Ross Taylor has been terrific

Sunil Gavaskar

The DLF IPL has entered the final lap as in racing parlance and teams have to gather their wits around them to stay in the race. The good ones always have that something extra as they come round the final bend and the Royal Challengers Bangalore who are owned by someone who knows a thing or two about racing are looking as if they will be the one to watch at this time.

The Delhi Daredevils relaxed just a bit and allowed the Kings XI Punjab to get back into the frame losing a close game. Still they are one team that have no worries and can afford the odd loss at this stage having already clinched a place in the semi-finals.

Most teams tend to rest players after being certain of qualifying but too much of experimentation can cause havoc with the rhythm of the team. Most players who are having a good run and are in good form and touch don't want to be rested but want to keep playing so that they can continue being in touch.

Even in match itself if a batsman who is batting well does not want to kept at the non-strikers end for too long and if that happens he is not always able to get back to the same stroke-making rhythm that he had earlier. So unless there's an injury and that needs attention it is better for an in-form player to keep playing. Of course there are those who may ask for a break but most times in-form players simply don’t want a break at all.

The Royal Challengers Bangalore were late starters in this tournament. It took them some time to get going and now with a settled look to their team they have been producing some top class cricket. They kept cool under pressure and that's how they have gone on to win the last couple of games. The win against Kolkata Knight Riders was terrific as they were chasing a big total but Ross Taylor played a blazing innings and took his team to a victory that looked unlikely at one stage.

Taylor again played a good hand in their next win though his dismissal in the final over did pile up the pressure. The players leading the race for the CEAT honours are all from overseas at the moment and Ross Taylor with his consistent performances is the CEAT T20 Player of the Week.

Professional Management Group