Royal Challenger's timely Resurgence

Not withstanding last year's debacle, the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) owned by the liquor baron were expected to be on high spirits right through the 2009 IPL season. The expectations were certainly high after the signings of Kevin Pietersen, Jesse Ryder alike.

But the last couple of games for the RCB (match 41&44) against the battered KnightRiders and a balanced SuperKings outfit is sure to give them a high. A high better than Whyte & Mackay whisky, the team's sponsors.

The Knightriders can't help ruing their luck, thanks to their bowlers. Despite being in shatters McCullum's knock was a testament of grit. 170 by T20 standards is a winning total and any team ought to have defended it. On the other hand the Superkings were undone by some sensible bowling and fielding by Kumble and co. While not many team's have capitalized on Suresh Raina's weakness for the short pitch deliveries, the RCB had surely done their homework well. The think tank comprising of the coach, analyst deserve the credit, for Raina has been in pristine form in the shorter version ever since his return to international cricket.

Considering the myriad of drop catches in the tournament, RCB's fielding was quite refreshing. Van Der Merwe's caught and bowled of a straight drive from Dhoni was brilliant. Dhoni's wicket was probably the turning point, for he along with Hayden were putting on a nice partnership. The rest of the lineup fell like a pack of cards after Dhoni and Hayden's departure when the Superkings were reduced to 101/4.

In response the RCB didn't quite seem to be confident enough in chasing at over 6runs per over. Robin Uthappa's form has been disastrous, Virat kohli's form patchy and the onus was again on Ross Taylor to see the team through. And he did do it with elan. However Van der Merwe's complacent running would deserve some stick from Ray Jennings, the RCB coach.

While the RCB may have lost an opportunity to up the run rate considering the fact that the Mumbai India's and the Royals have that one point advantage (courtesy:a wash out of the first game between MI and Royals), it was a humdinger of a performance by their "go-to man" Ross Taylor nevertheless.

Whether the RCB can make it to the top 4 still remains a mystery, if only they can grab the horse by its ears and create those opportunities rather than playing it too safe.