Stunned by a string of defeats Kolkata will take on Mohali, placed eighth in the IPL standings, on Saturday.


From the pinnacle of the ladder, Kolkata find themselves in familiar territory again, languishing at seventh after three successive losses.

They began on an overwhelming note, though, outclassing Hyderabad and Bangalore in their opening games. However, the purple brigade went down to Chennai, Jaipur and Mumbai to slide down the standings and rest just one place above their latest rivals- Mohali.

The Kumar Sangakkara team perhaps boasts of the most powerful batting attack in the IPL. However, Sanga, Mahela Jayawardene and Yuvraj Singh have struggled to set the pace for their team in crucial moments.

Ravi Bopara and Manvinder Bisla have done a decent job opening for Mohali but the middle order has been shaky despite some big names. The bowling has looked ragged with only Juan Theron making some impact over the last two games.

Irfan Pathan has almost hit the purple patch with the bat but has been a disappointment with the ball while Sreesanth’s expensive spells have put the skipper in a quandary. What will boost them is the return of Australian duo- pace ace Brett Lee and the first season’s highest run-scorer, Shaun Marsh.

Lee’s inclusion will mean that Mohali might have to go in without Theron and according to Sangakkara, the South African has done nothing to warm the benches in the dug-out. Marsh might well be in the reckoning- again a possibility the captain has not ruled out- but being a foreign recruit, that has to come at a cost. Will Sanga risk dropping his Sri Lankan teammate of many years, the classy Jayawardene?

Leg-spinner Piyush Chawla’s inclusion in the Indian squad for the ICC World Twenty20 will be a huge motivation, no doubt. The youngster has bowled with gusto and looked his part in the T20 arena.

Despite a sensational come-from-behind-win against Chennai via the Super Over, Mohali’s confidence seems to be at a low and the Aussie reinforcement in the playing XI might just do the trick.

Kolkata, on the other hand, have a lot to play for tonight. A win and a convincing win at that might see them threaten Jaipur’s third slot. At four points from five matches, Sourav Ganguly’s men will be hoping to exploit Mohali’s low morale to garner two crucial points.

With a think-tank comprising coach Dav Whatmore, bowling consultant Wasim Akram and the skipper, Ganguly, Shahrukh Khan will be hoping that the team quickly gets back on its feet at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium.

Australian batsman David Hussey is back in the side and West Indian skipper Chris Gayle announced his arrival with a gritty 75 against Mumbai- reasons enough for Kolkata to start thinking of a way out of their current hole.

Owais Shah, who has been in average form, might have to make way if Ganguly decides to go in with Hussey, who is capable of turning his arm for a spell of off-spinners too.

Kolkata’s bowling armoury can certainly do with the extra help. Shane Bond was bought for staggering sum but has not yet proven his worth apart from the occasional bursts while Ishant Sharma has continued to leak runs after a good start to the season. Dropped from India’s World T20 side, the lanky pacer might want to show to the selectors why they made a mistake- trust Ganguly to have whispered that into his ears already.

Mohali, inspite of their poor show so far look the better batting side but if Kolkata get going with their arsenal, the PCA will be certain to see some fireworks light up the night sky.

Head to Head

Played: 4

Won by Kolkata: 2 (winning % 50.00)

Won by Punjab: 2 (winning % 50.00)


Approaching Milestones

- Mahela Jayawardene (464) needs 36 runs to complete 500 runs in the IPL.

- Brad Hodge (476) requires 24 runs to complete 500 runs in the IPL.

- Ishant Sharma (24) needs one wicket to become the first bowler for Kolkata to complete 25 wickets in the IPL.