The top four sides look reasonably well set so could there be a twist that sees a late change to the standings?
Delhi Capitals most recent loss to CSK may well have had a double impact. A thumping loss that not only meant missing out on 2 vital points but a real dent in their net run rate which could prove pivotal if they are to get back into winning ways.
The illness to Prithvi Shaw has been unfortunate and come at a bad time as they look to finish the group stages with a bang. It just shows how crucial his contributions at the top of the order are. More importantly the role he plays in getting the side of to a flyer to take some pressure off the rest of the batting unit. He is certainly one of the very best and most influential players in the IPL.
The return of Nortje has been timely and form is welcome to a side desperate to find its best form. Mustafizur though is a must for me bowling at the end of the innings and he not playing has an impact on his sides ability to close games out.
Kuldeep Yadav has been quiet in recent games and not picking up wickets in the middle has had a major influence. I have been surprised that he has not bowled his full allocation of overs regularly over the last four games.
Naturally with Delhi Capitals it’s easy to focus on the top 2 of Shaw and Warner but the lack of substantial and match changing innings from Rishabh Pant has hurt the batting line up, after all he is one of the most dangerous and game changing batters in the modern game.
Remaining games see them play Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians. Truth is hard to see them win all 3 on current form but certainly have personnel and resources to give themselves a chance.
SRH have been in freefall for the last few games. An effective method of bowling first and restricting sides to scores of 150-170 working well for a batting unit that has been over reliant on Markram and Pooran to finish the innings. Skipper Kane Williamson is a touch player who is out of touch and the team struggling to be really effective in the powerplay overs with the bat.
That said Rahul Tripathi has had his moments with the bat. With the ball inevitably changes have been made with results going against them. As an opponent I would like Jansen out of the side so whether his omission is down to physicality and needling a rest or tactical change can be debated but the potency of the attack has been reduced significantly.
Add to that the unavailability of Natarajan and Washington Sunday through injury have played a significant role That said whilst Umran Malik has been expensive in recent games his continued emergence as a genuinely quick bowler has been hugely impressive and a big future awaits if he is well managed and his 2 months working with Dale Steyn May prove a determining factor in his development.
Their batting unit lacks power and thus chasing scores of 190-210 has proved difficult for any side but particularly SRH. Their run in sees them play KKR, Mumbai and Punjab kings so games they will feel are winnable, if they can rediscover their mojo then unlikely but possible to qualify if top sides squander their opportunities.
KKR have played 12 games so just 4 points on offer to at best get them to 14 points, so unlikely be enough. A side that has swapped and changed a lot and not really settled on a balance of side and constantly changing combinations and resources.
A side that started well but lost its way in the middle of the competition will most likely determine its fate. A couple of the world’s finest players struggling for form and game time has had a big impact on their outcomes. Punjab kings have been an entertaining side to watch with the bat.
The anchor role provided by Shikar Dhawan compliments their outrageous talent in the middle overs. At times they have been too aggressive in the middle overs and not finished the innings well. They are a dangerous side to play against, a threatening side that can outplay any side.
A bowling unit led by Rabada has given them wicket taking potential and match winning performances. Remaining games are RCB, Delhi and SRH. Unlikely this dangerous, inconsistent but very watchable side will make the playoffs.
Of the top 4 sides, all have generally shown consistency of selection which is off course easier to do when winning. The bigger brakes between games have helped these sides keep their bowling units fit and available for selection and the top four sides in LSG, GT, RR and RCB all have well balanced bowling units with LSG relying more on pace and control.
High class spinners are on show for these sides and Hasaranga’s form crucial now in the run in and potentially in the playoffs for RCB. The top four sides currently have their future in their hands and should make the playoffs but there is still time for twists and turns in this great competition.
