The Matara Mauler

He's back, and with a bang that left the Chennai Super Kings shellshocked. Defending 157, the game was shut out from them after just six overs when the score read 78/0. When Sanath hits sixes over point, you know what's coming! When 140 kph deliveries are flicked over midwicket, you just stand and admire. That's what Dhoni should have done yesterday - he looked like a man who'd just seen a ghost. He was never a part of the Indian team in the late 90s, that was regularly walloped by Sanath. This was probably the first time he'd encountered a feeling of hopelessness and helplessness. Sachin, on the other hand, must have been a mighty relieved man. Better to be on Sanath's side when he's in that mood.

I haven't been watching the IPL matches too closely. Cricket matches, I feel, are getting bogged down due to too many interruptions. Time is wasted in conferences after each ball, each shot to the boundary, each third umpire referral. Only the explosive batting of three people are worth wasting all that time - Gilchrist, Yuvraj and of course, Sanath. And I got full value yesterday.