Mumbai vs Kolkata: Starry, starry night!

Mumbai: The star brigade will be out in full strength at the Brabourne Stadium on Monday as Shah Rukh Khan's Knights take on Mumbai in what should be a high octane affair. The two poster boys of Indian cricket, who scripted many a fine partnerships, are this time on opposite sides. And while Sachin Tendulkar looks to be still in his prime, Sourav Ganguly has some catching up to do.

Kolkata have never beaten Mumbai in the previous editions of the IPL. On paper, it seems things could stay that way for another game. But as we've always maintained, cricket is a game of glorious uncertainties. Who would have thought Kolkata would lose to Rajasthan on Saturday. And who would have imagined that Bangalore will beat Mumbai so comprehensively. But the edge, we must admit, is still with the hosts.

Barring the disappointing loss to Bangalore, Mumbai have been in fine form. Tendulkar himself has been middling the ball well, while Suarabh Tiwary has been the find of the season. The fact that Tiwary and Ambati Rayadu have been sent up the order has only added to their confidence. Keiron Pollard and Dwayne Bravo must also be waiting to stamp their authority in the tournament and Monday's game is the best opportunity to do so.

Apart from a fine batting lineup, Mumbai's bowlers have also come to the party early on. Zaheer Khan and Lasith Malinga have been incisive with the new ball. Harbhajan Singh has been good in patches and is yet to find his rhythm. The same is true for Pollard and Bravo.

Their West Indies counterpart Chris Gayle will though hope that they remain off colour for another game. Gayle could not bat in the last game becuase of fever, but is expected to open the innings on Monday. His sight in the middle and a good knock from his blade is what can lift the drooping morale and shoulders of the Knights.

In the last game, the Kolkata batsmen were also guilty of wasting too many deliveries. The opening pair of Manoj Tiwary and Brad Hodge have experience mixed fortunes, while Sourav Ganguly has been at best scratchy. He needs to drop himself down the order and allow younger players like Owais Shah, Angelo Mathews and even Wridhiman Saha to come up the order.

Kolkata's bowlers have been a tighter lot though, especially with Bond among their ranks. But Mumbai have a devastating line-up and the bowlers will have to come up with something special to stop them from running away with the game.

If Kolkata win the toss, they must bat first and set up a total. They are way too much under pressure while chasing. They are aware of the importance of momentum and the debacle that follows once it is lost. A job well begun is half done? In the case of the IPL, the answer is NO! If Kolkata do not improve and return to winning ways, they could well be staring the barrel yet again.