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Mumbai: In the middle of IPL 3, Chennai Super Kings skipper MS Dhoni was heard complaining how his pace battery couldn't stem the flow of runs. The spinners were getting some success but his pacers' contribution was suspect, until Aussie pacer Doug Bollinger flew in from New Zealand.
Since then, Chennai have had fewer worries in the department. He was especially handy in the high-scoring game against Rajasthan Royals, coming up with an exceptional performance of 4-0-15-2.
On Thursday, when Chennai struggled to post a massive total against the Deccan Chargers, Bollinger again led from the front to defend a modest score and enter the final. He finished with 4 for 13, his second four-wicket haul for Chennai, and it came at a time when the team was relying heavily on him.
"It was pretty exciting, especially in T20, where I am happy to restrict batters to singles and couple. Hopefully I can keep getting that. I think it just comes down to enjoying my cricket," Bollinger said after the semi-final at the DY Patil Stadium.
The left-arm pacer has 11 wickets from seven matches so far, adjusting quickly to the conditions. Bollinger was part of the one-day squad that had beaten India last year at home and, since then, the 28-year-old has been a regular member of the Australian side.
Excelling on Indian tracks in T20 after a successful New Zealand ODI tour is not easy, and Bollinger had no time to gel with the new atmosphere and new team mates. But he is quick to explain.
"Chennai has a bit of pace and bounce, so you can use that. But if it's like Delhi, you've just got to bowl a bit straighter and hit the wicket a bit harder. It was different when we played in New Zealand. Every wicket was different. Every player has to adapt their game to the conditions," he said.
The real challenge, though, will be bowling against the Mumbai Indians in the final. Bollinger will be bowling to a side which has played good cricket in the last 40-odd days with no room for error. He feels Chennai have a good chance, specially after the way they beat Deccan in the semis.
"I think we just got to go out there and back our ability one hundred per cent and play like there's nothing to lose, because an IPL final is right up there. They have a great team but I am sure we can match it, like we have before. So we are going to go out there and give it everything," Bollinger said.
