Can KKR find a winning combination?

Shahrukh Khan didn't expect the Kolkata Knight Riders' campaign to start in this fashion. His team had hogged the limelight during the preparation for this tournament and whatever they did, created news and generated ripples among thier fans and detractors alike. Shahrukh is used to having the spotlight focused on him all the time, but thats not true for all the players in the team. There are young players who are trying to find a foothold and create a name for themselves and all the controversies have probably disturbed their focus. Moreover when there is an undercurrent of tension between your head coach and the most inspirational player, it becomes all the more difficult.

Surprisingly, John Buchanan, who also had developed a penchant for attracting the media's attention, whose face was seen in the sports pages of every Indian newspaper, every alternate day before the tournament, has suddenly become quiet. He is not sharing his theories (probably saving them for the next round of Corporate Consulting that he does in his free time, as 'CASE STUDY') with the cricketing fraternity, with the media or with the fans . Had he been silent had KKR won all 3 matches, had Brendon Mccullum showed glimpses of his genius, with his innovative captaincy?

I am sure lot of people back in India are loving the fact that Mr. Buchanan's theories have not reaped the benefits it promised. They are proving to be what they are, just 'Theories', but for the sake of their fans and followers, the team should win few matches, and for that they need to find a settled combination. All the players need to know their roles as Mahela Jaywardhane mentioned after Punjabs win today. KKR seems to be struggling in that depratment, as no one is sure about his role. Akash Chopra coming in at No.5, Sanjay Bangar at No.6 and Laxmiratan at No.3 in different matches have the right to feel confused. So what can they do different?

1. Change the opening combination for one. If Akash Chopra / Sanjay Bangar playes, they should open with Chris Gayle and they should target to score 30/35 runs in the first 5 overs and not go bersek in the opening overs.
2. Hodge can come in at No.3 as he likes the ball to come to his bat, followed by Ganguly and Maccullum.
3. Laxmi Ratan Shukla has not done much with the bat and neither can he be relied with the ball. Yashpal Singh can be given the No.6 spot. He atleast scored 20 in the previous match.
4. Ajith Agarkar can be given another chance and every one can start pray that he will use his experience to some affect to prove that he deserves a spot. he can come at No.7 and asked to use the long handle.
5. The Bowling depratment looks a bit depleted with no one to rely on. Ishant still doesn't seem to have the cunning to outfox the batsmen, when they are going after him. He needs support from the other end as well. Mushrafe Murtaza should be given a match and he can bat at No.8 and also be asked to use the long handle which he is capable of.
6. The last 3 spot can be filled by Anureet Singh, Murali Karthik and Ishant Sharma.


KKR Fans will also be hoping that Chennai will also be under preassure and will miss Andrew Flintoff. Though Flintoff has not done notably well in the 3 outings, but still his loss would be felt. But many adverse conditions have brought out the best in people and one only hopes it doesn't inspire Chennai to come out with all guns blazing.

I have sounded like a real cricket intelectual in my blog. But I am yet to find the right combination in the Fantasy league. My team still languishes at the bottom of the league. It is not because of my lack of understanding of the 20/20 format but it is simply bad luck. You need luck on your side to wiggle out of a tight situation, lets pray Kolkata Knight Riders have luck on their side tomorrow.