tirsdag 21. mai 2013

Predictions for the rest of the Indian Premier League


The IPL now has entered the final stages of the competition with two expected and two unexpected teams through to the playoffs. Rajasthan Royals have made it to the final four even though their performances would have been affected due to unfair play on part of some of their players. On the other hand, Hyderabad Sunrisers have managed to make it to the playoffs in their very first year; yes this is a new team after Deccan Chargers were dissolved. It has been a dream run for them as they too almost managed to be unbeaten at home like Rajasthan Royals and Mumbai Indians.
Mumbai Indians and Chennai SuperKings have had a an easy route so to speak since they were always certain to grab one of the first four spots after the conclusion of the first half of the tournament. Chennai got off to a great start this season which was a huge advantage since they have been known to be slow starters. Also, they topped the standings for the first time in the league stage which is surprising given that they have been in the final four times and have won the tournament twice already. Mumbai Indians have managed to make it to the playoffs due to their unbeaten record even though they could only manage to win three out of their eight away matches.
The chances of Hyderabad Sunrisers are the least to lift the cup since they have not been consistent with the bat right through the tournament. Their success can be attributed to their bowlers, Dale Steyn, Ishant Sharma and Amit Mishra. They would face an uphill task against the strong batting lineup of the other three teams. If they have to bat second while chasing a stiff target, it seems unlikely to chase it down given the dire straits their batting has been in during the tournament.
Rajasthan Royals have been hit quite hard on account of the recent controversy involving spot fixing. Not only would their players be demoralized, but their team has also been weakened since they have lost two important spinners from their squad. Assuming they make it past Hyderabad Sunrisers in the Eliminator, lack of spinners could well turn out to be their downfall since the other two matches are being held in Kolkata. They need to lift their game up once again but they do have the desire to do well amidst the new found adversity that the team is facing.
Chennai Super Kings on account of being the IPL champions twice are the clear favorites since they know what has to be done in pressure matches in the knockout stage. They have a very strong team filled with good bowlers, batsmen and all-rounders. They do not lack in any department of the game so are suited to win in any condition and any ground. They would again look to Micheal Hussey to give them good starts and rely on Dhoni to finish off the match whenever needed. Raina is also a key player who can help get the trophy once again.
Lastly, let us talk about Mumbai Indians who are quite charged up to make sure that they do not leave this time without the trophy in their hands. This could also be the last IPL for the god of cricket, Sachin Tendulkar, so the hunger to win the IPL this time around would be even more for the Mumbai Indians players. They have one of the best bowling attacks in the tournament without doubt so it looks like it could well be their year to win the tournament this time around. Also, they have the mental advantage since they have beaten CSK both the times in the league stage. Qualifier 1 is seen as a preview of the final match of the tournament since CSK and MI have been more consistent than the other teams. MI did not do well in their away match against Delhi, the same venue as that of Qualifier 1. But, even if they do not win in Delhi, they have a better chance of winning both games in Kolkata since they have a very good record at the ground, beating the champions KKR in the last year at their home when they looked invincible at Eden Gardens.

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