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IPL 2011 - New Format, Player Retention and All That

Ankit Poddar — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 10:37:00 +0000

With Lalit Modi gone from IPL, it seems that BCCI is really adamant to not let Lalit's views be reflected on IPL anymore. Thus, with the addition of two teams, the format has gone under a change and the player retention rule has been established. None in the manner that Lalit Modi had suggested it would happen.

There have been three major changes that have taken place with regards to IPL, that will be effective from next year onwards, and let us talk about each one of them separately.

Format:

This format is going to be tested for three years, and hopefully would be perfected over the period. IPL would comprise 70 league matches and four playoff games. With addition of Kochi and Pune, the total number of teams goes up to 10 and these 10 teams would then be divided into 2 groups of 5 each. However, the teams would be ranked in one composite table, as each team would be playing the same number of matches. Earlier the number of matches in the group stage was 56 with 8 teams, and thus it can be seen that increase in the number of matches has not risen as drastically as had been envisioned by Modi. (Modi wanted a total of 94 matches.) These 94 matches would have let to definite burnout of players, in fact 70 is a huge number too. However, the franchisee were not keen on the number of matches its teams play per season, as there is only one season available in the year.

League phase

Each team would continue to play 14 matches, as in previous 3 editions, with 7 home matches and 7 away.

So, with 5 teams in one group, how is that possible? As follows:

Each team will play the 4 teams in its group (both home and away). This totals up to eight matches per team already. Then, each team would play 4 of the teams in the other group only once. This one match could be a home or away match for the respective team, depending up on the draw. The remaining 5th team of the group will be played twice by this respective team, both home and away. Thus, each team will play every team in the IPL, but while it will play 5 teams twice, it will play 4 teams only once. The groups will be decided on a random draw, and it is only fair that the 4 teams and the 5th team for any respective team would be decided by a random draw. A little confusing but it would fun to understand.

Playoffs

As has been already mentioned, there will be only one league table, and the top two teams would play a semifinal (game A). The winner of game A would enter the final on virtue of the win.However, this game A would not be a knockout match, and the loser of this match would get another shot at playing the final.

Here is how:

The 3rd and the 4th team would play another semi final (game B) which would be a knockout game. The winner of this game B will play the loser of game A (effectively playing a game C) and the winner of game C would give us the other team to play the final.

Thus the final would be played between winner of game A and winner of game C. The team winning the final would obviously win the IPL.

Retention Rule:

Rule 1: The franchisees can retain a maximum of four players, only 3 of whom can be Indians.

I did not find a cap on number of foreign players that can be retained, but the first rule says that at least one foreigner will have to be retained, if a team decides to retain a total of 4 players. Of course, a team can decide to not retain 4 players. In that case, it has to be differentiated from the teams that retain 4 players and also from teams that don't retain any (like Pune and Kochi). Thus the following rules come into play.

Rule 2: A team that does not retain any player will have a purse of US$ 9 million at the fresh auction to be held for IPL 2011. Thus, the two new teams with start with that amount in their purse.

Rule 3: If a team decides to retains the players than it will face a reduction in its purse by the following amounts.

Player Retained	Amount Deducted / Year
First Player	US $ 1.8 million
Second Player	US $ 1.3 million
Third Player	US $900,000
Fourth Player	US $500,000

Catchment Areas:

Now, these had to be redefined considering that the two new teams will have to have some catchment areas of their own. So the new catchment areas are as follows:

Team	Catchment Area
Mumbai Indians	Mumbai, Baroda
Royal Challengers	Karnataka, Goa
Deccan Chargers	Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa
Chennai Super Kings	Tamil Nadu, Railways
Delhi Daredevils	Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Uttaranchal
Kings XI Punjab	Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, J&K
Kolkata Knight Riders	West Bengal, Jharkhand, Assam, Tripura, Sikkim, Manipur
Rajasthan Royals	Rajasthan, Gujarat, Saurashtra
Pune Warriors	Maharashtra, Vidharba
Kochi	Kerala, Services, Madhya Pradesh

Scenario for KKR - KKR have a realistic chance of making it to the Semi Finals

Ankit Poddar — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 15:43:00 +0000

When Kolkata Knight Riders won last night, we were excited. Because, it makes it possible for KKR to break open into the semi finals of IPL 2010. Now, at least there is a mathematical possibility, and with only so many matches to go, probability will be playing a major role.

Your math geek on All Padded Up (Yes, I am talking about myself, I can get narcissistic at times.) decided to sit with the spreadsheets, put in some figures and determine what are the scenarios in which KKR can make it to the semi finals and which are the scenarios in which they will not be able to make it.

Before I take you to the scenarios let us look at the present condition of the table:

As can be seen in the diagram, only BRC and RR have played their 14 matches, and all other teams have one last match to go.

As can be seen in the diagram, KKR would surely be out of reckoning if they lose their remaining match to Mumbai Indians. Thus, only those scenarios are being considered in which they win their last match.

Scenario 1:

This is the only sure shot scenario which makes sure that Kolkata Knight Riders are into the semi finals. Of course, the fate of KKR would depend on the performance of other teams in the respective matches.

Delhi Dare Devils would have to win their only match left, against Deccan Chargers.

Chennai Super Kings would need to lose their match to Kings XI Punjab.

