IPL 6: CSK vs MI - Heroes of the Day

Well this one was a riveting game, right down to the wire. And in the end, MI ran out winners by 9 runs. IPL 6 is turning out to be all about humdingers, close finishes and last-gasp thrillers. This brings into question the strategy of “home advantage” .

Solid performances were seen from both the teams, but it took one single individual piece of brilliance for MI to turn the game on its head and in their favour. In essence, it proved the old adage – Cricket is indeed a funny game.

Let’s take a look at the Heroes for the Day:

1. Dirk Nannes – Magnificent over first up:

CSK couldn’t have asked for a better opening over. Nannes troubled Ricky Ponting with his movement, almost beating him on a couple of occasions. And then came the coup de grace – the Master Blaster, Sachin Tendulkar, dismissed LBW. Although TV replays confirmed the umpire’s decision, the great man looked miffed. But a magnificent first over nonetheless.

2. Dinesh Karthik – Providing the early impetus

With the early loss of Tendulkar and Ponting struggling, it was up to the ever-reliable Dinesh Karthik to get some runs on the board. And boy did he score! Karthik played some lovely shots on both sides of the wicket, including a delightful six. Though he fell victim to another questionable LBW decision, his knock of 37 runs in 25 balls was worth its weight in gold for MI.

3. Kieron Pollard – El Calypso Caliente

The big Trinidadian was the cynosure of all eyes in the game today. Coming in with MI tottering at 59/4, Pollard had enough time to not only settle down, but play the big shots he’s known for. And those shots were huge – particularly the 5 monstrous sixes, one of which came off Dwayne Bravo in MI’s last over – on the way to a magnificent 57 not out. Although he was a tad expensive when bowling, Pollard pulled off the win for MI when he caught MS Dhoni‘s heave over mid-wicket – an event that sealed the deal for Mumbai.

4. Dhoni’s Dhamaka

CSK skipper MS Dhoni thrives on pressure, and has always delivered time and again in dire situations. Today, too, he played a gem of a knock – one that threatened to take the game away from Ponting’s men, until Pollard’s alertness brought about his downfall. Sadly, he also ran out of partners towards the end. Nevertheless, in a low-scoring game, MSD was definitely one of CSK’s few heroes’ for today.

All in all, it was a thrilling game where MI finally managed to keep their nerves and held on for the win. This would definitely generate more interest in this year’s IPL. I, for one, am hooked!