Last Updated on 5 years by Charbel Coorey
IPL 2020 Squad Analysis written by Sridhar Bhamidi
Sridhar is part of the Flashscore Cricket team. You can follow their live ball-by-ball commentary for all international cricket and the IPL. Check them out on Facebook and Twitter
As the cricketing world comes to terms with the new age order post COVID-19, the 12-year old Indian Premier League (IPL) promises a rebirth in 2020.
Such is the pull of ‘brand IPL’ that even the ICC T20I World Cup had to give way. Now, while that is a contentious decision that will keep buzzing for some time to come with murmurs of dissent over the BCCI’s financial muscle, such is the necessity of the IPL for the BCCI’s coffers that the 13th edition is now being played in the UAE from September 19 to November 10. Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi will reverberate (quite literally, in empty stadiums) with IPL action.
One new dimension this year is that captains and team management will have their hands full keeping the players focused amid the strict regulations that mean each team will stay in a bio-bubble. That could mean that the captain’s role will be even more vital than normal in this season of many unknowns.
It is the kind of tournament that requires A.I. powered predictive cricket analytics such is its competitive nature. As we near D-Day, it’s time to look at each team’s chances in detail.
CHENNAI SUPER KINGS
Close your eyes and say ‘Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK). There is a strong chance of you visualising Chepauk Stadium full of the ‘Yellow Army’, a smiling MS Dhoni parading his oldies, or a spin-heavy team choking their opponents. As the only team to make it to every IPL playoffs, CSK are the darling of the Indian cricket masses, thanks largely to MSD and the fact that they won three titles and reached the finals on five other occasions.
The blitz around Suresh Raina’s departure has been a googly for MSD’s side. Raina (5,368 IPL career runs) was their glue at no.3 with a consistency (39 50+ scores in 189 matches) only few can match. His absence puts even more strain on MSD (4,432 IPL runs, Avg. 42.20), who was their only player to score 400+ runs last season.
CSK continue to retain the core of their side, which could be a boon or bane. The oldies like Shane Watson and Dwayne Bravo still pack a punch, while Deepak Chahar and Josh Hazlewood could be irksome with their accuracy. The addition of Piyush Chawla – one of the only four bowlers to take 150 IPL wickets – could be a masterstroke.
Without doubt, the CSK of 2020 have many variables egging us to back a punt on them missing the playoffs. But with MSD in the saddle, expect the unexpected from the most consistent team in IPL history.
Key player: Dhoni – for his man-management skills.
Key domestic player: Deepak Chahar
Key overseas player: Dwayne Bravo
Young player to watch: R Sai Kishore – the left-arm spinner from Chennai who was the leading wicket-taker in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2019/20.
Dark horse pick: Sam Curran
Prediction: Will they, won’t they? They just might not make the playoffs. Others think they will – catch the CricBlog official predictions here!
DELHI CAPITALS
Forget the Royal Challengers, Delhi Capitals (DC) are the quintessential underachievers of the IPL. The franchise that has never qualified for an IPL final and has finished bottom of the pile a record four times, DC don’t provide enough hope for even their most ardent fans. However, the way they reached last season’s playoffs and how they remain one of the best Indian-centric IPL teams, make us wonder if this is going to be ‘that’ year!
Shikhar Dhawan (521 runs, Avg. 34.73, SR 135.67), Rishabh Pant (488 runs, Avg. 37.53, SR 162.66), and captain Shreyas Iyer (463 runs, Avg. 30.86, SR 119.94) all finished in the top-ten batsmen last season. Kagiso Rabada (25 wickets, ER 7.82) was just one wicket off the ‘Purple Cap’ despite playing at least five games less. The addition of Ajinkya Rahane adds steel to their batting, while Marcus Stoinis, Alex Carey, and Shimron Hetmyer add excitement in the overseas segment.
