IPL 4 Calling...... Superkings seem sturdy while KKR look to redeem themselves under a new leader

by SHUVAIT KOUL

The battleground is set and the gladiators are out. Season four of the IPL kicks off today with the pioneer Lalit Modi out of the scheme of things. The new boss - Chirayu Amin’s insight and big stage temperament will be put to test this time as the arena has transcended its erstwhile periphery.

Meanwhile the opening game between the defending champions Chennai Superkings and the desperate-to-win Kolkata Knight Riders to be played at Chennai promises to be an edgy clash with Dhoni at the apex of self-belief after the World Cup triumph and KKR raring to go under a new and young skipper Gautam Gambhir.

With the likes of Kallis, Haddin and Yusuf Pathan coming in for the Knights, the team seems to have a proper blend of experience and exuberance of youth. In the previous seasons, KKR did not have enough fire power and ran out of gas at crucial junctures but this time the make-up of the team brings in a new ray of hope for them.

The Bowling attack though looks a little vulnerable with not much experience and the absence of the Aussie fast bowlers Brett Lee and James Pattinson will make them feel the heat.

CSK on the other hand must be oozing with confidence after their stupendous performances in the last season. The morale of the dressing room will be up particularly after seeing a World Cup winning captain leading them.

Hussey, Dhoni and Raina’s presence in the middle order makes them a formidable batting outfit. However, they will be going out without the flamboyance and muscle strength of Matthew Hayden and Jacob Oram. Filling their shoes will be difficult though they did not play much in the third season.

Dwayne Bravo, the new pick snatched from the Mumbai Indians may turn out to be the trump card for Dhoni as the tournament catches up. Like KKR, CSK’s bowling too looks a brittle. Doug Bollinger will hold the key while the onus will be high on Ashwin and Tim Southee.

All in all, the encounter seems to be between two evenly matched sides but the Superkings will certainly have their tail up being the defending champions and playing the first match at home will do their confidence a world of good. But given the new look of the Knights, the competition will be cut throat.