Yellow brigade showed what they are made up of

Ruturaj Gaikwad celebrates his 50 on Sunday. Pic/BCCI; IPL

The magic of the Men in Yellow emerged bright with their entry into the final of the IPL.

Inserting the Delhi Capitals (DC) on a pitch that Chennai Supper Kings (CSK) skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni expected to slow down, DC unleashed Prithvi Shaw. A few streaky shots mixed with Shaw's authoritarianism put the CSK bowling attack under pressure. I have said that Shaw will deceive as he will flatter. In this outing, it was about why he draws people to sit up and watch him.

Shaw's dominating knock

He was on 57 when DC were 74, which showcased his dominance and control to collar the attack while he took the centrestage. His 60 off 34 balls makes one wonder the impact he can make if he shows more consistency at the top of the order to be a game-changer in the power play.

Skipper Rishabh Pant with an unbeaten 51 off 35 balls and Shimron Hetmyer's 37 off 24 balls made sure DC compiled a total of 172-5 that CSK would have to strive hard to achieve. Pacer Josh Hazlewood and Moeen Ali with restrictive analysis ensured DC didn't run away with a total.

The experience of Dhoni as a leader who has seen many pressure situations, must have been a calming influence in the dressing room at the break.

Ruturaj Gaikwad has been one of the most improved domestic batsmen in the IPL. From the pack of uncapped productive batters he appears to be moving ahead with each innings that calls for a measurable contribution. His innings was about understanding the importance of a performance to give the other experienced players a level of comfort and diluting the pressure off them.

His knock will make the selectors sit up and take notice of a future India batsman in white-ball cricket. Gaikwad's 70 off 50 balls was of as much value to his team's run chase as it was for his cricketing future at the next level.

Robin Uthappa has been around for over a decade in the IPL. Having moved to various franchises, he has seen the highs of being a sought-after player at auctions to being kept as an option. From priority to an option can be disheartening for a player who has seen highs and lows of the arc lights.

His knock was a statement to all who go through what he has experienced over the years. Keep going was the message. His knock of 63 with a strike rate of over 140 was crucial in the partnership with Gaikwad to bring CSK to a situation where the king entered.

Mahi's magic

Dhoni as a batsman will deliver less often than disappoint. The earlier fans accept that the clock has ticked for him in age and lack of international cricket, the more they will draw joy out of these little gems that will give us a peek into nostalgia. They will savour the Mahi magic more.

His finishing took us back to the years when he commanded the title of a finisher. His unbeaten knock of 18 off six balls sealed the entry for the CSK boys into the final.

CSK, more often than not, know how to handle sudden death games. They have been in situations like these for over a decade and more. This game encompasses their ability to handle a situation that DC haven't often encountered.

DC will now be under pressure to handle one more game where they could be knocked out of the tournament despite being the best team in the league.

What it tells us is, yesterday is history, tomorrow a mystery, what matters is today.

The writer is a former Mumbai captain and currently CEO of Baroda Cricket Association

Check out all the latest news and updates on IPL 2021