Bangalore could make history in tight finish

Mitchell Starc could help the Royal Challengers Bangalore make Indian Premier League history, former Commonwealth Bank Southern Star Mel Jones believes.

Jones has watched this IPL season closer than most as a member of the tournament’s expert commentary team and she said while it was almost too close to call - given how closely matched the top four teams were - she thought Bangalore could charge from third spot to take the title.

“A team finishing third or fourth has never gone through and won the competition,” Jones said.

“If you stick with that theory, then it will be tough for Rajasthan or RCB to go through.

“But saying that, the Royal Challengers have had a fantastic tournament and most teams would not want to meet them in the playoffs, given they have Chris Gayle, Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers and Mitchell Starc.

“Everything is right up in the air, which is fantastic to watch.”

Image Id: ~/media/015D7E24308D4D9D9A61FF048645F98AMitchell Starc has the best average in IPL8 // BCCI

Bangalore were in the box seat to finish second on the ladder and take a double chance into the playoffs before their match against Delhi Daredevils was rained out on Saturday, allowing Mumbai Indians to slip into No.2.

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Jones said while Chennai’s consistent line-up and home grown talent had seen them finish on top of the ladder, the departure of Brendon McCullum for New Zealand Test duties could be a major blow.

 “They are just wavering a little at the top of the order,” she said.

“Teams need to make sure they perfect the power play overs.

“I’ve also love for Rajasthan to go through to the final because of the Australians in the team – Shane Watson, James Faulkner and Steve Smith – but my gut is saying at the moment the Royal Challengers could take it out.”

Jones also picked her best batsman, bowler and all-rounder for the tournament to date. Not surprisingly, two of the three come from the team she has tipped as potential title-winners.

“If AB de Villiers had batted at three from the start, I think he probably would have taken over the orange cap (for leading run scorer) from David Warner,” she said.

“He’s just in the stratosphere at the moment with his batting.

“Starc has been outstanding after he missed the first few rounds and as an allrounder, Andre Russell has been a real standout.”