Kochi needs more experience in IPL

Johan Botha proved why he is called a top all rounder, with a scintillating display of batting. He was 67 not out and played a match winning innings for Rajastan.

Warne, at 40, astounded everybody with his brilliant captaincy and bowling. What is wrong in appointing him as the Indian coach ? Warne's superb field placing, his aggressive bowling and captaincy left every one bewildered, as he has been out of touch with int'l cricket !

The way Warne & Co restricted the Deccans to 137 was an abject lesson in bowling, field placing and captaincy. The great leg spinner that he is, he is not afraid to flight the ball and lure the batsman !

Warne's decision to send Botha as No 3 paid rich dividends, as Botha played a glorious innings of 67 not out. Ross Taylor also played well for this 21 not out and it was he along with Botha who steered RR home !

Rahul Dravid played well for 28, before he lost his off stump to a slower ball from Steyn.

Earlier DC started well, with Dhawan hitting a six and putting on 40 for the first wicket with Jaggi. Then Dhawan tried a lofted shot too often and spooned a catch off Amit Singh. Then Siddharth Trivedi removed Sanga with the first ball he faced. Sanga was caught behind.

Duminy was lured by Warned and holed out to Botha. DC were then restricted to 137 by some brilliant fielding and bowling. Hats off to Warne !

Bram Villiers hit two mighty sixes off the hapless Gomez and finished the match with 54 not out, with five sixes.

Earlier Kochi Tuskers began magnificently, with the opening pair of McCullum and Laxman putting on 80 for the first wicket. Even Zaheer was treated with scant respect. McCullum smote the dangerous Dirk Nannes for two fours and one six and then Laxman hit two mighty sixes and Kochi was 80 for no wicket, in more or less 10 overs ! A great start with 8 per over ! A new star franchise had zoomed to the international cricket horizon. Even though she lost, Kochi palyed bravely.

Laxman was eventually out for 36 and Kochi lost the first wicket at 80. Then the game, which was controlled by Kochi so far, turned. Mahela was out for 18 and Brad Hodge for 27. Jadeja played well for this 23 not out, which included a mighty six. McCullum perished for 45, but what a great innings it has been !

We had said in our columns before that Kochi will have to sort out a lot of things, before they take on the might of Mumbai and Chennai. Yesterday's match showed some weaknesses.

Why play with two keepers, McCullum and Patel ?

Sreeshant impressed his fans, by removing the dangerous Dilshan in the second ball. The outswinger had induced Dilshan to play the ball in the air. Sreeshant said he will bowl at 150 kph in this IPL. We are all waiting for him to bowl at 150 or above !

Kollywood ( Kerala Hollywood ) was represented by the actress Mamta Mohandas, Mukesh and Jayaram. Mamta was wearing the Kochi orange jersey and said she will champion the cause of Kochi.

Vijay Mallaya was interviewed when Kochi were going great guns at 60 for no wicket. He said Kochi is playing well, but then RCB has a formidable batting line up and can chase any total.

Virat Kohli played well, before he was adjudged lbw to Vinay Kumar.

Kochi will have to sort out a lot of problems. Kochi and Pune, as new entrants, are the minnows of this IPL. Chennai and Mumbai have got great stars and are well experienced. It may take Kochi just 4 or 5 matches to jell as a unit. We hope Kochi will come out of the crisis with flying colours, as she has the potential to come good !

Pune Warriors are gearing for war, according to their charismatic captain, Yuvraj !

Said the formidable Indian allrounder

The coming days are battle days, feels India's successful all rounder, who, during the WC, became a complete bowler. When Devon Smith jumped down the wicket to loft him, Dhoni stumped Devon and Nazir Hussain said " Brilliant". Then Gavaskar said he is a complete bowler now !

New challenges have been posed by new entrants. When I was at the inaugural ceremony, my mind was full of thoughts of victory. Undoubtedly, Pune Warriors India will create miracles this season. Our first match is against my earlier team, Punjab Kings XI. Except me and Chawla, Preity had not made any change. But then, Punjab is still a very strong side. My WC performance was a turnaround and I was blissful throughout this month. It is all His Grace !

I thank those who supported me during my bad patch. The owners of PWI showed great belief, as they made me captain of PWI and trusted my abilities!