Robin Singh or Sachin Tendulkar

Analyzing the IPL final, most have questioned Mumbai’s tactics while praising Chennai’s. Fair enough. But, while captain Dhoni gets the accolades for Chennai’s tactics, it’s coach Robin Singh that gets the brickbats for Mumbai’s strategy. All through the season, Sachin’s captaincy was been widely praised. He was even awarded the viewer’s choice award for best captain. But, as soon as they lose, Robin Singh is blamed. Why?

Don’t get me wrong. I am a huge fan of Tendulkar. And, I am not trying to blame him for Mumbai’s strange tactics. I just find this media double standard amusing.

CSK wins IPL 2010

What’s up with captains inexplicably promoting Harbhajan Singh as a pinch hitter? Dhoni did it in the ODI against Sri Lanka in December 2009 (If folks don’t remember, that’s the match where the Indians scored their highest ODI total of 414/7). Today, the Mumbai Indians did it against CSK. Sure, Harbhajan has swung wildly and has connected a few over the years, but there is no excuse for promoting him ahead of Rayudu, Tiwary, Duminy and Pollard.

It was a rather disappointing end to Sachin’s excellent run in the tournament. But, having scored over 600 runs in the tournament with a strike rate of over 130 with just three DLF maximums, I think he has proved that proper, consistent, skillful batting does have a place in Twenty20 cricket.

Happy Birthday, Sachin!

If Tendulkar’s feats last year were awesome, this year it got even better - five centuries in seven Tests with an average of 84.25 and more than 900 runs at 65.28 from 17 matches in ODIs! The heartbreaking 175 against Australia was bettered by the super human 200* against South Africa. And, he has left his impression on the newest format ofTwenty20 cricket as well, topping the batting charts in IPL2010.

Thanks for the runs, Sachin!