Back in the ring after KO

While the IPL III campaigns of Royal Challengers Bangalore and Deccan Chargers came to similar ends on back-to-back days at the DY Patil Stadium....

While the IPL III campaigns of Royal Challengers Bangalore and Deccan Chargers came to similar ends on back-to-back days at the DY Patil Stadium,their respective captains seemed to acknowledge the defeats in contrasting fashions.

The sullen expression on Anil Kumbles face during Mumbai Indianss late assault remained even when the Bangalore skipper came to address the media after the game. Deccan skipper Adam Gilchrist,on the other hand,didnt let his spirits sink and was even seen sharing jokes with opposition skipper MS Dhoni at the presentation ceremony.

After all,reaching the semi-finals itself must have seemed an achievement for the defending champions after a dismal start to their season. For Bangalore,it was the second consecutive case of putting in the hard work and falling in the knock-out stages.

Though this is not to say that both teams wouldnt be raring for a win and a spot in the Champions League T20 on Saturday,it remains to be seen how motivated they will be when they clash in the first-ever IPL third-place play,which,interestingly,is a repeat of last years final.

The fact remains that the cricket version of the Champions League CL is still years away from attracting even half the attention and popularity bestowed upon its football counterpart especially the European version. Ironically,it was by aping UEFAs long-running annual football extravaganza that the CL T20 was conceived. And though it has earned value for being an important event,financially at least,for all the teams involved; the IPL still remains the major prize.

While the Chargers decided to take Friday off,the Royal Challengers turned up at the Bandra Kurla Complex to go through their routine one last time this season. But coach Ray Jennings still seemed hurting from the semi-final loss,and bemoaned about the shifting of the venue and the resulting advantage for Mumbai Indians.

Having the semi-final in Bangalore,we obviously would have prepared what we wanted. I think Sachin spent a bit of time there and made sure the wicket is prepared how he sought. The wicket we played on was a lot more sandy and spinning-friendly. It didnt have the bounce and the seam movement that we saw last night, said Jennings.

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He did however add that the extra days break for his team could make the difference on Saturday. I suppose the Deccan Chargers have got one day shorter. Its going to be tough for both sides. Hopefully,our sides a lot more professional than the opposition, he said.

Like most third-place games,the contest might well be just an anti-climatic lull before the storm that is the grand final on Sunday.