Expressindia> Sports
Group Websites
Expressindia
Indian Express
Financial Express
Screen
Loksatta
Channels
Blogs
Astrology
Shopping
Hotels
Tenders
Classifieds
ExpressQnA


MOST READ

Ads by Google



Font Size - -A +A

Despite blasts Royals focussed on the next tie

Agencies

Posted online: Friday , May 16, 2008 at 1429 hrs IST
      

Jaipur, May 16: : Rajasthan Royals will have to come out fast from the aftershock of the serial blasts in Jaipur and concentrate on the Indian Premier League game on Saturday against a beleaguered Bangalore Royal Challengers at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium.

Home team captain Shane Warne, Shane Watson, Graeme Smith and coaching director Darren Berry were reportedly terrified by the blasts on Tuesday that killed over 60 people and were reluctant to return to the Pink City for Saturday's match.

However, after IPL Commissioner Lalit Modi assured that adequate security would be provided to the players, Warne and his boys are returning from their vacation in Goa to take on Rahul Dravid-led team.

Rajasthan Royals CEO Fraser Castellino said the team was on its way to Jaipur while lesser known faces like Parag More are camping in Jaipur to meet any exigency.

But for the blasts, the break should have done a world of good for the hosts who had a gruelling schedule last week, with three matches in six days.

The hosts are sitting pretty at the top with 14 points and one more win will ensure them a place in the semi-finals. Considering Royal Challengers' track record – four points after seven defeats and two wins -- the home team's task does not look very tough on Saturday, provided they switched on fast to the cricket mode leaving behind the thoughts of the blasts.

Moreover, the Rajasthan Royals will also carry the confidence that they have beaten the same opponents at their own backyard when Watson's 61-run knock had steered them to a seven-wicket victory. Since then, the Royals have grown in confidence and the aura of invincibility in their own fortress has been more than impressive.

The shrewd tactician in Warne, in the dual role of coach and captain, has transformed the pre-tournament underdogs into a victorious army.

At home, the hosts have won five matches on the trot and they would look to continue their winning streak on Saturday.

Their batting looks good with Watson, Yousuf Pathan, Swapnil Asnodkar and Graeme Smith in good nick and Pakistani middle order batsman Younis Khan is expected to join the side anytime to strengthen the team.

The bowling, to be spearheaded by Warne himself, has a good variety. The skipper has said that he wants his bowlers to be the smartest and cleverest in the tournament.

"We want to reach in semi-finals being at the top," Warne had said, making clear his intentions. On the other hand, Royal Challengers have been a demoralised lot with a series of defeats and off the field controversy involving the team management.

Though at the bottom of the table, the Challengers would want to prove a point that they were not the punching bag of the tournament by playing good and aggressive cricket .

Meanwhile, curators Taposh Chatterjee and Abdul Saeed have promised a sporting wicket for Saturday's match and the fans could see an even battle between the bat and the ball.

Ads by Google
Rate this article
 
Post Comment :
Name * Message *
Email ID *
Subject *
TERMS OF USE:
The views represented here are not neccesarily endorsed by www.expressindia.com and its allied websites. All messages will be moderated and no message that has inflammatory, abusive, derogatory language or any language deemed unfit for publication by the editor will be displayed. Though it will be endeavoured that as many messages as possible be displayed, there will be time lag between the submission and publication of the messages. The website reserves the right to publish or reject any message.
I agree to the terms of use.
Shaadi Matrimonials Get Marriage Proposals by Email EVERYDAY!
Register FREE on Naukri.com. 200000+ Hot Job Openings!
Book International flights & get 10000 Money Back
Flowers & Gifts
Send flowers & Gifts
Express Classifieds Post and view free classifieds ad
Express Astrology Know what's in the stars for you
Featured Ads
© 2008 Indian Express Newspapers (Mumbai) Ltd. All rights reserved
The Indian Express Group | Advertise With Us | Privacy Policy | Feedback | Work With Us | Site Map