And Kolkata Knight Riders will have to win their match against table toppers Mumbai Indians.

The table would then look as follows:

Please note that the numbers in blue will decrease depending upon the margins of win by the other team, and numbers in the shade of purple will increase.

Scenario 2:

At the end of this scenario, KKR would be placed fifth, while Delhi will be placed fourth. This is a dicey situation to be in for KKR, as DD have got a better run rate than KKR (+0.066 against –0.456).

Delhi Dare Devils lose their remaining match to Deccan Chargers by a huge margin (minimum 20 runs)

Chennai Super Kings would need to lose their match to Kings XI Punjab.

And Kolkata Knight Riders will have to win their match against table toppers Mumbai Indians by a huge margin (minimum 20 runs)

The table would then look as follows:

Scenario 3 & 4:

At the end of this scenario, KKR would be placed sixth, even if they were to win their remaining match, while Chennai would make it to the semis leaving Delhi in the bottom four, if DD lose their match against DC. If DD win their match against DC, and Chennai win theirs, then DC would left behind along with KKR.

The tables would then look as follows:

Delhi loses and Chennai wins:

Delhi wins and Chennai wins:

Wow, that was a lot of work. But now, we have one thing for sure. For KKR to get into the semis, not only will they have to ensure that they win against MI by a decent margin but also pray that Delhi wins and Chennai loses, so that the NRR does not come into play. If only, they had a healthy NRR.

IPL – Kochi team on its way to being scrapped?

Ankit Poddar — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 18:47:00 +0000

Every season in IPL, we audiences have at least one team that performs so bad, that it deserves to be scrapped out of the tournament, simply because it has been performing so under par, that it kills the audience excitement around their matches. It was Deccan Chargers in IPL 2008, Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2009 and Kings XI Punjab in IPL 2010.

However, it seems that Kochi team has decided to be that team for IPL 2011, even before a single match is played. Hell, even before a single player has been signed.

You think I have gone nuts? To clear your anxiety, and burst your bubble of happiness, I would like to tell you, that no I have not gone nuts. Kochi team faces a real threat of being scrapped by BCCI come April 12.

After getting instated as a team on March 21 after paying an astounded sum of US $ 333.33 mn, it now comes to light that the owners Rendezvous Sports World might have sold 25% of the stake in the holding to an ‘unknown party’.

Or so the “sources” allege. The sources go ahead and allege that a former captain, a present Indian player and a Union Minister could be the ‘unknown party’.

Rendezvous Sports World is rebuffing the allegations, but would have to prove so before the BCCI on April 12, 2010, or face cancellation of the team outfit.

Would there then be a secondary auction? Who knows…..

Was it Ganguly last night? Or was I hallucinating?

Ankit Poddar — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 08:56:00 +0000

Was it really Sourav Ganguly last night? Or was I seeing things? It must be that I was hallucinating, because last night I saw what I haven’t seen in a long time before.

What I saw was the Ganguly was back to batting in his sublime form. Yes, the SR was not something that would take you by storm, but it was calm enough to scare you of the coming storm at 121 odd runs per 100 balls. In the end, Ganguly had managed to score a 56.

Then, I saw Ganguly bowl last night. 1 over. 12 runs. But I saw Ganguly bowl.

And that is not enough. I had probably gone crazy in my sleep, because all this was not enough, and I actually saw Ganguly field. He effected a run out, was a live wire on the field, and actually held on to one of those K(a)R(bonn)K(amaal) catches. I must surely be hallucinating.

But this scoreboard says otherwise. I think I need your help here, was I hallucinating or not?

KKR v/s DD-IPL 2010-Match 39

sushil rajmane — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 20:17:00 +0000

Kolkata Knight Riders lost the last match evening after scoring a huge total of 200. Punjab is sure playing the role of what KKR and MI played in the last two seasons of IPL, " spoil some one else's party". And also Mumbai Indians loss to Chennai SuperKings in their last encounter is a bad news for KKR. Dada's XI are now 6th in the table with 8 points. Here is the complete Points Table.

Delhi DareDevils need only two wins to book a berth in the semis. They are placed 2nd in the table with 12 points. They sure would want to keep the momentum going for them.

Meanwhile KKR have won the Toss and elected to bat. Dada is firing straight away three fours in one over to Vettori. Let's see how does this unfold for the two sides.

Who will make it to Top 4? Even Ranbir Kapoor won't be able to crack this!

Ankit Poddar — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 09:58:00 +0000

You must have seen those advertisements with Sanjay Dutt being the challenger to Ranbir Kapoor. You must have realized that it is one of those advertisements directed at the male population, all with its action orientation. The male population is obviously watching Indian Premier League 2010. Of course, the boyish looks of Ranbir Kapoor are directed towards the females watching the matches with their male companions.

And they can be assured of a lot of viewers as IPL 2010 is sure getting interesting. With the business leg of the tournament already begun, the fight for the top 4 has gotten very interesting. While Mumbai Indians look through to the semi finals with 7 wins, and Kings XI Punjab almost out with as many losses, the rest of the teams are sure in the hunt, and out there hunting their opponents.

