Morne Morkel will be stable, strong and will be able to head the bowling attack with maturity © AFP
Tarot reader Shruti Chopra looks into her cards to give CricketCountry.com readers exclusive insights into what lies ahead in the IPL matches. In the below piece, she dwells into the Rajasthan Royals vs Delhi Daredevils game - the second IPL match on Tuesday.
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The Rajasthan Royals, like the Nine of Swords, may seem a little disturbed. With their ability to apply themselves and work hard like the Eight of Pentacles, they are ready to put up a strong fight. They won't let go of this opportunity so easily. The team will have good overall performance.
Rahul Dravid is the driving force. His batting and captaincy, like the Chariot, will be commanding, balanced and will steer the team in the right direction. His wicket will be key, especially since he won't give it away so easily.
Key players
Ajinkya Rahane would want to make amends, especially since he fears, like the Two of Swords, of repeating earlier mistakes. The Eight of Wands shows a high strike rate, putting the team in a strong position.
Ashok Menaria will be well planned and well directed. A good day with the bat for him.
Brad Hogg is enthusiastic like the Sun and is looking forward to the challenge. A strong day for him too.
Brad Hodge is dependable, strong and will provide the team with renewed energy. He will be an important player for Rajasthan.
Owais Shah will not be focused enough. He, like the Six of Cups, will need to draw on past successes to help him overcome his instability.
Kevon Cooper will start off well; balanced and controlled. The King of Pentacles does warn of giving away some unnecessary runs.
Delhi Daredevils will have a shaky start, but their resolve to remain strong and adapt themselves will be important to their game. The Temperance shows the balance the team will have and also their ability to follow their instincts. They will need to maintain their focus in all areas – complacency can cost them.
Virender Sehwag will start off impulsively; ready to take the game away, but with the Hierophant there, he will change his game into a more balanced and mature innings. As a captain he will make some stable, clever and creative decisions which will benefit Delhi immensely.
Key players
Mahela Jayawardene will be an important player. He is ready to step it up, be wise and grow in his innings from strength to strength.
Kevin Pietersen will, like the Six of Pentacles, grab it all to pile up the runs. He should be careful of not getting too complacent – he may lose what he's worked so hard for.
Ross Taylor, despite some great ideas, will be a little slow. The Queen of Swords does encourage him to be more aggressive and develop a firm innings.
Shahbaz Nadeem will be an economical bowler, with some good plans, which he will implement well.
Irfan Pathan will be wayward in the first half of his spell, but with the Empress there, he will be able to command better in the second half. A good day with the bat as well.
Morne Morkel will be stable, strong and will be able to head the bowling attack with maturity. He, like the Eight of Pentacles, won't shy away from the hard work needed.
Who has the advantage?
Delhi Daredevils
(London-born Shruti Chopra was introduced to cricket by her two older brothers. She spent some of her childhood time in Delhi and became an Indian cricket fan. She has remained an unflinching and passionate Indian cricket fan even after moving back to London, setting 3.00 am alarms to watch India play Test matches. It was during the 2011 World Cup that she brought together her passion for cricket with her profession of Tarot Reading, looking at the cards in the hope of spotting an India win coming through - which it did! You can know more about Shruti via Facebook, Twitter and her website)
