The 2013 CLT20 will kick off from today with two of the biggest IPL sides – Rajasthan Royals and Mumbai Indians facing each other in what promises to be a mouth watering clash.
The 2013 Champions League Twenty20 (CLT20) will kick off from today with two of the biggest Indian Premier League (IPL) sides – Rajasthan Royals and Mumbai Indians facing each other in what promises to be a mouth watering clash. The stage is set for Indian cricket’s two iconic players – Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid who will face each other at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur.
We take a look at the battles that will forth looking today:
Rohit Sharma vs. James Faulkner
The Mumbai Indians skipper is a treat to watch once he has settled in on the pitch. Rohit Sharma was once likened to another Mumbai icon, Sachin Tendulkar with the array of shots so similar to that of the Master Blaster. Aussie James Faulkner is no pushover and with his variations in bowling will be looking to depart the Mumbai boy as quickly as possible.
Kieron Pollard vs. Kevin Cooper
Two countrymen separated by clubs – Mumbai Indians’ Kieron Pollard is well known for his belligerent batting and can deliver with the ball and can take terrific catches (PS: Ask MS Dhoni). Royals will be looking to Kevin Cooper to deliver the knock out punch by sending Pollard back to the pavillion!
Ajinkya Rahane vs. Harbhajan Singh
Mumbai-born Ajinkya Rahane will have a bittersweet pill to swallow when he takes on the Mumbai Indians and on his day, Rahane is just unstoppable! Harbhajan Singh who has been out of the Indian team for a while, will look to unsettle the right handed batsman with his ‘doosra’.
Shane Watson vs. Pragyan Ojha
Oz vice-captain Shane Watson struggled with against the spinners when he last toured India during the Test series. MI’s Pragyan Ojha, having bowled to him during that series, will look to see him off early. What Shane Watson has in store for Ojha this time? This ‘one battle’ will be a treat to watch.
Mitchell Johnson vs. Brad Hodge
With Sri Lankan Lasith Malinga out of the tournament, the pace attack of Mumbai Indians will be led by Aussie Mitchell Johnson. Up against him will be fellow countrman, Brad Hodge who is known for his big hitting whenever called upon. The battle of the Aussies will surely add more spice to the match that will kick start this CLT20.
