Let me start with how super impressed I have been with Lucknow Super Giants, and not just because they got through but also for managing their resources well. I have talked about Marcus Stoinis and Nicholas Pooran, who keep getting better as the tournament progresses. But other LSG players too have shone under pressure situations. Mohsin Khan is a big example of the same. He kept his calm in the final over against Tim David and Cameron Green of Mumbai Indians. Not easy to defend just 11 off the last over. Not to forget, Mohsin had just come back from injury and had not played much cricket before this game. It was a huge moment for him and he delivered under the massive pressure.

Krunal Pandya has impressed as LSG captain

Against KKR, Yash Thakur was equally good. Not easy for impact bowlers to straightaway make an impact on the game. He is aggressive too and LSG have done well to use their resources. With Rinku Singh going so well, Yash was brilliant to pull off an all-important win for LSG. The games have been going down to the wire and LSG have found the way of coping with those pressure moments. I think Krunal Pandya has done a brilliant job as captain, keeping a nice, calm head. The 89 that Stoinis scored against Mumbai was fantastic to watch too.

The important of Stoinis’ 89 vs MI

This past week has been about milestones, including Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill’s innings. The week saw some unbelievable hundreds. Heinrich Klaasen must get a special mention as he was all class on that day, in terms of T20 batting. I thought Klaasen’s hundred was unbelievably good. For a South African player who is not used to playing in subcontinent against spin, that was a T20 batting masterclass.

But that Stoinis’ 89 was as good as a hundred. The game of cricket loves and lauds milestones. But I hope the IPL fans don’t forget this innings amid the several tons scored this year. That 89 helped LSG beat MI. Stoinis talked to me later about the innings that how he built it in a smart way. He rans singles and doubles at the start and finished it with a cluster of boundaries. It kind of summed up how LSG have been going about their cricket. I hope this innings of 89 is not forgotten in grand scheme of things. Such an innings may not win awards and pick Orange Caps but it had a massive say in LSG winning that game and eventually qualifying for the playoffs.

Kohli 100 was sublime

RCB were impressive vs SRH the other night. That innings from Kohli was sublime. It is their top order which continued to function well throughout the championship. RCB too found a way to get through some pressure moments and come out victorious in many games. Yet, it was not enough to get into the playoffs. Faf du Plessis and Co must be disappointed of not reaching plays offs for first time in a few years. They need to look to introspect as their top order has been awesome but more depth may be sought moving forward.

All-round CSK will be hard to beat

Chennai Super Kings look a fantastic side to me. They are going to be a tough team to beat in the playoffs. They are playing at home and are going to be very difficult challenge for the opposition. They have done many things right this IPL. Their top-order is clicking. The understanding and communication between Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway are there to be seen. They have developed a bond, off the field too, and it shows when they bat together. Shivam Dube’s role changed a little bit now. He comes in to up the ante in the middle overs. They obviously have Ravindra Jadeja and MS Dhoni, who keep coming at you, in the death overs. Deepak Chahar coming back strongly and pairing with in-form Tushar Deshpande has strengthened their bowling attack. With fine spinners at the helm, CSK look a complete side. The Gujarat Titans have been super impressive and favourites in the playoffs. The GT vs CSK match will be a mouth-watering game in the playoffs.

Rinku Singh is ready for international cricket

Rinku Singh has been one of the biggest successes of the competition. His numbers are good but what we need to see is how and where he has been scoring these runs. Merely looking at his numbers won’t reveal his significance for KKR this season. He has got runs under pressure in tense chases and has been consistently impressive in finishing the games in the last over. I think he is ready to play international cricket. I hope he gets a designated role of a finisher while playing internationals.

A Sunday that saw classy hundreds

The final day of the league stage saw as many as three tons and all of them classy in their own ways. Cameron Green, firstly, taking Mumbai over the line with his maiden IPL ton. Under pressure to perform while batting up the order on a good pitch, Green showed why he is sought after. That innings also underlines the fact that the powerhouse batting lineups will take some stopping in the playoffs.

Kohli with back-to-back hundreds, looked at his very best and was pleasing to the eyes. On the big stage, with so much at stake, he rose to the occasion. Subman Gill and GT showed their class and power with a perfect response to an imposing chase which will give them confidence going into playoffs.