By Anil Kumble
It’s been an interesting start to IPL VI. Before the competition began, the general opinion was that 180 would be a par score at most venues but things have panned out quite differently. Totals in the region of 140 have been the norm, and teams have successfully defended scores in the low 130s and even in the 120s. Other than the one game where Mumbai Indians made 200, big scores have been hard to come by, and that has made for an unexpected twist. Gradually, teams are beginning to understand their combinations and wear a more settled look. We are just one-fifth of the way into the tournament, and I believe the second part of the competition will be critical in that teams will have to ensure that the momentum they have built up in the first ten days is carried forward to the second stage.
That’s what we at Mumbai will be focussing on. We have a new team management in place with John Wright as the coach, Ricky Ponting as the captain and myself as the mentor, and I am glad we have settled down pretty quickly. Apart from that last-ball loss in Bangalore in our first game, things have gone quite well, with a close victory in Chennai followed by that wonderful run-fest against Delhi Daredevils where Dinesh Karthik was brilliant. Rohit Sharma looked good against Delhi and Chennai, Pollard showed how much damage he can do. The pieces are falling into place nicely, and I am confident it is just a matter of time before the openers start firing. Sachin has been unfortunately run out on a couple of occasions, but I am sure he and Ricky will come to the party before long.