The two other teams that are popular on the All Padded Up poll to make it to their semi finals are Delhi Dare Devils and Bangalore Royal Challengers. With 6 and 5 wins under their belt and 5 matches to go, they sure look in a very good position to crack into the Top 4. Of course, you could look at the points table and find out about all of it.

That makes it 3 teams that are almost sure of making it to the semi finals. But what about the 4th team? Which team will be able to crack into the semi finals or just scrape through?

Is even Ranbir Kapoor up for this challenge? Would you like to be in his shoes, if Dutt puts this challenge to the gamer? Well, that thought brings up a good question, doesn't it?

So, be Ranbir Kapoor while you are on All Padded Up, and answer the following question:

Assuming that DD, BRC, and of course, MI make it into the semi finals: Which is the fourth team that will be able to play these teams come 21st April 2010 in the semi finals?

A. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

B. Rajasthan Royals (RR)

C. Chennai Super Kings (CSK)

Be Ranbir Kapoor, or invite him to answer this question on All Padded Up in the comments section!

Kolkata Knight Riders - Brand @ Brandistics

Ankit Poddar — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 13:30:00 +0000

For those in the know, Brandistics is the first Indian blog that treats players as brands and teams as mother brands. If that analogy were to continue, then IPL is certainly the grandfather of them all.

Because it is only as a grandfather that IPL has given us 8 established brands to talk about. If you think brand talk is shit, then read this article. The article is courtesy Homer @ Twitter.

Now, the 8 brands can not be discussed in a post. Hell, they can not be discussed in a single week. Which is exactly the reason why Brandistics has decided to take up one brand each week, and talk about it.

And the Brand for this Week is Kolkata Knight Riders. Go and grab some gyaan!

Kolkata Knight Riders v/s Deccan Chargers - Live Coverage - OBO

Ankit Poddar — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 20:47:00 +0000

All Padded Up is covering the match live. Follow the Coverage on Twitter.

Come fast. It is a T20. Things happen real quickly.

Follow the Bird.

Should SRK play for KKR? - KKR Coach Test - Question 7

Ankit Poddar — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 08:28:00 +0000

You know, you have got your chance to be the coach of Kolkata Knight Riders. But then, there are a lot of others, who are trying to compete for the same. So, you got to prove your worth, you got to pass a test.

And your tests have begun. This is the seventh question in the series of questions. The sixth one was Does Bond bond best with Ajit Agarkar?

Now, KKR have reached the second leg of the tournament and will be playing Deccan Chargers today, who they have already defeated in the tournament. But the question that arises is, where was SRK that night when Deccan boys were made to cry by the Knight Riders' heroes? Shouldn't SRK try to do more for his team than just cheering it from the sidelines?

So,

Question No 7: Is it time that Shah Rukh Khan starts playing for Kolkata Knight Riders, instead of just cheering from the sidelines? Support your answers with justification.
(You can take help of Kolkata Knight Riders Team Preview provided by All Padded Up)

Please put up your answers in the comments section. You will need to put in the first name that you have used for registration at the KKR site.

If you have not registered as yet, you will need to do just that, by clicking on this link. Don't worry, it takes no more than 30 seconds (Okay, 60 at the most, but you got to be really slow for that.) You can also win badges for your superiority as a coach, and display them.

Oh and yeah, there is no real time limit for your answers. You should utilize the time until the next question appears and you could use the time, even after that! And mind you, there will be more comments that will come after your comment, which will mock your comment. So, you better notify yourselves of follow-up comments and defend your turf.

P.S.: Devil's Advocate:

(As we would like to remain neutral, and not inspire your answers, we would like to prove both side of the opinions that could influence your answer. This section would be opposing the view presented in the rest of the post.)

SRK is a class act when he is cheering. He should stick to that. Anyways, the team needs SRK to cheer, as cheering boosts the morale. Period.

KKR Coach Test - Question 6 - Bond bonds best with Agarkar?

Ankit Poddar — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 08:37:00 +0000

And your tests have begun. This is the sixth question in the series of questions. The fifth one was Should Ganguly drop down the order?! We had around 76 answers to that question at last count, and mind you all of them are expert advice! Make sure your voice isn't lost in the crowd!

Kolkata won their third match of the tournament, and the team seems to be regaining some kind of momentum.

Most of our questions so far have been about batting, so this one is about bowling. Last night, Agarkar was brought along with Shane Bond. And both of them took two wickets each.

So,

Question No 6: Does Shane Bond make a very good combination with Ajit Agarkar? Support your answers with justification.
(You can take help of Kolkata Knight Riders Team Preview provided by All Padded Up)

Please put up your answers in the comments section. You will need to put in the first name that you have used for registration at the KKR site.

If you have not registered as yet, you will need to do just that, by clicking on this link. Don't worry, it takes no more than 30 seconds (Okay, 60 at the most, but you got to be really slow for that.) You can also win badges for your superiority as a coach, and display them.

Oh and yeah, there is no real time limit for your answers. You should utilize the time until the next question appears and you could use the time, even after that! And mind you, there will be more comments that will come after your comment, which will mock your comment. So, you better notify yourselves of follow-up comments and defend your turf.

P.S.: Devil's Advocate:

(As we would like to remain neutral, and not inspire your answers, we would like to prove both side of the opinions that could influence your answer. This section would be opposing the view presented in the rest of the post.)

