An exciting encounter on the cards

Kochi Tuskers host the Chennai Super Kings on Monday and I get the sense that it will be an exciting encounter. The Super Kings may have an edge thanks to the balanced side that they possess, but I don't think Kochi is a team that can ever be discounted.

The reason for this is the Tuskers' batting line-up which is a strong bastion for this format of the game. Mumbai Indians found it out at their own peril, as Brendon McCullum and Mahela Jayawardene took most of the bowlers on a flat Wankhede pitch. Mahela opening the innings against Mumbai was crucial for Kochi and if both the players can attain some form of consistency in this format of the game, it would do their side's chances no harm in the tournament.

McCullum's issue throughout his career in the shorter format has been the lack of consistency. His average of less than 29 in ODIs is another indicator towards the same and if he can overcome that issue, Kochi will benefit greatly.

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Fortunately for Kochi, they have a reasonably rich set of resources with the bat and that has converted into three games of good batting performance. They made 161 against Bangalore and despite losing their openers for a duck each against Pune, the side managed 148. Add that to the chase in the Mumbai game and the Super Kings could need to reconsider their bowling options.

The bowling, on the other, hand has left a lot to be desired. Mumbai plundered them at will, while the finishing overs saw batsmen from both the other two oppositions take full toll of the relative inexperience. It was a brave move to keep Muralitharan and Sreesanth out of the Mumbai Indians game and it could well be the case of form and the dew factor. Either way, Jayawardene is an experienced pro and would understand his players well.

Chennai, to me, looks more powerful in their batting than their bowling. Michael Hussey has been a welcome addition to the side and his unbeaten 83, while scratchy with all those dropped catches to boot, will boost the team's chances. Suresh Raina has also had starts and could just be due for a big one in this game.

Not that the Super Kings are shorn of bowling options. Doug Bollinger continues to be a part of the dressing room though there is a good chance that he may get his opportunity soon. Even without him, the three spinners have done a reasonable job for MS Dhoni.

R Ashwin has been confident to lead the slow bowling attack, Suraj Raniv's ability to get the bounce is a huge asset and Jakati adds variety to the attack. However, Tim Southee will be the key with his ability to bowl those deliveries under the batsmen's bat.