IPL 2011

Dharamshala – the scenic venue of the IPL 2011 is all set to host the most significant match of the tournament. RCB and Kings XI will battle it out to boost their chances at IPL. RCB, if it wins today will be in the top two of the table to have a knock at the finals two times as they will end up with 19 points. The rain affected game against RR gives them the “odd” figure which will aid them to emerge as table toppers given that they are the only team as on date to have qualified! Kings XI, if they win today, it will give them the best hope possible to make it to the qualifiers as they would have won 4 in a row and need only a win to qualify.

Chris Gayle – the name which has taken the world by storm in the past 2 weeks (not as a West Indian, but as a Banglorian) is all set to emerge as the road block for Kings XI yet again in this game. His last outing against the same opposition saw him pick up 3 wickets in addition to his fantastic century. He is no doubt the contender for the man of the tournament which the Kings have to contend with. Gayle not only hits the runs at a fair clip but also allows the other batsmen in the line up to get accustomed to the conditions by taking their time in the middle due to the start he gives! Gilly’s main focus will be to get him out early and attack the rest of the side.

RCB has suddenly become the team to beat, due to the prolific Gayle who undoubtedly has given the IPL the flair and fashion which has otherwise lost its Television viewership and crowds of the yester years. RCB has won 7 on 7 in their past games and have set the record straight with the sole aim to win the IPL 2011. Kings XI Punjab has to pass the finale today to have any hopes of making it to the final on May28.

Gilly would be hoping that Gayle will not peak at the high altitude ground and their team has a fair chance to win the game. Gayle has been tweeting lately that he has viewed and felt the coldest shower of his life at the Dharamsala and the Kings XI would be hoping that the cold shower will make him static at one end!

There is a plenty to look forward to in this Himalayan encounter (in more ways than one!)

Tags: Adam Gilchrist, Chris Gayle, Dharamsala, Finale, Gilly, IPL 2011, KXIP, RCB