Despite a fine win over DC 5 days back, KXIP have slipped down the table due to the other results not going the way we wanted them to. Now this means we must every single game from now on to make it to the play offs. Starting with the match against DC tonight.
In the last match, despite Mandeep’s brilliant fifty it was once again a collapse that nearly derailed our innings till a late flourish from Miller saw us post a good total. However we let DC get off to a good start and that will be a concern. But looking at the overall picture it’s the bowling that has been more consistent. We still miss one Indian batsman who can bat lower down and turn the match around with big hits.
DC’s troubled campaign continues and the injury to Dale Steyn hasn’t helped their cause one bit. He was sorely missed in their last match against DD who pummelled them convincingly despite DC’s batsmen posting 190+. If Steyn is fit to play today it will make a huge difference to the odds that DC have of winning this one. They are batting better than expected and will hope that Dhawan and White continue the good form.
With Gilly looking likely to miss this match too, there will be a toss up between Miller and Harris. While Miller has provided the much needed impetus with the bat, it is Harris’s bowling that could provide the much needed early break through against DC. With lower order still stuttering there is a case for bringing Valthaty in for this match. On bowling front, Powar will probably be dropped as Mohali is more conducive to fast bowling and perhaps Harmeet might get another chance.
DC’s problem is that they need to drop their in form batsmen to make way for bowlers. With Dhawan being the only Indian batsman firing, the onus has been on White, Sangakkara, Duminy and Harris to score runs. If they bring in Theron or Steyn then two of them need to be dropped. This imbalance is the reason why DC are at the bottom of the table and there is no solution to this till they buy some good Indian players next time.
Despite DC’s poor form this will be a much tighter contest than expected. Our poor record at home doesn’t help and will be playing on our minds. We will be looking to the end the last home match with a resounding win at Mohali.
