Congratulations CSK and Dhoni for the win.
If you watched yesterday's game minutely, you'd have noticed that MI were going great guns until the arrival of Dhoni to the crease. Dhoni did not make many runs yesterday, but he had his usuall air of calm arrogance about him. I think MI players went on the backfoot at the sight of Dhoni, and then people became indecisive. As a result - - those two dropped catches of Raina. A score of near 170 at the season's end with prospect of batting second. MI never came out of it.
The most crucial mistake of Sachin or the team management was to send Abhishek Nayar at no.3 when somebody like Saurabh Tewari was warming the bench till about the 15th over or so. Throughout the tournament Tewari came at no.3 or 4 and really batted well. He was at ease against everybody - pace, spin. He can keep the scoreboard ticking with well placed singles and can hit the long ball too, and yes aganst international class pace and spin bowling. I have my eyes on this boy since the under-19 world cup two years ago where Birat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, Sreevats Goswami all played. He does not look to be a a technically good player with elbow up and such things, but this boy has the basics right, his head position and balance in attack and defence is very good and has every shot in the book. He needs to improve his fielding, and fitness though. I like to see him in the Indian team some day.
Why was Nayar at no3, only for the semi-final and the final? I'd never know. Even Viv Richards would not be able to score at 15 runs or more per over for 5 overs or more consistently against international class bowling. After 12 overs, the game was as good as dead. It really did not matter where Pollard came. It was an impossible task at that point.
I'd be hesitant to call cowd at a particular stadium the most knowledgeable. With respect to the Eden crowd, I can say the following: I have been a spectator at the Eden for as long as I can remember, since the sixties. The crowd is emotional, and at times explosive. However, the real trouble makers are a few people as always, and the whole crowd cannot be blamed for a few people. Of late, police do not let people in with absolutely anything, not even with bottled water. One has to buy water pouches and all food inside the stadium, and nothing that can be thrown are allowed.
Calcutta and West Bengal people in general are tremendously involved in all sports, not just cricket. There is an almost unbelievable level of awareness about sports in this region, even among women. I do not know about other cities, but the involvement of common man in ALL sports and their knowledge and concern is really commendable, and one of the things I like about this city. I can go anywhere in the city and start discussing a game of my choice with almost absolutely anybody. If you guys ever come to Calcutta, you would not miss this. I think your comments on the Eden crowds being not knowledgeable is a bit unfair. I was just on the call with my 76 year old elder sister, and she knows how seam bowlers grip the ball
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Regards.
