don’t know strength and weaknesses of teammate especially younger players.
8. Failure of big hitters like Gibbs and Afridi. There is no motivation or enthusiasm to win the matches.
9. Adam Gilchrist is a legendary batsman but worst captain. Unlike Warne, he failed to spot young talent and nurtures them.
10. List will go on.

Verdict: If Adam Gilchrist scores above 70 runs, Hyderabad wins otherwise it loses. If Hyderabad bats first, Kolkata win is a foregone conclusion. Opposition can chase any total against this Hyderabad attack. Hyderabad urgently needs a Shane Warne like captain.

Congrats to Preity Zinta and Sharukh Khan for really involving in the IPL Cricket unlike Hyderabad owners. When will Akshay Kumar and Amir Khan own franchisees?