Published: May 19, 2011, 10:49 AM (IST)
Edited: Aug 20, 2014, 11:24 PM (IST)
By Nishad Pai Vaidya
As we get closer and closer to the knock-out stages of the fourth edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), we have a fair idea as to which teams will get through and remain in contention for the prize. We also know which teams have struck the right balance and combination. The teams that have been eliminated would go back to the drawing board and make plans for the next season in an endeavor to improve their performances significantly. However, even the teams that will qualify will have to make new strategies so that they can make a bigger impact in IPL season five.
The first thing that will come on a franchise’s priority list is the next auction. It is funny how the teams have to rely on auctions to build up their squad. To get the right players they need to have a proper auction strategy in place. They have to be cautious as well as intelligent while making bids which is why the games between the franchises begin much before the first ball is bowled.
Here are a few things the franchises should keep in mind while bidding for players for the next season. The transfer window would be available to them so if they can get into agreements with one another for player exchanges, it may help them get players they want even before the auction.
In this first Part I will discuss possible strategies for Deccan Chargers, Delhi Daredevils and Rajasthan Royals, who in my opinion need changes more urgently than the others.
Deccan Chargers
The Deccan Chargers have a very strong bowling attack featuring Ishant Sharma, Dale Steyn, Amit Mishra, Pragyan Ojha and Rusty Theron. Daniel Christian is a good all-round option as he can bowl economical spells and also score important runs with the bat. Kevin Pietersen was out injured, but he will come in next year to strengthen the batting which already boasts of the likes of Kumar Sangakkara, Jean-Paul Duminy and Cameron White. Thus, a look at their batting line-up would give the impression that it is too heavily dependent on the overseas players. However, only four can be a part of the eleven which is why they need to procure at least one world class Indian batsman. They have Shikhar Dhawan, Sunny Sohal and Bharat Chipli who have shined in patches, but they need somebody who can be more consistent and give impetus to their batting.
In the next auction, the Deccan Chargers should try to buy one Indian batsman who can really make a difference to their fortunes. If possible they can exchange one of either Amit Mishra or Pragyan Ojha with another team for a batsman as they hardly play in the eleven together.
Delhi Daredevils
This is one unit that needs a major overhaul. Apart from Virender Sehwag and Morne Morkel, they do not have any major international stars. In the first three years they had Gautam Gambhir, Tillekaratne Dilshan and AB de Villiers, but they do not have the same strength in their batting this time around. James Hopes has done well for them, but they have erred in picking too many players who are labeled as T20 specialists such as Aaron Finch, Mathew Wade, David Warner and Travis Birt. They need a batsman like Gambhir who is capable of taking the burden off Sehwag.
They also need to get one international quality fast bowler to partner Morne Morkel. Irfan Pathan and Ajit Agarkar have been good in patches and Umesh Yadav and Varun Aaron are youngsters who need to be groomed. Thus, a talismanic bowler can make a huge difference to this attack.
Come next auction or the trading window, Delhi would be looking for an international class batsman and a bowler.
Rajasthan Royals
Now that Shane Warne has announced his retirement, Rajasthan would first appoint a new captain. The options before them are Ross Taylor, Shane Watson and Johan Botha. Botha may be a good bet as he has captained South Africa on numerous occasions and has shown good leadership skills.
The second issue to address would be their batting failure this season. Their batting has looked good only for a score around 130 to 140. Thus, they need a power-hitter like Kieron Pollard who has the license to take it to the opposition. Although Watson and Taylor can be very dangerous, they also have the responsibility to bat deep which does not give them the freedom to express themselves. Thus, a hitter would bring in a very good change to this side.
Their spin bowling should do well despite Warne’s retirement as Botha and Ashok Menaria have bowled well this time but their fast bowling needs strengthening. Shaun Tait can be a dangerous customer, but one cannot expect him to be very consistent. Remember 2008 and a man named Sohail Tanvir? Rajasthan need to find somebody who can be accurate and menacing like Tanvir. The other fast bowlers such as Amit Singh and Siddharth Trivedi can then bowl around him. Rajasthan have been brilliant in patches and if they want to be more consistent in the next season, they need to make these changes.
In Part two, we will have a look at the teams who are currently the favorites to make it through. Punjab and Kochi will also feature, who need more consistency than any alterations. Then we shall also have a look at the Pune Warriors, who seemed to have a strong squad but managed an a la Deccan Chargers 2008.
(Nishad Pai Vaidya, a 20-year-old law student, is a club and college-level cricketer. His teachers always complain, “He knows the stats and facts of cricket more than the subjects we teach him.”)
