Ajinkya Rahane - top Royals Batsman

AJINKYA RAHANE TO BE TOP ROYALS BATSMAN @ 3/1

Bottom of the IPL - Deccan Chargers - take on Rajasthan Royals who sit in 7th place on 14 points with an outside chance of making the playoffs. If that is to happen, they must win every remaining game - starting today.

I have been guilty of flogging the Deccan horse when it was clear to many observers that it just wasn't going to kick on and win races. But I was stubbornly holding on to the belief that the side that looked so good on paper must spark into life at some point and start winning. A few false dawns has come and gone, and even I am happy to desert them in another home game they should probably win.

The chargers' batting hasn't been too shabby but the seam and medium-fast bowling attack has lacked bite.

Rajasthan looked decent against Pune Warriors last time and may stick with an unchanged side, favouring spin over pace bowling.

If I tell you that the Deccan Chargers have lost 17 of their 18 IPL games on their home ground, you'll be keen to avoid putting your rupees on a turnaround now the pressure of qualification has gone.

I'll say it again, Deccan has a better side on paper than Rajasthan. The Royals make the most of their resources and are on a mini-run when they need it - winning 3 of last 4. I can't see them making the playoffs but they will believe they can and two points today will keep the faith going until the final game.

Another key stats: Rajasthan have won 7 of last 8 IPL games agaist the Chargers.

I am going to pile into a Royals win and hope this isn't the epiphany moment for Deccan. And I'm going to have a small saver on Ajinkya Rahane to be top Royals Batsman - he did me a favour last time out.

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1. longtermprofits

Posted on: 17.05.2012, 22.57 CET (Viewed: 189 times)
Match starts on: May 18, 2012

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