It was billed as the clash of the titans, the marquee match of the tournament and not just because it involved God and the Sir.
Sir Jadeja to Sachin Tendulkar. Doesn’t get bigger than this #MIvsCSK
— The UnReal Times (@TheUnRealTimes) May 5, 2013
However, the match only underscored the point that the real stars of the tournament are players like Dinda who ensure that irrespective of the nature of the pitch or form of the bowlers, the spectators will be treated to plenty of fireworks.
Mumbai Indians chose to bat on what, according to Ravi Shastri was an excellent batting surface (later he clarified that he meant it as just another reflexive cliché). Much to Mumbai Indians disappointment, Sachin failed to not tickle the scorers and got off to a sedate start before taking advantage of the field restrictions to hit a boundary and a six.
Even as worry lines started to appear on the faces of some CSK (or was it Mumbai Indians?) fans, Sir Jadeja got the breakthrough for the Mumbai Indians by getting rid of the Master Blaster.
Sachin Tendulkar: “Absolutely no shame in giving my wicket to Sir Jadeja” #MIvsCSK
— The UnReal Times (@TheUnRealTimes) May 5, 2013
Soon, wickets began to fall in regular procession with even Chris Morris sporting a Dinda-eque headband failing to induce lofty strokes from the timorous Mumbai Indians.
CSK players Raina and Bravo celebrate Pollard’s wicket with uh.. gay abandon
However, Bhajji had one of his rare ‘made it large’ moments after swatting Ashwin for a six.
After that six off Ashwin, Bhajji: “I think I’ve met expectations for this match” | Rohit Sharma: “Exceeded actually” #MIvsCSK
— The UnReal Times (@TheUnRealTimes) May 5, 2013
Soon it was left to Rohit Sharma to essay a twenty minute stay at the crease to steer his team to a respectable, albeit yawn inducing, score. Laughlin also brought a few moments of genuine mirth with his efforts in the last over to push towards 139. Things were getting so boring that even Ravi Shastri ran out of clichés to describe the soporific fare on display.
Meanwhile, discussions during lunch break veered around the team selection for the Champions Trophy.
Energy levels in the CSK camp was low during the innings break, with some players even suggesting that Sir Jadeja be promoted up the order to finish the match within the first 6 overs itself. MSD however would have none of it and insisted that the boys plan for a last ball finish.
Hussey accordingly tried to do his bit by repeatedly scything the ball to Pollard at point, whose fingers were still greasy after five vada paavs, spilled sitters off three consecutive deliveries. Later, this is what Rohit Sharma had to say:
Murali Vijay showed how it’s done by expertly driving away from his body to induce a thick inside edge and uprooted his off-stump. The perfect start that CSK could have hoped for.
Raina and Badrinath would depart in quick succession and it seemed that we may yet have a match on our hands.
Someone wake up Shastri to tell him we have a match on our hands #MIvsCSK
— The UnReal Times (@TheUnRealTimes) May 5, 2013
However, Dhoni felt that it was still too easy and promoted Aswhin up the order to face up to Bhajji. Ashwin got bowled all ends up in going for a cute late cut and fans will debate for years whether it was a case of Ashwin making Bhajji look like Ashwin or Bhajji making Ashwin look like Bhajji.
Soon, Captain Cool was at the crease, with the required run rate creeping towards double digits. However, his swagger gave way to panic after he learnt that he would have to negotiate four mind numbing, mentally excruciating overs from that Ojha chap.
He immediately holed out to Pollard at long off who knew that spilling a fourth catch could invite a CBI raid. Everyone heaved a sigh of relief.
Had Pollard dropped a 4th catch, CBI would have raided him. Whew. #MIvsCSK
— The UnReal Times (@TheUnRealTimes) May 5, 2013
Sir Jadeja finally came in at a time when even Sir Jadeja would not have been able to make a difference. It was all over save for some lame Sir Jadeja jokes and a collective thoo from Chennai fans. All in all, a fine comeback from Mumbai Indians who promptly dedicated the memorable win to God. Meanwhile, Sir Jadeja faced the wrath of the mortal establishment…
