IPL 6: KKR v/s RR - Quick Flicks

Kolkata Knight Riders managed to put their thinking caps on the right way tonight. After a shambolic performance which saw them on a long losing streak, they finally broke through with a win. However, I’m still keeping my fingers crossed (even though it is difficult to type in that position) as this is just the start – they have to win every game from here on to dig themselves out of the hole they’ve created. And before I deviate too much from the topic at hand, here’s a look at some of the snapshots from today’s game:

Dravid’s Weird Strategy

Rahul Dravid is a thinking cricketer – a smart one at that. Yet, his game strategy tonight left everyone flustered, including his own side. With Brad Hodge rested for tonight’s game, the skipper was naturally expected to shoulder most of the batting responsibility like he always does. Did the presence of Sunil Narine scare him off? Not likely – Dravid is too experienced a campaigner to be frightened. But his move did not work, for his side ended up with a paltry 132. Not good, Jammy!

The Limits of Over-Aggression

Manvinder Bisla sometimes thinks like a 13-year old angry teenager. After Watson showed the barest hint of aggression in his follow-through, the Haryana wicket-keeper lost it and had words with Dravid of all people. Bisla must learn to cool down – he isn’t on the field for a scrap, he’s here to play a game and win it for his side. For once, he should try fighting with his head instead – it’s a good one, even if it does resist learning to keep calm and remain focused.

From Yu-Foos to Yu-Suf: Pathani Transformation!

Now this was a transformation everyone was desperate to see. The elder Pathan finally unleashed the shots that made him a household name a few years ago. It was heartening to see him back in his elements – but his job isn’t done yet. Perhaps, younger brother Irfan may have given him a few tips. And he continued a trend too – he pulled off the win against his former team!

Tollywood Joins the IPL Party

At a game between 2 sides owned by two popular Bollywood stars, it was a surprising change to see a couple of Tollywood’s most famous celebrities in the stands cheering for the home side. Actress Rituparna Sengupta’s myriad expressions were beautifully caught on camera – the toothy grimace on Gambhir & Bisla’s dismissals, the energetic smile when Pathan hit his sixes, etc. were far more interesting to see than watching a T20 game peter out to be a drab one.

The tournament has now become interesting as it approaches its final leg. KKR have managed a win after a long time, and must continue their winning momentum. Now, if only the captain fires, they’ll be a force to reckon with. Till then, I’ll just wait and watch.