Nonetheless, the bowling looks a little light with only Ishant Sharma and Ravichandran Ashwin among the known names. Sandeep Lamichhane is an exciting presence, but the balance of selections might go against him. DC will be desperate for Indian back-up bowlers like Avesh Khan and Lalit Yadav to pull their weight. Nonetheless, this is an exciting unit that could go all the way under mentor Ricky Ponting if they play their cards right.
Key player: Ravi Ashwin (for his mankading – okay, we are kidding)
Key domestic player: Rishabh Pant
Key overseas player: Shimron Hetmyer
Young player to watch: Prithvi Shaw
Dark horse pick: Marcus Stoinis
Prediction: Playoffs
KINGS XI PUNJAB
Ever heard of a King without a kingdom? Or, a King who’s a pauper? Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) are just that with 12 years of failure baggage full with inconsistency and inept campaigns. Only two playoff performances, while finishing sixth to eighth in seven of the 12 IPL seasons, KXIP have all the traits of a club that should, if they could, be relegated!
Yet this season’s auction could potentially change things. Ravichandran Ashwin was let go (bad move), but big players like Glenn Maxwell (1,397 career IPL runs, SR 161.13), Sheldon ‘Salute’ Cottrell, Chris Jordan, and James Neesham have been added. What’s impressive is the addition of Ravi Bishnoi – the Indian U-19 leg-spinner with a mean googly and a meaner leg-break.
Then of course is the change in management, with Anil Kumble roped in as the coach, Jonty Rhodes as the fielding coach, and Wasim Jaffer as the batting coach. Captain KL Rahul had a stellar season last year (593 runs, Avg. 53.90, SR 135.38) and will look to forge another explosive opening partnership with Chris Gayle (490 runs, SR 153.60 last year).
But just when it seems more rosy for KXIP, comes the bad news. The seam department looks thin, the spin cupboard looks bare, and good death bowlers look absent: KXIP leak 8.42 runs per over which is the worst ER among all active teams. That said, for the first time in many seasons, KXIP have a balanced unit (at least on paper) ready for anointment. Can they live up to expectations for a change?
Key player: Karun Nair – the glue between an explosive top-order and a fragile middle.
Key domestic player: KL Rahul
Key overseas player: Glenn Maxwell
Young player to watch: Ravi Bishnoi
Dark horse pick: Sarfaraz Khan – his last six FC innings scores: 301*, 226*, 78, 25, 177, and 6 (latest).
Prediction: Outside top-four
KOLKATA KNIGHT RIDERS
Six playoffs in the last nine seasons including two titles and only one wooden spoon in IPL history, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have so much going for them. Add to that the purchases of Pat Cummins, Tom Banton and Eoin Morgan, not to mention Brendon McCullum appointed as head coach, this season’s KKR side is absolutely buzzing.
Andre Russell had an explosive IPL 2019 (510 runs @ SR 204.81, 11 wickets) and is expected to play up the order. Our prayers are with the bowling fraternity, especially if Sunil Narine also gets going (SR 166.27 and ten wickets in 2019). Shubman Gill remains one of the best batsmen of his generation, while Dinesh Karthik (3,654 runs, Avg. 27.06, SR 129.80) remains an under-rated cricketer.
Bowling has a lot of variety too with Russell and Narine complemented by Kuldeep Yadav (39 career IPL wickets). There’s Lockie Ferguson too, while the young Indian bowling contingent of Prasidh Krishna, Sandeep Warrier, Shivam Mavi, and Kamlesh Nagarkoti makes one drool in anticipation.
That remains KKR’s biggest concern too. While the first playing XI is impeccable, the Knight Riders do not have a strong bench. With dark clouds over Mavi and Nagarkoti – both of whom have missed an entire season – there seems to be more questions than answers for KKR.
Key player: Andre Russell
Key domestic player: Shubman Gill
Key overseas player: Pat Cummins
Young player to watch: Kamlesh Nagarkoti
Dark horse pick: Tom Banton
Prediction: Playoffs
MUMBAI INDIANS
Defending Champions Mumbai Indians (MI) follow a very interesting template. Beginning in 2013, MI have won every alternate season (2013, 2015, 2017, 2019) and by that logic they won’t be winning this edition. Yet, only a brave man would bet against Rohit Sharma’s men delivering the title again this season.
