Tampering with your side is a sign of things going wrong, it’s a sign of panic, a sign of turbulence within the entire setup. But sometimes it’s necessary, necessary to shrug off the temporary paleness within the team, not because the constituents are not good enough, but because a change is needed, and when you can afford it, why not?
Mumbai Indians ringed in for a massive 6 changes for their game against KKR last night, and while it may seem stupid to change the entire team setup, it turned out to be a masterstroke. The bench strength got tested, the rested players got a well deserved break and they got the momentum they needed before going into the playoffs.
Also Read: Worst XI of IPL 2017
Reluctance to change has always been a menace for the Mumbai Indians and it is refreshing to see that they are embracing change this time round. Rayudu’s inclusion and Rohit at the top of the order would make them title contenders, otherwise it’s going to be a case of hit and miss.
Kolkata Knight Riders have suddenly lost the plot and their middle order is to blame for it. The openers are doing a decent enough job but maybe it’s a case of batsmen not batting at their normal positions, which has caused this slump. Against quality bowling attacks, Narine shouldn’t be opening the batting, simple. While Lynn could be going berserk on one end, you need someone to anchor the innings at the other, and thus Gambhir should be utilised in his usual opener’s slot. With Narine up top, Uthappa too gets demoted to an unfamiliar number 4 spot, which just isn’t working for him and KKR. Back to the drawing board then for Gambhir and co.
Also Read: Match Result Predictions for RPS vs KXIP
The afternoon game summed up Gujarat Lions’ season. Bright start, flashes of brilliance and an incomprehensible collapse in the middle to bring down everything. David would have been thankful to the Lions’ batting for helping them out with the game last night, and most importantly helping them reach the playoffs.
Warner displayed such maturity, doing away with all his flamboyance to scoring a gritty 60 odd in order to take his team over the line. But for the Indian cricket fanatic, it was Vijay Shankar who caught the eye with his serene display with the bat, soaking in all the pressure and just casually caressing the ball to all parts.
Rising Pune Supergiant vs Kings XI Punjab
So, it has all come down to this. 54 games, countless sixes, innumerable umpiring howlers, rapid commotion in that mid table rut and finally one game to decide that last playoff spot.
The equation is simple for both these sides, a win takes them to the playoffs, a loss sends them back home. For Pune though, a win would mean ending the league stages as the number 2 team, and thus getting two bites at the cherry.
Let’s get to business now!
IPL Fantasy Tips on the next page:
IPL Fantasy League(Fantasy Guide for RPS vs KXIP)
Transfer out: Chris Lynn
Transfer in: Rahul Tewatia/Washington Sundar
Now, I already have Ben Stokes, Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell and Rahul Tripathi in my side for this game.
Smith has been RPS’s highest run getter in the tournament and has gotten starts in almost every game. In the most important game for his franchise, you can expect the newly appointed to come good.
Ben Stokes has justified his worth big time. winning game for this side with bat and bowl. He was brought in to perform on the big stage, and with him returning back to England for international duty, this is the game where he needs to put his hand up and do the job for side. A last little dash before he leaves the IPL.
Maxwell has shown flashes of brilliance, something we already knew existed. But that won’t suffice, teams don’t win when big players just show up in instalments, they win when the superstars dig in and find those extra reserves during the big games. Maxi needs to find those reserves tonight, it’s about time.
Due to the paucity of transfers and next to no players from the next game, I won’t be making any transfers for this one.
For the uncapped player, you have many choices and can’t really say which one of them would click tonight. I already have Rahul Tripathi in, so the other options are T Natarjan, Manan Vohra, Rahul Tewatia, Washington Sundar and Shardul Thakur.
The Pune side has had a little something for the bowlers and especially the slower ones and thus I would bring in one from Rahul Tewati and Washington Sundar, depending on whoever bowls first, as the ball comes a little better onto the bat during the evening.
Captain: Ben Stokes
Fandromeda Fantasy Tips on the next page:
Fandromeda(Fantasy Guide for RPS vs KXIP)
Transfer out: Chris Lynn, Robin Uthappa, Jasprit Bumrah
Transfer in: Martin Guptill, Axar Patel, Sandeep Sharma
Now, I already have Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Ben Stokes, Rahul Tripathi and Jaydev Unadkat in my side for this game.
The first player that I’ll be bringing in for this game is bringing in Axar Patel. He has been an importnat cog in the Kings XI wheel, silently pegging away with wickets during the middle overs and providing that impetus in the lower order as well. On a slightly sluggish Pune track, he could be really tough to get away.
The second player that I get in is the destructive Martin Guptill. He hasn’t really gone big this year, but we all know the power that he possesses. He could be a real trump card for today’s game as he has shown flickers of brilliance this season, and today could be the day he goes all out.
For the final transfer of this game I would be going in for either of Mohit Sharma and Sandeep Sharma. While both of them have impressed immensely this season, Sandeep has had the complete repertoire of skills, and thus I would be getting in Sandeep.
Batting Star: Martin Guptill(if KXIP bat second)/Glenn Maxwell(if KXIP bat first)
Bowling Star: Sandeep Sharma(if KXIP bowl first)/Axar Patel(if KXIP bowl second)
