It’s Bollinger versus Tendulkar

Chennai showed tenacity and character when it mattered, and have been superbly led by MS Dhoni.

They had a stroke of good luck when they drafted Dough Bollinger into the team as a replacement for Jacob Oram. Bollinger is an in-form bowler, and he gave Chennai’s bowling an decisive edge. One of the most exciting prospects of Sunday’s final would be the Bollinger versus Sachin Tendulkar Murali Vijay versus Lasith Malinga face-off.

Bollinger has his task cut out since Sachin is playing as well as he ever has. Malinga, whom I rate as the best limited overs bowler at the moment will also be tested by Vijay, who has just made it to the Indian team.

However, before that delectable final, we have the third place play-off between Bangalore and Deccan. Both teams are very good but have been hot and cold through the tournament.

Adam Gilchrist has not ignited as yet, and Bangalore too has been very inconsistent.

Veterans like Shane Warne, Matthew Hayden and Adam are proud cricketers and are sensible to know when it call it a day.

I am not sure whether Shane will come back next year, but I know that Matthew Hayden trains very hard through the year, and still might play a blinder in the finals.

I have not been too much in touch with Adam, but it will be interesting to see how he plans his future.

The fourth veteran in the mix is Sachin Tendulkar. Right on the eve of his 37^th birthday, the Indian superstar seems determined to lead his side to a big trophy.

Captaincy is one area in which he has not received accolades, and I have wonder if this is because he captained when it was not the right time for him.

The IPL has been a satisfying campaign for him this year, and he has led the team with commanding performances. Mumbai’s big ticket acquisition, Keiron Pollard, whom I had criticised as not being value for money a fortnight ago, has come good when it mattered.

His performance in the semis must have made his franchise owners thrilled because he proved to be worth every cent he was paid.

As the tournament runs its course, it’s clear that the teams are getting a grip over the rules of T20 cricket.

It is also becoming evident that teams with good young Indian players hold all the aces. The foreign players are in a minority and pretty much cancel each other out. It’s the Indian players who make the difference between success and failure.

As another auction comes around, the Indian players will be the ones everyone will be focusing on. The tournament is concluding, but there are interesting times ahead.