We have a small opening to sneak into the play-offs

Ganguly shines on comeback as Pune beat Deccan by six wickets

Two wins followed by a three-day break. This was something much needed after the non-stop grind of matches and seven losses. So one can say that wounds may not have healed completely but they are in much better state than before. I used this break to spend some time with family and catch up on some rest. This has certainly helped me to rejuvenate and refresh.

Ask me how these little breaks can do wonders to your physical and mental condition. You may stay in some of the best hotels in the world, enjoying some of the finest luxuries and eating gourmet cuisine. But nothing beats your own bed, your "ghar ka khana" and your own surroundings.

Stylish strokes from some rather stylish folks

As an international cricketer, we live a very hectic life, every day on the road, taking flights, packing and unpacking every second day. And it is very much part and parcel of the life we have decided to live. So after this break I am ready for the next match and next challenge that awaits us.

Our fate in the league is still very much on the edge and for us the situation is rather too simple. Win all the games and then you see where you end up in terms of final equation for the play-offs. It all ends up with the equation in terms of points, net run rate and how other results have gone. But we can only control what's in our hands. Prepare hard, plan well, execute them on the field and give your best shot on the field.

And that's what we are going to do in our last three league games of the season. Take one game at a time and not take much pressure by thinking of long term goals. Every big achievement is stitched with short steps and methodical effort. We have managed to do that in the last two games and I don't see any reason why we can't do it in the remaining matches for Pune Warriors.

Looking back at the last week, the league has taken some important twists and turns. Teams who were doing very well have suddenly lost a few matches, and teams who had a very straight cliff to climb have emerged stronger and better. Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders have been very consistent in the season so far. But last week they were on the wrong side of the result.

Even the Kings XI Punjab have come back strongly to make a case for themselves. So this has made the IPL a little interesting. I assume Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Chennai Super Kings are certain for the play-off spots.

There is one small opening though from where we can sneak in and land ourselves in the final four. But for that not only have we to win our games but also hope that other results go our way. So you need a perfect blend of luck and performance to make the cut. It sounds difficult but not impossible.

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One team had a great change of fortunes and that's because of one man. Royal Challengers Bangalore have done wonders and their hero is Chris Gayle. It's amazing how hard and far he hits and that too in such a casual style. He comes to the crease as if he has come to the park for a stroll. And then takes his stance in manner as if telling you in your eye that I have come to hit shots.

Some of his hits are like tee shots in golf, where the ball goes into orbit and lands in some other town. Trust me, lot of batsmen hit you, but his sixes pinch you the most. Let's hope he will show some mercy on the tribe of bowlers otherwise this is turning out to be a game of lamb and a Jamaican slaughter.

Professional Management Group