Monday 8 April 2013

Teams look to build on early success

Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders have begun this IPL campaign with victories, and their captains have had a significant influence on the outcome with strong batting displays. Knight Riders won their home game on a slower pitch, where Sunil Narine and the medium-pacers proved highly effective in containing Delhi Daredevils with regular wickets. Royals, too, beat the same opposition, in more batting-friendly conditions, but Daredevils pushed them close. Knight Riders' chase was comfortable, Royals' defense of 165 required two excellent overs at the death and a brilliant effort in the field to run out David Warner.
As the teams look to build on their early success, they have some fitness worries heading in to the game in Jaipur. Rahul Dravid, the Royals captain, who hardly played since the last IPL season, scored a half-century but had to leave the field due to cramps, though is expected to play on Monday. Perhaps their most important player, Australia allrounder Shane Watson, has joined the squad and took part in a practice session on Sunday.For Knight Riders, Jacques Kallis, L Balaji, and Brett Lee reportedly suffered a stomach bug but are recovering. Apart from winning more convincingly, Knight Riders were excellent in the field against Daredevils, while Royals dropped a couple of catches - but they did pull off two terrific bits of fielding to transform the game. Though they'll be playing at home, Royals may yet again start as underdogs against the defending champions.

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