22 Mar 2010
Mumbai: When most of the batsmen finished their batting session in the nets, Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) skipper Sourav Ganguly took guard. He faced his team’s seamers. Ganguly did fairly well, hitting the ball from the middle of the bat..KKR’s back-to-back defeats in the last two games, especially their Saturday’s loss at the hands of Rajasthan Royals, have made them underdogs. But they will be looking to return to winning ways. They lock horns with Mumbai Indians at the Brabourne Stadium on Monday night.
One of the most successful opening pairs in One-day internationals, Sachin Tendulkar and Ganguly will be at the loggerheads in this Indian Premier League tie.
KKR has lost two matches after as many wins, Mumbai Indians were handed their first defeat on Saturday by Royal Challengers Bangalore after two wins.
The last time the duo had met was in Mumbai at Wankhede Stadium and the hosts won by eight wickets in the 2007 edition of the IPL.
Tendulkar, however, should have an upper hand considering his current form, a more disciplined team and the home advantage, while Ganguly’s team will start as underdogs.
The batting maestro who missed Mumbai Indians optional practice session will be looking to have a go against KKR’s pace attack, comprising Shane Bond and Ishant Sharma.
Mumbai Indians’ Sanath Jayasuriya has been struggling with the bat, but the team is still confident the Lankan will be a success. “Sanath is a seasoned cricketer and he knows what is best for him. It is a question of getting him motivated to play his role,” said MI coach Robin Singh after the practice session.
Chris Gayle, who did not play the last game, might get an opportunity to face Zaheer Khan and Lasith Malinga.
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