Shane Bond should bowl only with Ashoke Dinda or Ishant Sharma. Period.

Kolkata Knight Riders v/s Kings XI Punjab - Match Preview - IPL 2010

Ankit Poddar — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 17:43:00 +0000

First of all, sorry for the absence on the scene for almost two days in a row. Second of all, today is an interesting clash. So, we had to be back!

Yes, it is the clash between two glamor quotients of SRK and PZ. Yes, it's Kings XI Punjab versus Kolkata Knight Riders

Venue: Mohali
Start Time: 8 PM

Padded Up Player :

KXIP : Shaun Marsh

Hopefully the Kings XI will play him, ahead of the captain's compatriot Mahela Jayawardene. He was discovered with this team, and if only for that fact, he should perform well for them.

KKR: Strike Rate

No, there is no one player which can prevent the KKR from getting the wooden spoon, but it is the combination of all players, a true team effort which can save them. Batsmen need to score more runs with every ball, and bowlers need to take wicket in lesser balls. That is strike rate and that can save them.

Betting Odds :

KXIP : 1.87

KKR : 1.87

This is so brilliant. The betters are not taking any chances as this is a very unpredictable match to put money on. This is so interesting.

Padded Up Talk :

KXIP may win this match, and make the competition in the lower really interesting, as it will the third team with 2 wins behind them.

KKR win would make the competition for the top four very interesting as it would the third team with 2 wins behind them. They need the strike rate to strike!

Padded Up Verdict :

Kolkata Knight Riders. They have better chances of winning this one, as they would be a little fresh after the much needed break. We believe that they will enter the den of the weak Punjab Lions and make a meat of them. Not to add, come out as victorious.

5 Thing that KKR can do to reach the Semi Finals in 2010

Ankit Poddar — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 23:02:00 +0000

Open Letter to Knight Riders' administration:

To Whomsover It May Concern:

We know we are accumulating all advice for Kolkata Knight Riders from you experts. We thought we would add some of our own expert advice for the Kolkata Knight Riders.

So, here is a list of 5 things that Kolkata Knight Riders could do to reach the semi finals:

Make Sourav Ganguly pick up the Mongoose. No, not the bat that Matthew Hayden uses, but the animal. May be that will bring up some animal instinct in him and hit quick runs.
Put in Ishant Sharma's name for a hair cut. It seems that the poor guy can not see through the bulk of hair on his head, and doesn't know where is landing the ball.
Assure protection to Brendon McCullum and assure captaincy to Sourav Ganguly. It seems only then will the Kolkattans allow Brendon McCullum back from New Zealand into the IPL 2010.
Get us free tickets to all Kolkata Knight Riders' matches. Shouting at the top of our voices, we would be cheering the team. Of course, you would know that spectator support can make a lot of difference to the team's fortunes.
Play Rohan Gavaskar in all the matches. At least the commentators will appreciate the team at all times, even if the team doesn't plat well and as spectators we would never know the difference and be none the wiser.

Get at least 3 of these 5 done, and place for Kolkata Knight Riders in the semis is assured. Just do the 4th one, we will shoot off a 'personal letter' to Lalit Modi.

Disclaimer: If you still have not go that the above post is in sheer humor, I would like to point out that it is. Except the 4th point of course.

Mumbai Indians humble Kolkata Knight Riders - Match Review - 1

Ankit Poddar — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 10:00:00 +0000

Winners

Now, we really are Mumbai Indians' fans and that is the perspective, you are going to get here for very Mumbai Indians. After all, as you know, we own the Mumbai Indians team.

Mumbai won the match last night against the Knight Riders from Kolkata, with 9 balls to spare.

[Score Card]

Chris Gayle played for a slow 75, Sourav Ganguly played for a slow 31. Of course, that was a stupid, but we are not going to take their case on this. That is the job of Billy, the Worm.

Speaking of slow, it was the night of slow balls. Every player in Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders tried to ball slow!

Sachin Tendulkar fired for the Mumbai Indians, something that we were expecting him to do at this IPL, by scoring a brilliant 71* in 48 balls. With this knock, Sachin Tendulkar has entered into the race for the cap by being in the top 5. R Satish played some shots in the end to see Mumbai home.

But then, there was only one hero in the match.

Man of the Match: Sachin Tendulkar

Batted well, captained well and made the perfect change is bowling! But then we expect all this from him.

And the number of points we would have already won on the Interblogatic Battle:

Mumbai Indians v/s Rajasthan Royals: 140

Mumbai Indians v/s Delhi Dare Devils: 180

Mumbai Indians v/s Bangalore Royal Challengers : 40

Mumbai Indians v/s Kolkata Knight Riders - 180*

*100 (MI win) + 40 (Bowler with best economy - Harbhajan Singh) +40 (Batsmen with Best Strike Rate with Minimum 30 Runs - Sachin Tendulkar) = 180.

All Padded Up could have more points, if you vote for it, here! Come on, go ahead and make your favorite blog win! We are placed second on popularity charts, far behind the second one! Come on, go and vote!

KKR Coach Test - Question 5 - Should Ganguly drop down the order?

