The 13th edition of IPL has reached its halfway mark with the completion of the game between KKR and RCB. We will review each of the teams’ performance and what to expect from them in the 2nd half of this IPL.
Kings XI Punjab (KXIP): W-1, L-6
With just one win in this IPL, KXIP is at the bottom of the table. The Kings started well, and a tinge of bad luck due to an umpiring error cost them their very first match against DC, which went to super over. Since then, their campaign has been in a downward spiral except for the win against RCB in their 2nd game. Their over-reliance on Rahul & Mayank at the top, a failing middle-order, and a struggling bowling attack meant they were never really in the majority of games.
Chris Gayle’s imminent return might boost the batting order, but their bowling attack is still a cause of concern. It looks like KXIP will most likely end up outside top-4 once again.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK): W-2, L-5
CSK is looking like a pale shadow of themselves in this season so far. After winning the opening game against MI despite missing a few of their leading players, they lost their next three matches on the trot and never looked like a side showing intent to win games. CSK managed to win one more against KXIP and looked like making a strong comeback but again lost the next 2. The main reason for their debacle is the lack of intent by their batsmen to win games. MS Dhoni’s form did not make things better for CSK.
If CSK’s batsmen, in general, can play a bit more attacking and positive cricket, we may very well see the repeat of 2010.
Rajasthan Royals (RR): W-3, L-4
With a couple of stunning wins from impossible and many one-sided defeats, their campaign has been a mixed bag so far. Till their 7th game, which they won in Dubai, the Royals never looked a side that could win away from Sharjah. The main reason for their 4 defeats has to be their batting where none of the batsmen got going consistently other than a lesser-known Rahul Tewatia and lack of in the bowling department to Jofra Archer.
If their famed overseas batting lineup can step up from now on, RR can turn things around and be a dark horse.
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH): W-3, L-4
Their campaign has been somewhat similar to the Rajasthan Royals. They are a top-heavy team and depend on the top 3 and Williamson to do all the scoring. Barring one of the games where the youngsters stepped up and won them the game. It has been Bairstow and Warner’s show all the way. An injury to Bhuvi meant their bowling is entirely dependent on Rashid Khan and Natarajan at the death.
They still have a chance at the playoffs, provided their middle-order batsmen such as Vijay Shankar contributes consistently and relieving pressure off the opening batsmen.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR): W-4, L-3
This is a team that won not 1 but 2 games from the jaws of defeat. They have probably one of the best middle-order in this IPL but have not fired yet. The constant shuffling of openers does not help the teams cause either, and their bowling attack has done well in patches. So still, KKR is yet to play at their best despite having won 4 games.
With some doubts lingering around Sunil Narine’s bowling and lack of runs from Russell, KKR has few things to look upon in the 2nd half. KKR is in a decent position to reach the playoffs at the moment but has to start playing consistent cricket.
