Bangalore look to turn the corner at Eden Gardens

Chris Gayle would hardly have expected to find himself in the position he was in just a couple of days ago with no apparent prospects in competitive cricket. Despite his strong showing in last year’s IPL, when he had finished with 292 runs at a strike rate of 158, he failed to attract a bid this year. The reason given was that the franchises felt the Jamaican wouldn’t be available because of his international commitments. 

Ironically Gayle, who had an ordinary 2011 World Cup was left out of the West Indies squad for the home ODI series, along with Ramnaresh Sarwan and Shivnarine Chanderpaul against Pakistan in one of the routine purges the WICB carries out from time to time. 

Gayle however got a lifeline, to showcase his pyrotechnics in India when Bangalore signed him after losing pacer Dirk Nannes to injury early this IPL season. 

While Gayle has joined the squad, his late arrival means that it remains to be seen whether RCB will straightaway include him in their squad ahead of their encounter against Kolkata Knight Riders on Friday. However his experience of having played at the Eden for his former side may yet tilt the balance in his favour. 


If he does play, then the Challengers, at least on paper have an immensely impressive batting line-up. Gayle and Tilakaratne Dilshan with AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli to follow. The bowlers list makes for good reading as well, with Zaheer Khan and Daniel Vettori spearheading the pace and spin departments respectively. What sets RCB back though is the fact that despite the big names, they are yet to fire as a team, languishing with just one win in five matches. 

After two consecutive wins, KKR choked in a paltry run chase against Kochi. “If it (the loss) continues then that’s a little bit of worry. Maybe these run chases can be approached a bit differently,” Knight Riders coach Dav Whatmore said. 

There is also a dilemma on what sort of wicket to provide. The slow-wicket strategy backfired against Kochi and Vettori & Co will also make merry on a turner. Then again, on a placid wicket the Challengers batting strength can come into effect. 

Uphill task for CSK 
 
Mumbai: Having suffered two defeats in as many away games, defending champions Chennai Super Kings face an uphill task when they take on last year’s runners-up Mumbai Indians. 

Mahendra Singh Dhoni-led Super Kings have blown hot and cold this season.While they have defeated the opposition in their home venue, they have been tripped by an unknown Mumbaikar Paul Valthaty of Kings XI Punjab in Mohali and then by debutants Kochi Tuskers Kerala in their second away game.