Classics to be remixed
The IPL is expected to witness the classics being remixed. VVS Laxman, Wasim Jaffer, Rahul Dravid will be under pressure to play a cross batted shot or attempt a reverse sweep. Or can they show the world that their copy book style works in the slam bang version of the game too? Laxman has never played a T20 match and his strike rate in one-dayers is 71. Dravid too has never played a T20 international and neither has Justin Langer. This is the time for technically perfect batsmen to make a point.

OH NO, NOT AGAIN

Harbhajan Singh vs Andrew Symonds
Andrew Symonds undoubtedly happens to be one of the world’s best all-rounders, but the whopping US$1.3m in the auction didn’t come his way merely because of his cricketing abilities. Like it or not, the Australian’s recent spate of controversies with Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh have been the selling point of clashes between the two countries. In case of the IPL, the same USP will again surface when Mumbai Indians play the Deccan Chargers.

Shane Warne vs John Buchanan
Here’s one clash that has been simmering for years. Shane Warne’s dislike for John Buchanan is common knowledge. Warne had ridiculed the role of a coach in general and Buchanan in specific when there was talk about Australia’s undefeated march. Last heard, Warne was calling Buchanan a “goose” and somebody with “verbal diarrhea.” Things have changed. Warne now is the coach himself (captain-coach of the Rajasthan Royals). Lets see what the Googly Guy has to say now.

... contd.