Ankit Poddar — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 22:16:00 +0000

And your tests have begun. This is the third question in the series of questions. The fourth one was Should KKR go back to winning combination?! We had around 114 answers to that question at last count, and mind you all of them are expert advice! Make sure your voice isn't lost in the crowd!

Kolkata have lost 2 matches in the four they have played so far, and their status in the ongoing live Mumbai Indians v/s Kolkata Knight Riders is not going very well for them either. They are out of the top 4, and it is time that you gave some hard talk.

Sourav Ganguly has scored runs, and certainly he is the most important cog in the KKR line up. But is he scoring runs for KKR at the pace that is needed. Is he not being unfair to Angelo Matthews as a captain by not giving him enough balls to play after his match winning effort in the first match? Remember, it is time for some hard talk.

So,

Question No 5: Should Sourav Ganguly drop himself down the order? Support your answers with justification.
(You can take help of Kolkata Knight Riders Team Preview provided by All Padded Up)

Please put up your answers in the comments section. You will need to put in the first name that you have used for registration at the KKR site.

If you have not registered as yet, you will need to do just that, by clicking on this link. Don't worry, it takes no more than 30 seconds (Okay, 60 at the most, but you got to be really slow for that.)

Oh and yeah, there is no real time limit for your answers. You should utilize the time until the next question appears and you could use the time, even after that!

P.S.: Devil's Advocate:

(As we would like to remain neutral, and not inspire your answers, we would like to prove both side of the opinions that could influence your answer. This section would be opposing the view presented in the rest of the post.)

Are you nuts? Drop the best opener for India down the order. That is stupid talk. Period.

Mumbai Indians v/s Kolkata Knight Riders - Match Preview- IPL 2010

sushil rajmane — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 19:37:00 +0000

Now, this clash is crowd's favorite one. And even ours!. And why not when the two most important people of Indian Cricket scenario are about to clash, the event is of course going to raise the excitement level among the cricket maniacs which our country is full of.

It's Kolkata Knight Riders versus Mumbai Indians.

Padded Up Player :

KKR : Chris Gayle

This man was eagerly awaited. And he makes his entry today at the Brabourne Stadium. We all know how this man is feared among the bowler's circle, one hit and ball is out of the park. He holds the key to give KKR a good start today. If he sticks on then there is no stopping to the riders.

MI : Sachin Tendulkar

Yes! we will stick with our Sir!. And the reason is, he is going to face Ishant and Shane Bond, and we know how is SRT against Fast Bowlers! we saw a glimpse of it in the last match when he played Dale Steyn. A century would be dream come true today for his millions of fans out there.

Betting Odds :

KKR : 2.56

Betters have given KKR a thumbs down. Their last two matches showed a lack of strategic planning in the team. Loosing with 5 Wickets in hand is something rarely seen in the Twenty20 Format.

MI : 1.63

Betters favor MI inspite of their loss against RCB in the last match. The side after all looks very formidable and hopefully it turns out to be one off incident where Batting fails for them.

Padded Up Talk :

KKR, with Gayle in will be high on confidence. Brad HOdge, Owais Shah, Ganguly can very well handle the Middle-Order. Ishant, Bond can provide fierce attack and kartik can very well spin it out for his side. Its only a matter of clicking for the Riders because on face value the team looks very young and aggressive. Ganguly has to handle this young lot prudently as he did for the Indian Team in his hay days.

MI has a very good batting cushion. As we said 9 people can bat. 7 people can Bowl. what else do you want. But kallis exposed the short comings of the slow deliveries of Bravo and Pollard. Besides Zaheer and Malinga, the other bowlers will have to watch out today.

Padded Up Verdict :

Ofcourse Mumbai Indians are our pick.

We believe the Indians have learnt a very good lesson from the last match. Batsmans don't have to throw thier wickets and bowlers have to get their wickets as soon as possible.Containing the opposition is not the only answer.

Rajasthan Royals v/s Kolkata Knight Riders - Match Preview - IPL 2010

Ankit Poddar — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 12:32:00 +0000

Rajasthan Royals are the team that is placed at the bottom of the table, a position that its opponents of today's match are familiar with. Kolkata Knight Riders have got two wins under their belt.

This is the preview for the match, that will be a role reversal of sorts. It is between Kolkata Knight Riders versus Rajasthan Royals

Day : 9 March 20
Venue: Motera, Ahmedabad
Start Time : 4:00 PM

Padded Up Players :

Rajasthan Royals : Yusuf Pathan

Is there any body else?

Kolkata Knight Riders : Shane Bond

The batting of RR is suspect, and KKR have Shane Bond. Will he create havoc ala Pravin Kumar and Anil Kumble

Betting Odds :

Rajasthan Royals: 2.70

They have been losing steadily. Can you really blame the betters?

Kolkata Knight Riders : 1.44

They are not the best side probably, but at least look more composed than Rajasthan Royals

Captains Word :

Shane Warne is too ashamed to talk!

Sourav Ganguly is saving his energy till after the match.

Padded Up Talk :

RR have Yusuf Pathan. Other than that?

KKR has Chris Gayle too, for this match! The opening woes are sorted out!

Padded Up Verdict

Kolkata Knight Riders will become the first team in IPL 2010 at the points table to win 3 games.

KKR Coach Test - Question 4 - Should KKR go back to winning combination?

