Gujarat Titans have many strengths hence why they sit at the top of the table.
Consistency of performance over a long tournament is an admirable skill. A team that has not relied heavily on a few individuals but the match winning performances spread far and wide amongst a talented squad. So many different players winning man of the match awards.
Hardik Pandya has led the side with great distinction. Not only his calmness on the pitch but easy to forget a captain’s role is just as important behind the camera and establishing a good trustworthy environment is crucial for players to thrive in.
Pandya has also embraced and relished the role not hiding and letting others play a central role at his expense. He has been keen to bowl his overs at important times and try and take responsibility with the bat and add a new dimension to his batting method. He has become a better and more knowledgeable player for his captaincy experience.
A pace attack of Shami and Ferguson with plenty of support from Dayal and Joseph and the captain has more often than not put sides instantly on the back foot. The perfect recipe for the master spinner to spin his web after the powerplay. Rashid Khan too has developed in this tournament as a more all-round force.
David Miller has emerged once again as a fine finisher and calm presence in the middle overs. So many players playing their best cricket says much about the management and environment around this top side. Standout numbers are they have more wickets in powerplay than other sides and are more economical than other sides with the ball in overs 16-20.
As far as weaknesses go there are very few. They lost their last game so that’s not ideal perhaps but could be put down to a game with little on it. They will want more from their top order.
Runs have come but not as consistently as they would like. Shubman Gill has a chance to shine on the biggest stage and show the world just how good a player he is. Mathew Wade has made contributions along the way. He, too, a fine player and the tournament yet to see his best most destructive form.
Eden gardens may provide pace and help for the quicker bowlers so this May suit the Titans. However it may test their top order more. A tough team to break down with immense confidence and self-belief.
Rajasthan Royals a consistent and formidable batting unit.
Rajasthan have relied heavily on their top order. Consistent runs from Jos Butler in particular has set up winning positions. Sanju Samson has made contributions and the finishing of Hetymer striking at times. Their batting has given a comfortable feel to this talented line up.
Jaiswal has contributed well in the second half of the tournament as Butler’s form has dipped slightly so top order has dovetailed well to keep pressure on bowlers and the Royals have hit more sixes in the tournament than other sides.
Krishna and Boult have led the attack well and proved crucial at the backend of the innings whilst the middle overs dominated by two high class spinners in Ashwin and Chahal. There is no rest bite and no weaknesses in their bowling line up with pressure being applied throughout. The Royals have taken more wickets with spin in the competition which is testimony to this excellent pairing.
Having won 3 of their last 4 games, Rajasthan have maintained high standards throughout and have good form and confidence going through to the playoffs.
Weaknesses are minimal perhaps an over reliance on a top 2 that have functioned so well. If conditions suit the faster bowlers that might challenge Royals but on spicy pitches early in tournament they coped brilliantly and their spinners found a way of delivering on unresponsive surfaces.
Lucknow Super Giants riding on some great signings.
Lucknow with an unbelievable performance in their last game look a real force going into the playoffs. A real confidence boosting outing. Set up by KL Rahul and Quinton de Kock. Hooda at 3 looks a good option to me and possibly not play Evin Lewis to allow Chameera to play if available.
The batting all-rounder in Stoinis and bowling all-rounder in Holder have proved wise acquisitions. Stoinis batting position well utilised and Holder bowling mainly in the middle overs and death. Avesh Khan is certainly one to look out for particular at the start and end of an innings.
They are a team not frightened to make tactical changes depending on the surface and have the options to change the pace of their attack if needed.
Weaknesses are they have lost 2 of their last 3 games but the performance in their final game may negate that. Still want to see more from the spin options if conditions suit. Overall it’s been an immense IPL from a team playing in its first year.
Virat Kohli’s back in form a boost for Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Royal Challengers Bangalore have had a nervy wait but worth it in the end. One can only imagine the team huddled together watching and cheering on Mumbai in their final game. The return to form of Virat Kohli crucial to their hopes in the playoffs. Final group game was a big match and one of their biggest player delivered.
The confidence the team will get from Kohli feeling good about his game again will resonate through the team. Ofcouse it’s not about one player but one player can certainly inspire a team. A team that has stuttered and stumbled at times but has deserved its chance in these playoffs.
2 fine finishers with bat and ball in DK and Harshal worth their weight in gold. A leader calm under pressure and a leg spinner in Hasaranga finding his best form again. Infact they have the second most wickets of spin in the tournament so if conditions suit that is a real strength.
They are team that sit second bottom of the sixes league but to put into context the bottom side is Gujarat Titans who are top so there are many ways of being successful. Glenn Maxwell is ready to pounce and put in a match-winning individual performance again when it matters most.
In Josh Hazelwood they have one of the finest and if there is anything in the pitch to exploit, he will find it with his impeccable line and length. They are a side ready to produce their best. Consistency and problems with the new ball, Hazelwood apart, has hurt the team.
Their returns and numbers are poor in the powerplay with the ball. Economy rate in the final overs also needs improvement but with Harshal the game is never quite over until he has delivered his final ball. 4 wonderful teams 44 amazing players and so much to look forward to over the next week.
