The last week started with Buttler thrashing Mumbai bowlers all around the park with a 49 ball 83 in their own den in front of 20,000 underprivileged children who came out in support of Mumbai Indians and helped Rajasthan to chase 188 with 3 balls to spare.
Rajasthan Royals were expected to carry their winning form and confidence after beating Mumbai but they faltered again in their very next game against Ashwin’ boys. They made some wholesome changes by bringing in Ish Sodhi and Ashton Turner in place of Steve Smith and Liam Livingstone. They also altered their batting line up by promoting the free-stroking Rahul Tripathi to open along with Buttler and the captain Rahane demoted himself to No.4 but each and every move they made clearly backfired. Rahul Tripathi played a very Rahane like innings, he reached his half-century in the 44th ball he faced and eventually they lost the game. But the tough part that is waiting for them is that after the departure of Stokes, Buttler, Archer and Steve Smith in a week’s time. They don’t have variety in their bench and it will be interesting to see how they handle that situation.
Mumbai Indians on the other hand, after their loss against Rajasthan, won two of their games on the bounce against Rcb and Dc and they have absolutely no problems going forward and look very good to regain the trophy for the 4th time.
Delhi Capitals who won three away matches on the trot, again lost their plot in their home against Mumbai Indians and Rohit made some absolutely gold decisions and ensured Delhi never got into the game at any point after Dhawan’ dismissal. They seriously need to adapt to their low slow Kotla wicket where they have another 3 matches in which they need to win at least 2 games to enter into the playoffs. The major concern for them is the form of Prithvi Shaw and Pant who are failing consistently and making the life of Iyer and Dhawan more difficult. They need Pant and Prithvi to fire every game from now to make sure they finish in the top 4.
Chennai Super Kings looked out of sorts without their Captain Dhoni in their game against SRH but they should just see that as a one-off and should move on once Dhoni enters the field for them.
Sunrisers Hyderabad showed some dangerous signs for opponents in their game against CSK. All witnessed the vintage SRH bowling and they restricted CSK to a below-par total and chased them with ease. The problems for them will arise soon once Warner and Bairstow return to their home for the world cup campaign. By losing two of their best batsmen at the top of the order it will be definitely a hard time for them considering the fact that Williamson is also not in the best of his touch. That is where, it will be interesting to see how their think tank with the likes of Laxman, Moody, and Muralidharan react to that situation.
Kings XI completed a comprehensive win against RR in their last game and with their captain leading from the front they seem to be quietly making their way into the playoffs. The only concern for them is their death bowling where even Shami has been taken to cleaners. They need to address their death bowling concerns big time as the tournament is heading towards the fag end since there is no breathing space.
RCB need to win every game from now on and the addition of Dale Steyn has helped big time for them. The swing and control he gives them with the new ball have helped Kohli to hold back Chahal for middle and death overs. Navdeep Saini has been the biggest positive for not only RCB but also for the future of Indian cricket. Saini along with Steyn has made them a much better bowling side with Chahal looking after the spin department. With Kohli and ABD in top form and with Moeen Ali’ consistency with the bat they seemed to have addressed all their issues at present but once Stoinis and Moeen Ali return to their home for world cup campaign by April 26h and May 1st respectively, they again will have to find out their best winning combination but by then India would be in England to play their first warm-up match against Bangladesh for the world cup.
Kolkata Knight Riders have lost 4 matches on the trot and they are not seizing small moments in the game and letting the opposition to go away with the game. Time and again, they are expecting Russell to bail them which at times even Russell is not able to do so. Dinesh Karthik is finding it difficult with not having a proper go-to bowler, with Kuldeep not taking wickets in the middle overs, KKR looks like a completely dejected side at the moment. They just need one good game to regain the lost momentum because they are a type of team who could be impossible to stop if they are on a roll.
In all probability, one could come to a conclusion of teams that are going to make the playoffs in the coming week.
Bala'Blog 