Ankit Poddar — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 12:13:00 +0000

And your tests have begun. This is the third question in the series of questions. The third one was What is the Weakest Link in KKR?! We had around 100 answers to that question at last count, and mind you all of them are expert advice! Make sure your voice isn't lost in the crowd!

Congratulations, Coach! Your team is placed 2nd in the IPL Points Tally for 2010, which is certainly a huge improvement since last year. It is time that you start preparing your team for the next match at Ahmedabad on 20th against Rajasthan Royals.

Cheteshwara Pujara was dropped for the last match against Chennai, and the team lost their match. The team won the first two matches in which Cheteshwara had played. Shane Bond was brought in at the expense of Lengeveldt, and the team lost. These players were not the best of KKR players, but they could have been the lucky mascots.

So,

Question No 4: Should KKR go back to Winning Combination? Support your answers with justification.
(You can take help of Kolkata Knight Riders Team Preview provided by All Padded Up)

Please put up your answers in the comments section. You will need to put in the first name that you have used for registration at the KKR site.

If you have not registered as yet, you will need to do just that, by clicking on this link. Don't worry, it takes no more than 30 seconds (Okay, 60 at the most, but you got to be really slow for that.)

Oh and yeah, there is no real time limit for your answers. You should utilize the time until the next question appears and you could use the time, even after that!

P.S.: Devil's Advocate:

(As we would like to remain neutral, and not inspire your answers, we would like to prove both side of the opinions that could influence your answer. This section would be opposing the view presented in the rest of the post.)

The team has potential, and all other players are as good as the ones in the winning combination. We can not hang on to emotions and not try to progress. KKR should always try to progress. Period.

Kolkata Knight Riders v/s Chennai Super Kings - Match Preview - IPL 2010

Ankit Poddar — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 13:20:00 +0000

There is a team which is almost at the top of the table, and then there is a team which is right at the bottom. What is ironical is that for the last two years, it has been the same case with these two teams, but this time the fortunes are only reversed. Sweet Irony, it is!

Yes, the two teams are Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings, who play at Kolkata today.

Day : 5 March 16
Venue: Kolkata
Start Time : 8:00 PM

Padded Up Players :

Kolkata Knight Riders : Shane Bond

Shane Bond is now available, and should create major change in fortunes for KKR, given that he plays today. Because, it will be interesting to see if Sourav Ganguly tinkes with a winning combination, he is superstitious, you see!

Chennai Super Kings : MS Dhoni

It is the clash of the successful Indian captains, and MSD, the student of the two, will certainly be under the scanner.

Betting Odds :

Kolkata Knight Riders : 2.14

Bangalore Royal Challengers : 1.81

This one is a close call too, and it will certainly be an interesting battle. Will KKR defy the odds again?! They seem to be on a roll.

Captains Word :

Sourav Ganguly is hoping for an encore.

MS Dhoni wants to climb up the ladder on the points table.

Padded Up Talk :

Kolkata Knight Riders are going in for their second home match, and would want a third consecutive win. After all, there is nothing like a good start. After all, well begun is half done. Sourav Ganguly's captaincy will be to look out for.

Chennai Super Kings must be embarrassed after the first loss. We were as we had predicted their win. MSD would want his players like Hayden and Morkel to fire and would want a better first bowling option this time around.

Padded Up Verdict :

Kolkata Knight Riders, win the match and make us proud. Korbo, Lodbo, Jeetbo!

Kolkata Knight Riders v/s Bangalore Royal Challengers - Match Preview - IPL 2010

Ankit Poddar — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 14:39:00 +0000

Preview for Kolkata Knight Riders and Bangalore Royal Challengers

Day : 3 March 14
Venue: Kolkata
Start Time : 4:00 PM

Padded Up Players :

Kolkata Knight Riders : Cheteshwar Pujara

Pujara has failed once already, but then that was just one chance provided to him. So, we believe that Pujara will take up this second chance offered to him, if Dada chooses to do so and flourish.

Bangalore Royal Challengers : Anil Kumble

Most people would have laughed at this man in T20 until last year's IPL. But this man has proved over and over again, that he is a champ bowler and a brilliant captain. We believe that he is going to repeat the same today!

Betting Odds :

Kolkata Knight Riders : 2.28
Betters believe that Kolkata are vulnerable side and will lose to BRC.

Bangalore Royal Challengers : 1.77
Betters believer that the runners-up to IPL 2009 would begin their 2010 campaign on a winning note.

Don't forget lower the odds higher the chances of winning!

Captains Word :

Sourav Ganguly hasn't spoken much till now. Is he afraid that the captain would be changed before the match begins? Well, fear is not a Sourav characteristic.

Anil Kumble is still missing a lot in his life. Like good cricket for example. Hope he gets some today!

Padded Up Talk :

Kolkata Knight Riders have Sourav Dada, Cheteshwara Pujara and Angelo Matthews, along with an in form Owais Shah. They should bat to win, which would get tougher against the BRC bowlers.

Bangalore Royal Challengers have some good bowlers in Anil Kumble, Mithun and Praveen Kumar and should be able to restrict KKR to a small total which their batsmen can chase down!

Padded Up Verdict :

Bangalore Royal Challengers are our pick of the day.

