So we are one-third into the league stage of the IPL (27 out of 72 matches done with to be precise), and it looks like it is going to be a photo-finish as far as the play-offs are considered or, to put in Ravi's words, 'going right down to the wire' :) Pune Warrior's comfortable victory over the Daredevils yesterday confirmed one thing: no team can be assured off a play-off spot at this stage and, unless Deccan lose today as well, no team is out of the race. Match attendances seem to be good (and I will contribute towards that today in the MI vs KXIP match), though, for some reason, the TV audiences seem to be falling. But, so far, it has been a great tournament. Here is a quick check on what the teams have been doing so far:
Delhi Daredevils (Played - 6, Won - 4, Lost - 2): Relatively looking the strongest team in the tournament, though yesterday, when they were out-batted by Pune, would have hurt. Batting order is probably the strongest in the competition (with Warner still to join - but will Morne Morkel - their best bowler- make way for him ?). Bowling has done quite well, especially in that demolition of Mumbai Indians. And Pietersen finally running into form must be a very omininous sign for the opposition. Still tip them to be the first to get to the play-offs stage.
Chennai Super Kings: (7-4-3): Have been inconsistent so far, which is not befitting a two-time champion and a side who has had the same core for 5 years now. Things would have been worse had it not been for Albie Morkel's stunning hiest against RCB. Key batsman are not firing: Vijay and Raina. Du Plessis has been a revelation (and would be interesting to see what happens when Hussey returns). As regards the bowling, they have been pretty decent with Bollinger and Ashwin doing well. However, their 5th bowler (Bravo, Jadeja and Jakati) can leak the runs. They now have 2 wins on the trot and should capitalize on the momentum to see them through to the play-offs.
Kings XI Punjab: (6-2-4) Have generally struggled, and will do so more now that Gilchirst is injured. Azhar Mahmood's return would be welcome, and he immediately felt his presence felt in the first game. But with his visa not permitting him to travel beyond Mohali and Delhi, KXIP would find themselves handicapped. Still, Shaun Marsh and David Hussey are good T20 batsman and should bat in the top 4. But their bowling is not something which will concern the opposition, especially with Praveen Kumar struggling. Parwinder Awana was also a welcome addition in the last game.
Mumbai Indians (5-3-2). Have had a long time off since their forgetable night against Delhi, and the lop-sided schedule means that they have 2 games in hand as compared to some of the other sides. Still. the two losses have exposed the chinks in the armour (and they should have lost against Deccan as well). And with Malinga out, it is a serious blow, with the bowling suddenly not looking as formadible as it once was. Still RP, Munaf, Bhajji and Ojha form a good unit. They also have struggled to get their combination right. With Sachin scheduled to be back today, MI would be hoping to get their campaign back on track with a couple of wins against KXIP in their next two games. Still favour them for a play-off spot.
Rajasthan Royals (7-4-3). The team of the IPL so far. I had mentioned in my IPL preview that they would struggle to make the play-offs, and they are proving me wrong so far. And, for the sake of their 39-yr old captain, I do not mind. Ajinkya Rahane has shown that you can wear the orange cap by playing cultured cricketing shots in T20 and Owais Shah has probably made the most impression from amongst the overseas players. And with Shane Watson set to return, they would be even stronger. Though they need to step it up against the big boys, having lost to MI, CSK and KKR so far.
Pune Warriors (7-4-3). Another vastly improved side. And yesterday, it was Dada's day at the Kotla. Interesting to note that they have beaten both MI and CSK so far and, had it not been for that last over, would have beaten RCB as well. They still need to play out of their skins to reach the play-offs. Also would be interesting to see the influence Micheal Clarke has on the team once he joins in. Their bowling unit of Thomas, Nehra, M Karthik and Rahul Sharma looks decent bit not threatening.
Royal Challengers Bangalore (6-3-3). They would be disappointed to find themselves at 7th place in the table and they have blown hot and cold so far. Have been even-stevens as far as shock results are concerned, Kohli's horror over against CSK was compensated by Nehra's. But their fifth bowler has been the problem area with Apanna, Arvind etc not proving to the task. In batting, they seem to be over-reliant on Gayle, Kohli and DeVilliers. Need to find a way to pull themselves up or would struggle to stay in contention for a semi-final spot.
Kolkata Knight Riders (6-3-3). Have been going about their business relatively quietly this time around, which is a bit unusual. Have a very good side on paper, though Yusuf Pathan has yet to fire. Their skipper seems to be in fine form, and alongwith Kallis, adds a look of solidity to the batting. Still, their tendency of slipping up when seemingly in control would need to be watched. Would need to watch their back very closely
Deccan Chargers (4-0-4). Clearly seem to be a level below the rest, though they have only themselves to blame. They really should not have allowed MI to win that game and dropping Kevin Pietersen thrice in an innings is not very smart cricket !. Today is going to be huge for them, a loss today and they can virtually kiss the play-offs good bye. A pity for a team that has Sangakkara, Steyn and Duminy in their ranks.
Thats all, got to run to the Wankhede now !!!. Will come up with another status check after the next third of matches are done.
Cheers
Amit
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