Aussies can spice up the battle of Royals with KKR
The return of all-rounder Shane Watson will bolster Rajasthan Royals against Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League (IPL) at the Sawai Man Singh Stadium here Friday.
It would also be a contest between two of the most powerful hitters of world cricket — Watson and Royals’ former star Yusuf Pathan, who will be seen in action against Knight Riders.
Royals are riding high after consecutive wins over Deccan Chargers and Delhi Dare Daredevils, Watson has joined the Royals.
Watson is also on a high after his quickfire knocks in the recently-concluded Australia-Bangladesh ODI series. The Royals? fans are expecting the Australian would continue his splendid show in India as well.
Watson will definitely add depth to the Royals? batting line-up and difficult, as Warne would have to drop one foreign player to accommodate the Austrlaian all-rounder. Besides Warne, Johan Botha, Ross Taylor and Shaun Tait have performed well in their two matches so far.
Chances are that Shaun Tait, who clocked 157kmph mark against Delhi, will have to make room for his countryman.
The Knight Riders are also on high with a morale-boosting victory over Deccan Chargers, especially after their opening match heartbreak against Chennai Super Kings.
For them, Jacques Kallis? back-to-back half-centuries and the return of Brett Lee will allow Knight Riders skipper Gautam Gambhir would breathe easy.
Meanwhile in Mumbai, Mumbai Indians will host Kochi Tuskers Kerala at the Wankhede where India won the World Cup two weeks back.
And as the refurbished venue prepares to play host to its most famous son, Sachin Tendulkar, and his Mumbai Indians (MI) mates on Friday, it?s only right and fitting that we spare a thought for Mahela Jayawardene, who is leading Kochi Tuskers. The stylish right-hander from Sri Lanka mesmerised a packed house with his sublime batting. But
alas, he became the first-ever World Cup final centurion to end up on the losing side.
The Mukesh Ambani-owned franchise annihilated Delhi Daredevils and Royal Challengers Bangalore ? both away wins – and they would hope to carry on their impressive showing against newbies Kochi, who are yet to taste victory in this tournament.
Kochi have had a troubled beginning. Jayawardene has been a disappointment and openers Brendon McCullum and VVS Laxman will also have to fire in unison. The form of RP Singh and S Sreesanth remains Kochi?s biggest concern.
Sri Lankan spin legend Muttiah Muralitharan, too, has been struggling and was taken apart by little-known domestic cricketer Mohnish Mishra of Pune Warriors India on Wednesday.