Knight Riders begin their home campaign today,and as they have already won away, the side would take some confidence. However, the side really needs some quick improvements in all the fields and could be exposed against a strong opponent team like Royal Challengers.

All through, the first three matches, our prediction has been spot on! Will KKR be able to defy us?! They have already won against the 2009 champions, will they win against the runners-up too?!

KKR Coach Test - Question 3 - What is the Weak Link in the KKR Team?!

Ankit Poddar — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 10:45:00 +0000

And your tests have begun. This is the third question in the series of questions. The second one was Who should open with Chris Gayle?! We had around 90 answers to that question at last count, and mind you all of them are expert advice! Make sure your voice isn't lost in the crowd!

Congratulations, Coach! Your team won their first match by a decent margin of 11 runs. It is time for the next match, today and you should be advising and preparing your team for today's match. Of course, you need to know what you should be working on.

You must have seen the first match from expert eyes and scrutinizing mind set. Of course, the team did come close to losing at a lot of times. Certainly there is some weak link. I am hoping that you will not over look that under the fact that your team won.

So,

Question No 3: Which is the weakest link in the Kolkata Knight Rider's game? Your options are Fielding of KKR, Bowling of KKR, Batting of KKR, Players of KKR, None. Support your answers with justification.
(Assume, all other players are available. You can take help of Kolkata Knight Riders Team Preview provided by All Padded Up or the Match Review of KKR v/s DC)

Please put up your answers in the comments section. You will need to put in the first name that you have used for registration at the KKR site.

If you have not registered as yet, you will need to do just that, by clicking on this link. Don't worry, it takes no more than 30 seconds (Okay, 60 at the most, but you got to be really slow for that.)

Oh and yeah, there is no real time limit for your answers. You should utilize the time until the next question appears and you could use the time, even after that!

P.S.: Devil's Advocate:

(As we would like to remain neutral, and not inspire your answers, we would like to prove both side of the opinions that could influence your answer. This section would be opposing the view presented in the rest of the post.)

The team has won, and like an idiot, All Padded UP is trying to find faults with the KKR game?! Well, All Padded Up is not satisfied, but as a coach you are with the team's performance. Of course, that would happen, and this is just a difference opinion. KKR has no flaw. Period.

Knight Riders win over Deccan Chargers - Match Review - 1

Ankit Poddar — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 08:51:00 +0000

Winner

What a win for Kolkata Knight Riders! After losing 2 wickets in the very first over of the match, and losing another 2 before the end of the Power Play in the first 6 overs, there was very little chance any body could have given to the Knight Riders to win the match.

But then any body would not have believed in the batting of Angelo Matthews (65*) and Owais Shah (58*). The two men who alone are responsible for KKR victory last night. Of course, all KKR bowlers returned with wickets last night, but it was these two who gave the bowlers a target to defend.

[Score Card]

DC fell short of the KKR total, by a good 11 runs. IPL Champions of 2009, the Goliath fell to the David, the Wooden Spoons of IPL 2009.

Deccan Chargers were playing a 'home' match, and true to their nature, lost it. However, it should be added that Deccan looked in charge of the match, at the starts of both, their batting and bowling. A start that they eventually floundered away.

For the Deccan Chargers, only Adam Gilchrist returned with a 54. The rest of the batsmen played some stupid shots and got out. It is ironical, because that is exactly how the KKR batsmen had got out, initially in the match.

Which is why, the batting of Angelo Matthews and Owais Shah brings so much happiness to a cricket spectator. While Matthews started off with a top edge Sixer, over the wicket keeper's head, Shah played a methodically slow innings at the start. After all, he came at the time when wickets were falling like there were live mines on the field.

Matthews also returned with figures of 4-0-27-1 and was rightly rewarded for it.

Man of the Match: Angelo Matthews

(Sorry. I couldn't find an image in the KKR uniform)

Kolkata Knight Riders v/s Deccan Chargers - IPL 2010- Match Preview

sushil rajmane — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 09:45:00 +0000

Finally the day has come after much wait and anticipation. IPL season 3 kicks off today with a glittering opening ceremony at D.Y Patil Stadium Navi Mumbai.

The inaugural match is between Kolkata Knight Riders & Deccan Chargers.

Day 1 : 12th March
Venue: D.Y. Patil Stadium
Start Time: 8:00 pm

Padded Up Players :

Kolkata Knight Riders : Sourav Ganguly

This Guy who also happens to captain the side will be looking to lead from the front. He is in good form of late. Has played some good domestic knocks. And also in the charity match which happened in Mumbai reccently he scored some 40 quick runs with style and guts. So he is the man to look out for from the KKR side.

Deccan Chargers : Adam Gilchrist

Same again Adam leads the 2009 IPL champion side. He too would be looking to lead straight from the front and set the tone for the IPL season 3. He has the potential to turn the game instantly with some quick fire knocks. Giving a good start to his side would be his main prerogative today.

Betting Odds :

Kolkata Knight Riders : 2.62

The betters don't look so inclined towards the Dada side. Also their past records are not so good, so this was expected. And yes! higher the odd lower the chances of winning.

Deccan Chargers : 1.6

They are definitely the favorites among the betters. And why not, they are the defending champions and are a great side.

