Today, I had the honor of witnessing a gem of an innings from the legendary willow of my ‘Boss’ (from the beginning to the celebrated ending ) after really long time, and I don’t care if it came in the shortest and the least favored format (at least for me) of the game. Well, actually it doesn’t matter where he bats, what is more significant is the way he goes about collecting those divine runs in such an effortless fashion. It was vintage Sachin again and what an innings it was! Mumbai romped home and KKR were only left ruing themselves for the lost chances.
If the straight drive in the first over was any indication of what was in store for the rest of the evening, then you had just watched glimpses of the ‘Master’. Another drive followed, which was not exactly that straight but still cleared the fence with consummate ease. The next shot was, for me, was a magnificent stroke. A sublime cover drive in this format of the game is hard to bargain for, but Sachin is probably one of those few greats who still has the ability to deliver those authentic strokes with élan, when the 20-20 design is considered to be a pinch hitter’s paradise. Two ferocious pull shots followed in the next over and I realized that this was yet another of his days. He looked in complete control and simply took the game away from the Knight Riders.
Personally, I have always felt that KKR will only fire if ‘Dada’ delivers. He is the champion player in the team and has the ability to turn the tide single handedly for Kolkata. But I am afraid that his return to form might be a bit late for Knight Riders to even think about sealing a semis spot in the current event. I know that the tournament has just begun, but some teams have displayed consistency (Mumbai Indians is one of them) and that remains the key if you aspire to win tournaments such as these.
Sachin’s scintillating 71 came off 48 deliveries and he remained unbeaten to steer Mumbai home. His domineering presence is the reason behind Mumbai’s success and he has to keep going if Mumbai fancy their chances of reaching the last four.
IPL has kicked off in style and Tendulkar has definitely been in top gear so far. Way to go ‘Boss’!
@Lifeoholic 