Not having proper back-up for the first XI has been a negative for MI, but not this season. Adding Chris Lynn and Nathan Coulter-Nile has given MI solid bench strength. The real deal, of course, is captain Rohit Sharma (4,898 career IPL runs, Avg. 31.60, SR 130.82). His calm leadership resonates through the side and that makes MI special.
Kieron Pollard (2,755 runs, SR 146.77) remains one of the strongest hitters around and can be destructive on his day. For every Hardik Pandya (career IPL SR 154.78) who is a maverick with the bat, MI have a Suryakumar Yadav (1,548 runs, Avg. 28.14) who is an epitome of patience.
While all this gives them an edge, bowling makes MI the real class deal. Jasprit Bumrah (82 IPL wickets, ER 7.55) is probably the best Indian bowler of this format, while Trent Boult (38 wickets) brings finesse. Questions remain over the lack of quality spinners, although Rahul Chahar (13 wickets in IPL 2019, ER 6.55) promises to fill that gap. Losing Lasith Malinga is a big blow, but the MI camp remains calm over how they want to go about their business.
MI represent those rare sporting teams which look stronger as you dig to find their loopholes. With a strong captain leading from the front, it will be a modern miracle if they fail to reach the playoffs, complete (of course) with a traditional slow start.
Key player: Rohit Sharma
Key domestic player: Suryakumar Yadav
Key overseas player: Kieron Pollard
Young player to watch: Rahul Chahar
Dark horse pick: Quinton de Kock (529 runs, Avg. 35.26, SR 132.91 in IPL 2019)
Prediction: Playoffs
RAJASTHAN ROYALS
How do you describe Rajasthan Royals (RR)? The descendants of ‘Uncle Scrooge’? The quintessential ‘Money ball’ in IPL? Or, the smart cookies who paid attention in their strategy classes? A bit of all, may be, and a perfect example of how sporting franchises should be run!
All that aside, the inaugural winners of the IPL have struggled to replicate their off-field success on the field. The Royals are yet to qualify for the playoffs since that Season 1 win, finishing sixth or seventh in five of their last nine seasons. Pinched by that record, probably, the Royals went all out in the auction and were the busiest franchise. Steve Smith is retained as captain and should enjoy his idiosyncrasies at the crease.
Robin Uthappa was purchased from the auction to add experience, but the Royals ooze style and panache. Sanju Samson had three excellent seasons scoring 300+ runs every time. Jos Buttler (1,386 IPL runs, Avg. 35.53, SR 150.81) is every captain’s dream while the battery of young Indian players – Shreyas Gopal (20 wickets in 2019, SR 7.22), Mahipal Lomror, Mayank Markande, Riyan Parag etc – see the Royals cover all the bases.
However, questions remain over Ben Stokes’ availability, which will throw a huge gap in the Royals’ playing XI. Jofra Archer shot to fame with this format and should fancy his chances while Jaydev Unadkat, Oshane Thomas and Tom Curran provide the right mix. Then there are players like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Riyan Parag who can be exceptional on their day.
Will the Royals make it to the playoffs? Hard to see them achieve that, especially if Stokes is unavailable.
Key player: Shreyas Gopal
Key domestic player: Sanju Samson
Key overseas player: Steve Smith
Young player to watch: Yashasvi Jaiswal
Dark horse pick: Riyan Parag
Prediction: Outside top-four.
ROYAL CHALLENGERS BANGALORE
Change is the only constant in the world, but for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) fans, ‘hope’ is the only constant. They start every season with the premise ‘Ee sala Cup Namade’, loosely translating to ‘the cup is ours this season’. That, however, remains the closest they have been to the cup! The three-time runners-up have finished eighth in two of the last three seasons and have failed to reach the playoffs in five of their last seven attempts!
