Adam Gilchrist - The Gentleman Cricketer, Walker, Champion

[hamid]

The Comparison

Openers: Hayden/Vijay vs Gilchrist/Mohnish or Gibbs
On paper, it is dead heat however Hayden's decline has been more terminal than Gilly's. While Gilchrist has mostly got out upping the ante, Hayden has had fundamental problems with facing spinners and slow medium pacers.
In terms of big match temparament, it is fair to say that Gilchrist has the pedigree. You just have to go back to last year's IPL Semis to understand this.

On this year's record, Chennai have the better pair, but cricketing sense would back Deccan pair to actually perform better in the semis

this is true

[hamid]

Plum,

oru sumaal request... u know tht already.. lemona overa piziyaathiinga..

best way for u is to get into hiding till the end of the game

[jinju]

The Comparison

Openers: Hayden/Vijay vs Gilchrist/Mohnish or Gibbs
On paper, it is dead heat however Hayden's decline has been more terminal than Gilly's. While Gilchrist has mostly got out upping the ante, Hayden has had fundamental problems with facing spinners and slow medium pacers.
In terms of big match temparament, it is fair to say that Gilchrist has the pedigree. You just have to go back to last year's IPL Semis to understand this.

On this year's record, Chennai have the better pair, but cricketing sense would back Deccan pair to actually perform better in the semis

this is true

enna up the ante enna true'nga? just c his shot selections. it is not gilchrist at all, especially checkout the last 2 shots he got out, same shot lifting it to cover-midoff area to balls that weren't short enough to attempt such a shot, it seemed like an excuse "i got 20 overs of keeping to do, sorry mates ur turn!" and as plum strategifies now, will play one big innings in the semis, everything else is forgotten n forgiven!

[Plum]

Middle Order
Raina-Dhoni-Badrinath vs Rohit-Suman-Symonds

Again, it is dead heat in terms of 2010 IPL performances but a few facts need consideration
* Symonds has been far more consistent than Dhoni and is yet to unpack his explosive hits, presumably saved in a foil for the knock-out - if he unwraps it today, Chennai will be bidding bye-bye to Mumbai in a couple of days
* Rohit has show far more nerve than Raina, and while the latter has setup grand totals and chases, Rohit has stayed till the end a couple of times and chalked up nerveless victories. He seems to have matured, and Deccan again hold the edge here
* Suman has been explosive when required and building the innings as demanded by the situation. Badri has had a couple of good innings. Deccan way ahead here

Net net, Deccan edge this 70-30

[Plum]

Plum,

oru sumaal request... u know tht already.. lemona overa piziyaathiinga..

best way for u is to get into hiding till the end of the game

Idhu serious analysis Hamid

Innikku neraiya meetings irukku - match pArka mudiyumAnnE doubt dhAn so dont worry...if Chennai lose, I'll not be the reason

[hamid]

Jinju .. the compariasion is b/n gilly and hayden in this year's IPL..

at least gilly hit 2 fours in each innings before getting out.. Hayden struggled to touch the ball offlate and he wastes few balls without scoring says tata later...

every time his wicket put us under pressure..thank god Murali & Raina stood upto the challenge

[Plum]

Late Order Hitting
Mitchell Marsh/Smith/Venu/Vaas vs Albie/Kemp/Ashwin/Jakati

None of them have impressed with the bat - albeit Albie had a fun outing against Rajasthan.

Both sides would be hoping that it doesnt come to their late order. If Smith or Marsh can produce a blinder, then Deccan will heave a sigh of relief.

Based on IPL 2010 performances, Chennai slightly edges it although having Ravichandran-I-Cant-hit-1-run-in-2-balls-Ashwin at #8 is worrisome.
55-45 for Chennai

[Plum]

Medium Pacers
No analysis required. Doug Bollinger is adequately compensated by his profligate colleagues and steady opponents.
80-20 in favour of Deccan

[Plum]

Spinners

Murali/Ashwin/Jakati/Raina vs Ojha/Rahul Sharma/Symonds/Suman/Rohit

Again, Deccan have a better balance. Ojha has been far more dependable as a wicket taker than any of CSK spinners, aand Rohit/Suman have done well when required

60-40 Deccan

[hamid]

Plum,

oru sumaal request... u know tht already.. lemona overa piziyaathiinga..

best way for u is to get into hiding till the end of the game

Idhu serious analysis Hamid

Okay.. then im fine with it..

Innikku neraiya meetings irukku - match pArka mudiyumAnnE doubt dhAn so dont worry...

thank u

if Chennai lose, I'll not be the reason

dont worry....that wont happen.. and I will never say u r the reason for any win or loss