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Despite the presence of several heavyweights in their squad, Royal Challengers Bangalore finished seventh during the inaugural IPL edition. Roping in Kevin Pietersen as a high-profile skipper didn't add too much energy to the camp either as they began their second season with four losses in five games. It wasn't until an inspired Anil Kumble took over the reins that Bangalore's fortunes received a boost.
The Royal Challengers won seven out of their next 10 games enroute to the final, and were one of the first teams after Mumbai Indians to book their semi-final berth this time around. And though it wouldn't have made up for the disappointing loss against Mumbai on Wednesday, Kumble ensured that Bangalore at least finished IPL III on a high and qualified for the Champions League T20 with a spell of 4/13. In the bargain holders Deccan Chargers were pushed off the podium as they suffered a nine-wicket loss at the DY Patil Stadium on Saturday.
The game may have begun almost on the same note as last season's final, as Kumble opened the bowling and got rid off rival skipper Adam Gilchrist in the very first over of Deccan's innings. But unlike last time, there was to be no recovery for the Chargers as the Bangalore bowlers finished the job that their skipper had begun in style. In fact so poor were the Chargers, that their innings witnessed two maiden-wicket overs with Dale Steyn and Jacques Kallis taking the honors.
Being led by Pragyan Ojha, Amit Mishra and Harbhajan Singh, this IPL's top wicket-takers list might represent the present and future of India's spin department. And Kumble wasn't to be left out as he finished the tournament as he joined Mishra and Harbhajan with 17 scalps. The veteran leg-spinner was at his meanest even last year, where he finished with 21 wickets with only RP Singh having dismissed more batsmen.
Third-place playoffs rarely ever end up creating much excitement and apart from the Bangalore skipper's spell that was hardly much on show. And though Bangalore did have a chance of finishing the game off in style, openers Kallis who overtook Sachin Tendulkar as the highest run-getter so far and Rahul Dravid took their time and sealed the deal with six overs to go.
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