After a not so grand opening ceremony, one expected to witness an exciting game of T20, to start the proceedings in the IPL 2010. Well, we just got that and how. Read on..

The opening ceremony of IPL 2010 proved to be a disappointment. There was grandeur on display and aparently millions were spent on the event, however, it could have been so much better. I would rate the last year’s opening ceremony in SA as a better celebration.

Talking of cricket, the Deccan Chargers took on the Kolkata Knightriders on their adopted home turf at DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai. The hosts, who also happen to be the reigning champions, were touted as the favourites to win the game. I must say that they got a perfect start to the match by winning the toss and then chosing to ball.

Adam Gilchrist’s decision proved to be paying off when they reduced the Knightriders to a paltry 31/4 in 5 overs. At that moment, the mind wondered if Kolkata Knightriders will be able to sustain themselves and play out the full quota of 20 overs. Contrary to the proceedings upto that point of time, Angelo Matthews and Owais Shah got down to string a partnership in the middle and it was a scintillating partnership, enabling the KKR’s to finish at a formidable 161 without any further loss of wickets.

Once again it seemed as if Adam Gilchrist couldn’t do a wrong thing tonight. His edges went wide of the fielders and on one occassion, when a flying Brad Hodge did get a hand to one, he grassed it. Gilchrist and VVS Laxman, who simply loves Eden Gardens, raced away to 60 in six overs, before, Laxman decided to do something unusual for a batsman of his calibre and perished in the process. Gilchrist continued, though, he was never in complete control of his innings and got himself a good half century. Once he fell, trying to clear the midwicket boundary, the batsmen to follow made a mess of it.

Rohit Sharma’s tennis shot was the prime example of the kind of harakiri that the Deccan batsmen did and a spirited bowling effort from Kolkata helped them ###### victory from the jaws of defeat.

One can safely say, if you want to learn ‘what not to do while batting in a T20 game’, you should watch the replay of Deccan Chargers innings, especially from over 7 onwards.

Tomorrow promises to be even more exciting and its testing on the nerves to wait for the super sunday when we take on KKR’s.

Love Royal Challengers and love you all,

Wizardprince