Overall IPL Standings at the Halfway Mark – Season – 12

Hearty welcome to everyone, after completing 7 games each side, the IPL is running in full swing. This is the ideal time for us to speak on the further move to be taken in this tournament.  Also, I will be briefing about CSK’s performance so far and how it can be improved.

Scenario at the Mid Stage

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Looking at the Points Table, we can see that, except RCB and RR, all others are sailing safely in this ride, with chances still open. RCB and RR have suffered so far, lacking the camaraderie. Despite having great players in their list and passing through close games, they are not lucky enough to cross the line. Their prospect of entering into the playoffs seems dull from now on. As a result, both of them can play positively and try to end up the show in a decent manner.

Additionally, Mumbai and Punjab have placed themselves in a 50-50 position, as their win ratio in the past 5 matches, reveals inconsistency. I think this problem is due to captaincy errors. Both Rohit and Ashwin understand the game very well, but, are too expressive, hence, getting carried away at times. If they develop a cool-headed approach here onwards, it might intensify the probability of entering the final four.

Team Balance – A Major Concern

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The Team Balance Chart suggests that, only Kolkata, Delhi and Punjab are having a decent squad, well covered in all aspects. These three teams under smart captaincy as said above, can reach good heights. All other teams are proportionally unstable and fragile, at least in one domain, with the likes of SRH having an under-performing middle order and CSK leading the table with expensive death bowlers and sluggish fielders.

Till now, I witness many standby players benched on for a long time reasoning out the winning combination strategy, and suddenly are exposed to the real time instant, forcing them to perform; if they fail, they are eventually axed in the next match. E.g. Joe Denly (KKR), Sam Billings (CSK), Ben Cutting (MI), Ashton Turner (RR) etc. Irrespective of a local/foreign player, everyone requires some time to blend with the heat to perform, if not, they collapse, as in most cases. Team balance should be maintained on shuffling the available skill sets periodically, enhancing the performance rate of each individual.

Situation of the Table Toppers

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This chart displays the fluctuating nature of CSK due to the lack of good fast bowling in the absence of Ngidi, Willey and Bravo (in the recent stages). Even though 4 games among 7 were played in their hometown, their performance on all three departments did not remain above par. The Super Kings managed to achieve these many wins solely because of their skipper’s mastermind and Imran Tahir’s vital breakthroughs.

CSK – An In Depth Analysis

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Let’s go through a quick SWOT analysis on CSK. The prime strengths are the Middle order batting mainstays with MSD being the backbone in most of the matches, combined with a good start with the ball provided by Deepak Chahar in the power-plays.

While one of weaknesses predominantly noted in every match is the dismissal of the openers within the first six overs, with Watson being the scapegoat on every occasion. After which, the middle order struggles to build partnerships, therewith taking the game very deep every time, stressing the spectators.

With respect to opportunities, there are plenty to be availed for improvements, starting with a change in batting order, by resting Watson for Billings to open the show. Also, Raina and Rayudu could be replaced for a couple of matches, inserting some of the uncapped local lads. Moreover, as all the teams are expected to come hard at CSK in the forthcoming games, the fast bowling line up must be modified in advance, by axing Thakur for Asif, with a timely interchange between Kuggeleijn and Santner, based on the conditions. These replacements will definitely ensure betterment in the fielding.

Lastly, the major threat to be cautious about is, the predictable and reckless pace attack at the business end followed by the sloppy fielding. The excess leakage of runs can be prevented by reducing the unwanted alterations of line and length at crucial junctures. When you are perplexed, not knowing what to do next, the idea is to keep it simple and stick to basics. Apart from few notable names like Du Plessis, Dhoni, Tahir, Bhajji and Jadeja, others also, have to contribute sumptuously, in order to handle final stages of the tournament.

I shall sum up the proceedings, by predicting my set of teams that are likely to enter the playoffs i.e., CSK, DC, MI and KKR.

So everyone, please post your predictions on the comment section and also refer to my other posts on venkysanalysis.home.blog and Like, Share the same. I will come back after a week’s time with a new content. Till then Ta-Ta!!!!!!!!!