Cricket, like most team sports, does not require every player to perform to his best in every game.
Unlike golf or tennis for example, where a few errant strokes can wreck your chances, cricket is more forgiving. If you have a bad day with bat or ball, there’s usually someone else to pick up the slack and cover your mistakes.
You might have a stinker but a teammate will ride to the rescue in the nick of time. They’ll get the job done so you, on this occasion, don’t have to. Salvation will cost you a couple of beers when day is done but it will have been a price worth paying.
In the Indian Premier League, speed is of the essence. Risk-reward is par for the course in pursuit of quick runs. In the space of 20 overs your team is going to need a couple of big knocks to put up a competitive total. The supporting cast is there to help keep wickets in hand for the final frantic slog.
Sachin Tendulkar has made a career out of thriving under pressure. When those around him have lost their heads, the Little Master has come up trumps more often than not. The ability to survive and flourish in the toughest of circumstances has made him an Indian legend.
Not content with winning the World Cup, Tendulkar is again on the prowl in the IPL. Just like last year, he is the competition’s leading run maker. He is already past the 200 mark and, remarkably, has yet to lose his wicket in three Mumbai innings to date.
Tendulkar’s latest effort was as impressive as ever. An unbeaten century, carved out of just 66 balls, seemed to be just the sort of match winning contribution which allows others to put their feet up. A dozen fours and three big sixes posted a formidable target for visitors Kochi.
With rapid support from youngster Ambati Rayudu, The Indians were well set. Once touted as the nation’s next great batsman, Rayudu smashed a half century off 29 deliveries, forcing The Tuskers to score at an unlikely rate in excess of 9 an over.
But this is Twenty20, where impossible is nothing. Lasith Malinga continues to lead all wicket takers in the League but this was a far cry from his five wicket haul. He eventually removed both openers, but not before his fours overs had cost a damaging 42 runs.
Brendon McCullum and Mahela Jayawardene accepted the challenge. The brute force of the Kiwi opener combined with the elegance of his skipper got the runs flowing freely. The pair shared a century partnership aided by some sub-standard fielding from the home side.
By the time they perished the winning line was in sight. It was duly crossed with an over to spare, rendering Tendulkar’s first IPL ton meaningless. His night was to get worse as expansion franchise Kochi celebrated its first ever victory.
The Mumbai captain was subsequently fined $20,000 for his team’s slow over rate – a little harsh considering the value of the entertainment. But rules are rules and T20 is all about speed of execution. Perhaps someone should have told Tendulkar it was IPL match number 13.