A tale of four South Africans !

Bangalore Royal Challengers finally managed to do justice to their huge pool of talent. Manish Pande, Virat Kohli and even Robin Uthappa played sensible Cricket. But BRC actually looks like the South African national Team to me. Kallis, Steyn, Boucher and Van der Merve; four from the front-line Springbok team. The dilemma before Anil Kumble is all about whom to keep out?

Boucher is always competitive and his keeping remains as sharp as ever. Boucher's ability with the bat can tilt the balance in close games and this will give BRC the edge. I believe that nerdy looking Goswami fits into the BRC scheme of things exactly like the size 6 shoes of Parthiv Patel do on Mathew Hayden's feet. If Boucher is there, he has to be 'There'. Anil, you keep Boucher out at your own peril!

Van der Merve is a very useful player down the order. He is capable of low intensity explosions with the bat and is a fabulous left arm spinner for this version of Cricket. And he is a fantastic fielder too; especially of his own bowling. But when the star studded team has to keep someone out, this will be the guy; or so it seems. Is it really so?

Then we move on to the one performer who has proved he indeed qualifies to be recognized as an 'All Time Great'. Kallis is simply unbelievable. He plays with the calm of a sage and then can do savage hitting like a lion in rage. The 'Orange Cap' might remain on his head throughout the season!

But what is so wonderful about Kallis is his dedication to the game, the team and the job on hand. In the first match, he saw wickets falling at the other end and stayed glued till the end to impart some respectability to the team total. In the second, it was his assured presence that made the 'Jumbo' chase possible. Hats Off!

Then we have the currently number one ranked bowler in the world, Dale Steyn. Somehow, Steyn looks less than involved in the game when he is not playing for his country. All through the IPL, he has looked as if he is here only 'For a few Dollars more'. His fielding today was as horrible as that of Ashish Nehra at his worst. Let me be pardoned if Steyn indeed is here to give his best. But till now, he has not done even 5% justice to his talent or the top billing.

If I am involved in selecting the BRC team, I would keep Dale Steyn out and play with a local pacer. Van der Merve for me looks a better bet on Indian pitches!