The first week of IPL 2023 is behind us and we have already seen some outstanding cricket in the tournament. For me, the most amazing thing about this IPL has been the atmosphere at the stadiums across India which reminds you that this is the element of this tournament which makes it incredible. It is so special to see the fans’ support and every four, six or wicket being celebrated by the crowd.
In the first week, some teams played terrific cricket while others fell short of the standards. But at the same time, it is important to remember that this is a long tournament. Some sides will start well, and some sides will not.
The sides that don’t start well in such tournaments are tempted to try out many things. The temptation for the sides that don’t start well is to tinker too much with the playing XI because things are not working immediately. My best advice will be to try and stick with the combinations that they felt would have worked in the first place. The danger is that when you try too much too early, you only get more confused, and this situation does not take you anywhere. That is something to be aware of for sides who have not found their best form so far.
Batters taking league to new levels
The average score in week 1 of IPL 2023 was 191. The batting has been taken to a new level and that’s saying something in this league. There were more sixes hit in the first week than ever before. The batters are trying to hit sixes right from the word go and it is showing in the stats.
The pitches in IPL 2023 have been good, which is great news. Let’s not forget that this is a long tournament, and the pitches will wear and tear a little bit.
I am very impressed with some of the shot-making done in this little while. It was extraordinary, to say the least. Let me pick out one as an example: Nicholas Pooran’s reverse hit against Ravindra Jadeja. It was an incredible shot to pull off because it was played with so much control. The standard of batting and ability to dominate bowlers was eye-catching in the first week.
Gujarat Titans see and feel no pressure
Gujarat Titans were very impressive in the first week. In my IPL 2023 season preview, I had written about a slightly different pressure on them because of the tag of defending champions and playing at home. But their performance reflects that none of that has added extra pressure. Shubman Gill has been playing well. Hardik Pandya has not made any solid contributions yet. In a way that’s a good thing. To win without Hardik participating with runs and wickets reflects how well they have been playing and the confidence they have as a side.
Another team that played well last year was Lucknow Super Giants. They too look like a very confident side. The fact that a Quinton de Kock arrives and does not get a game straightaway reflects their confidence. They stuck with Kyle Mayers at the top and Marcus Stoinis in the middle. That’s just the measure of confidence that they have on their side. They are happy to make that call. They beat Sunrisers Hyderabad the other day without Mark Wood. It was a comprehensive victory on a tricky surface. LSG are on the right path.
Punjab Kings have been exceptional too in the tournament. I had picked them as the side to look out for. Their bowling attack has done a superb job. Arshdeep Singh, Sam Curran led the bowling attack well alongside Nathan Ellis. I had mentioned earlier that Ellis is going to be a bowler to watch out for in this IPL and he has already had a good start. A word of appreciation for Shikhar Dhawan who has led the side brilliantly. Punjab are looking in a very good shape right now.
Tilak Varma is some talent
This season has seen many outstanding performances. I am going to pick out Tilak Varma’s knock vs RCB in MI’s opening game as among the finest of the tournament. I learn about the character and temperament of players when the team is struggling. Tilak Varma is one such player who is always ready to battle it out in tough situations and take the team out of trouble. While MI seem to be still in the hangover of the last season, Tilak has resumed from where he left in IPL 2022. When you see him bat, you feel as if he is playing in a side that is continuously winning. He oozes confidence through his strokes. He is super talented and someone who we need to keep a close eye on.
Chennai Super King, at home, were always going to be very tough to beat. That proved to be true after the first week. Their spinners are going to continue to play a big role in home matches. Maheesh Theekshana is going to arrive and now they can mix and match depending on the opposition. They need to get the best out of Ben Stokes and one of the ways to do it could be making him bat at No 3.
CSK’s opening combination is already firing. Ruturaj Gaikwad is back to where he was a couple of years ago. He has got a gloriously simple method to score runs. He is always a treat for the eyes.
The surprise package for me was Kyle Mayers. Andy Flower, LSG coach, is such a good tactician and man manager that he does not get too many things wrong. He has made a good call by putting Mayers up at the top.
After an exciting first week, I am fascinated to see how Week 2 of the tournament turns out to be.
