First Indian Premier League match

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Bangalore Royal Challengers v Kolkata Knight Riders

Friday at 3pm.

Odds from #####

 

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In case you have been on Mars or can't stand cricket, this is the new controversial Twenty20 event.

The Setanta sports preview for these two outfits are

Bangalore Royal Challengers
Coach: Venkatesh Prasad
Captain: Rahul Dravid – It might be a quick gung-ho smack around for some, but a spot of tactical nous certainly will not go a miss. This former Indian skipper has cricket knowhow in bucketloads and could prove to be a key part of Bangalore’s bid for success.
Man to watch: Jacques Kallis – Wisden Cricketer’s Almanack is not called the cricket bible for nothing; Kallis was recently bestowed with their award for the cricketer of the year for 2007. A certain sign that the South African is a man in frightening form.
Best of the rest: Anil Kumble, Zaheer Khan, Mark Boucher Dale Steyn, Shivnarine Chanderpaul.
Did you know? The team's chief executive Charu Sharma said the team chose its red and yellow colours because it will make attractive viewing under lights!
Verdict: A lack of destructive batsman could prove to be their undoing. Likely to be caught out in the latter stages, no place for them in the semi-finals.

Kolkate Knight Riders
Coach: John Buchanan
Captain: Sourav Ganguly – Few would argue that Ganguly is the most successful Test skipper in India’s history. A forward-thinking, uncompromising leader who will not be short on initiative if the latest side to play under his stewardship find themselves in need of a spark of imagination.
Man to watch: Ishant Sharma – It takes something pretty special to get the nod as our star man when you take a look below at who Sharma is up against in the Kolkate team. The 19-year-old is, according to none other than Steve Waugh, the most exciting prospect in India. Keep an eye out for his variation and ability to move the ball both ways.
Best of the rest: Ricky Ponting, Chris Gayle, Umar Gul, Salman Butt.
Did you know? Bollywood superstar Shahrukh Khan will own the Kolkate franchise for the next ten years.
Verdict: Ganguly and former Australia coach Buchanan will bring a mass of wisdom to the table. A good bet for the knockout stages.