Stiff task for Pune against Royals

The hosts have shown remarkable grit to bounce back after three consecutive losses away from home.

After coming back to their own citadel, Shane Warne’s men have taken full advantage of home conditions to upset Kochi Tuskers Kerala and Mumbai Indians with stunning performances. The legendary leg-spinner has been outstanding tactically and as impressive as ever with the ball.

One of his most recent strategic masterstrokes came when he dared to open the attack with the unorthodox left-arm spin of youngster Ashok Menaria against the likes of Sachin Tendulkar and flamboyant Davy Jacobs. Perhaps, he had sensed that Menaria was rather an unknown bowler for the maestro.

Warne uncertain

However, Royals suffered a huge blow when suffered Warne suffered a swelling on his knee, rendering him uncertain for morrow’s game.

“Yes, it is still swollen. The cartilage of my left knee is inflamed. There is swelling and I will have another look at it in the morning,” Warne said.

Warne hurt his knee while fielding in their seven-wicket win over table toppers Mumbai Indians here on Friday but hoped that he will be fit to play Pune. “My knee got stuck when I dived for the ball while fielding yesterday. I have had three operations on that knee. I have been icing it and I will use more ice packs. Hope I can be fit for the match against Pune,” he had said. Sources said Warne would be playing against Pune even if he is less than hundred percent fit. Though Skipper Yuvraj Singh and Jesse Ryder have more than 200 runs under their belt, the rest of the batting has left much to be desired.

Robin Uthappa has made good starts but has not been not at his best. Neither Mithun Manhas nor Manish Pandey has been able to fill the void left by the injured Graeme Smith. The presence of Yuvraj, who had a nice time here as the Rest of India skipper in the Irani Cup and was able to get back into the Indian side after his fine performance last September, should be inspirational. He and Uthappa are capable of destroying any attack on their day and Pune would be praying the duo does so on Sunday against the Royals.