Still, they can’t be ruled out of the reckoning. How can you, when a side boasts Virat Kohli – the highest run-getter in tournament history (5,412 runs, Avg. 37.84, SR 131.61) – and one of the best all-round players in IPL history in AB de Villiers (4,395 runs, Avg. 39.95, SR 151.23)! To add steel to their backroom, RCB added Mike Hesson as the ‘Director of Cricket’ and Simon Katich as the new head coach.
RCB’s auction purchases haven’t been bad either. Aaron Finch (287 T20s, 9,039 runs, Avg. 36.15, SR 143.65) has been a great addition not just as a gun opener, but also for his leadership skills. Chris Morris might not be an IPL great (SR 157.62, 69 wickets), but is a more-than-useful all-rounder. Adam Zampa could prove to be a versatile replacement, especially with the spin-heavy UAE tracks.
However, death bowling has remained their trouble area over the seasons and might continue this season too. Dale Steyn is roped in to address that, but RCB has a history of putting big scores on the board – with the ball that is! Young Indian batsmen are another area of concern, although Devdutt Padikkal could be an answer to that. Overall, RCB look well-balanced on paper and before a ball is bowled, but then that is exactly how they look every season!
Key player: Virat Kohli – he has come out fitter and faster after the Covid-19 break and looks hungry as ever.
Key domestic player: Yuzvendra Chahal
Key overseas player: AB de Villiers
Young player to watch: Devdutt Padikkal
Dark horse pick: Josh Philippe
Prediction: Outside top-four.
SUNRISERS HYDERABAD
Like the city they represent, the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SH) side are a relaxed ‘nawaabi’ unit (royal term). But don’t get fooled by that exterior, because the Sunrisers are one of the fiercely competitive units of the competition. Four consecutive playoff performances later, the Hyderabad-based team are looking to repeat the trophy-winning run of 2016.
David Warner returns as the captain and the diminutive Australian loves the IPL (4,706 runs @ Avg. 43.17, SR 142.39). Manish Pandey is an IPL veteran now (130 matches, 2,843 runs, Avg. 29.30, SR 120.82) to be counted as SRH’s main man. Warner’s partner-in-crime Jonny Bairstow (445 runs, Avg. 55.62, SR 157.24) will be gunning for yet another season of blazing starts.
That’s where, unfortunately, the train stops. SRH do not have the required batting depth which has often been their nemesis. Vijay Shankar has never ventured out of the ‘promising’ bracket and that casts a shadow over his efficiency. Local Indian youngsters like Virat Singh, Priyam Garg, and the hard-hitting Abdul Samad were added in the auction and SRH have high hopes for them.
Regardless, bowling retains the cutting edge thanks to the presence of proven IPL performers. Rashid Khan (55 wickets, ER 6.55) is a mean machine no one wants to face, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar (117 matches, 133 wickets, ER 7.24) gives flexibility of controlling either end of the innings. The addition of Mitchell Marsh and Fabian Allen gives them options in the all-round category. All in all, SRH have a squad that can make a dash for the playoffs look easy and settled. Beyond that, when squad depth comes to the fore, they could be found out.
Key player: David Warner
Key domestic player: Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Key overseas player: Rashid Khan
Young player to watch: Abdul Samad
Dark horse pick: Fabian Allen
Prediction: Playoffs.
Verdict
This season promises to be one of the most open seasons of all time in the IPL, as every team has a chance of making it to the playoffs. The famous yin-yang Chinese theory (couldn’t resist the Chinese connection to an Indian tournament) promises to be a constant accomplice in this tournament.
Playing in front of empty stadiums and far away from home is a big challenge in itself, even if you consider bio-secure bubbles a constant in the new world order, as mental health could be a concern that every team needs to address. As a fan, sit in your own bubble at home and enjoy the action! Let the IPL begin!
IPL 2020 Squad Analysis written by Sridhar Bhamidi
Sridhar is part of the Flashscore Cricket team. You can follow their live ball-by-ball commentary for all international cricket and the IPL. Check them out on Facebook and Twitter