Captains Word

Adam Gilchrist isn't too worried about the shortage of overseas players. He can manage it very well with Gibbs,Symonds and Vaas in his kitty today.

Sourav Ganguly says he wants to forget the past and look forward to the future with his all new team, which he says has bonded very well.

Padded Up Talk :

Kolkata have Brad Hodge and David Hussey to their side, who happen to be the Highest Run getters in the Twenty20 Format.

Deccan Chargers have Adam Gilchrist who was Top Scorer with 495 runs in the IPL 2009. And also RP Singh who was the leading wicket taker in the last season.

Padded Up Verdict :

KKR look set for today's match and are our pick. They may open with a bang, and throw in some surprises with their performance. DC's Gilchrist, symonds, Vaas have been out of action lately and Gibbs is struggling with his form.

KKR Coach Test - Question 2 - Opening Pair: Chris Gayle and Akash Chopra?!

Ankit Poddar — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 22:38:00 +0000

And your tests have begun. This is the second question in the series of questions. The first one was Should KKR go in with a 7/4 or 6/5 combination?!

It is more or less a given that Brendon McCullum would not be able to make it for the first few matches of IPL. As a coach, your duty is to move on from players who are not there in the squad and make up the best combination from those available. Of course, the option that is easily visible is Akash Chopra. Can you as a coach really trust this fellow?

And that too with Sourav Ganguly in the team? If opening for India is a consideration, than Sourav is certainly a better contender.

So,

Question No 2: Who should open with Chris Gayle in the eventuality that Brendon McCullum is not available? Sourav Ganguly or Akash Chopra? Support your answers with justification.
(Assume, all other players are available. You can take help of Kolkata Knight Riders Team Preview provided by All Padded Up)

Please put up your answers in the comments section. You will need to put in the first name that you have used for registration at the KKR site.

If you have not registered as yet, you will need to do just that, by clicking on this link. Don't worry, it takes no more than 30 seconds (Okay, 60 at the most, but you got to be really slow for that.)

Oh and yeah, there is no real time limit for your answers. You should utilize the time until the next question appears (March 14 - Before the Match) and you could use the time, even after that!

P.S.: Devil's Advocate:

(As we would like to remain neutral, and not inspire your answers, we would like to prove both side of the opinions that could influence your answer. This section would be opposing the view presented in the rest of the post.)

Akash Chopra is a decent Indian batsman opener and Sourav is more needed in the middle order. There is not much option here. Period.

KKR Coach Test - Question 1 - 7/4 or 6/5

Ankit Poddar — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:38:00 +0000

And your tests have begun. This is the first question in the series of questions.

Kolkata Knight Riders have made a few mistakes in the past, one of which being that they have not respected their bowlers enough. They had a 'still mysterious' Ajantha Mendis in their side in IPL 2008 and they did not use him, and IPL 2009 wasn't much different either.

Do you think it is time for KKR to start paying more attention to their bowling department and go in with a more diverse and stronger bowling attack? Do you think KKR should go in for matches with a greater number of bowlers to distribute the work load between each of them? After all, there isn't any dearth of bowlers for KKR. Then, there is also Angelo Matthews, who can bat pretty well!

So,

Question No 1: Should KKR play with 7 batsmen and 4 bowlers or 6 batsmen and 5 bowlers? Support your answers with justification.

(Assume, wicket keeper is treated as a batsman. You can take help of Kolkata Knight Riders Team Preview provided by All Padded Up)

Please put up your answers in the comments section. You will need to put in the first name that you have used for registration at the KKR site.

If you have not registered as yet, you will need to do just that, by clicking on this link. Don't worry, it takes no more than 30 seconds (Okay, 60 at the most, but you got to be really slow for that.)

Oh and yeah, there is no real time limit for your answers. You should utilize the time until the next question appears (March 10 - Late Night) and you could use the time, even after that!

P.S.: Devil's Advocate:

(As we would like to remain neutral, and not inspire your answers, we would like to prove both side of the opinions that could influence your answer. This section would be opposing the view presented in the rest of the post.)

IPL 2010 is a T20, which by definition are batsmen's events. What sense would it really make to get in an extra bowler? As it is, Sourav Ganguly can roll his arms pretty well. Moreover, KKR needs batsmen to put up a score, to allow bowlers a cushion to defend. Period.

96 Cheer Leaders for Kolkata Knight Riders - In New Outfits

Ankit Poddar — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 11:34:00 +0000

We have a fonding for cheer leaders. I mean, who doesn't? Most of you watch those 180 minute IPL matches, for the cheerleaders. Last time, when we talked about 1 cheer leader - Janine Kallis. This time we are talking about 96 cheer leaders!

Kolkata Knight Riders have decided to change their colors. They believe that along with your expert coaching opinion, probably, this would help their fortunes this time around. And if they are changing their colors, their cheerleaders will be having new outfits as well!

The outfits now will be dark purple and gold. Seems like brinjal has become the toast of the season, first Bt Brinjal, now Brinjal Purple. Ace designer Manish Malhotra is designing outfits for the team as well as the cheer leaders.

But that is not all, what is exciting is the fact that every match will have different cheerleaders. Thank God, now there is at least to look forward to in KKR matches, for sure! But then, your strategies may work too!

Pic Courtesy: Mid-Day