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IPL 2018 Qualifier 2 Preview: Kolkata Knights Riders v Sunrisers Hyderabad

Charbel Coorey
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One team has won four in a row; the other has lost four in a row. One team seems to depend on a couple of key batsmen; the other has a range of batsmen that can hurt you. It’s incredible to think that one finished first, and the other had their playoff hopes still in the air up until the final game.

If you were unsure of how Kolkata Knight Riders would go in IPL 2018, you weren’t alone. I was concerned with how they’d travel this season, given the distractions they faced in the lead up to the tournament. Chris Lynn and Andre Russell were under injury clouds. Mitchell Starc was ruled out. Sunil Narine had his action reported during the preceding PSL. They had the smallest squad of any team. Yet, here they are, just one game away from the final, and if you call them favourites in this game, no one can dispute you.

Sunrisers Hyderabad face the prospect of a straight sets exit after finishing top of the IPL 2018 Points Table. After their IPL best of six straight wins, they are now on a run of four straight losses, their worst ever in IPL. They were so close against CSK, but now face a big fight to make the final, and would want more from their batsmen especially.

Who will play CSK in the final? A fascinating battle awaits.

Key to a Kolkata Knight Riders win

Less than a week ago, KKR confirmed their passage to the playoffs by beating SRH away from home. The key to victory there was restricting SRH to 172, when it looked like 200+ was on the cards at one stage. 
Why did KKR restrict SRH to such a total?
When Shikhar Dhawan and Kane Williamson are dismissed, SRH don’t seem to have the ability to kick on. KKR will be looking to do the same here, in conjunction with getting the better of the SRH attack.
KKR have batting talent right down the order

Key to a Sunrisers Hyderabad win

SRH were on track to defend 139 against CSK a couple of nights ago, and will need a similar bowling effort in Kolkata. I can’t see SRH winning in a high scoring game, so their bowlers are once again critical to their chances. 
What would encourage SRH is KKR’s not-so-smooth innings against RR. Sitting at 51/4 after eight overs, KKR were in a bit of trouble, and it was Dinesh Karthik, Shubman Gill and Andre Russell who gave the innings impetus. Rashid Khan could be the answer to keeping Andre Russell especially quiet, as he has scored just 30 runs at a SR of 103 in IPL 2018 against right arm legspin.
Also, the efforts of Shikhar Dhawan and Kane Williamson are key. Dhawan was dimissed first ball in Qualifier 1, and Kane Williamson for 24, which coincided with the team scoring a modest 139.
SRH need to rediscover their prowess as a strong unit

Predicted teams

KKR look a really good unit at the moment, even with Javon Searles underwhelming so far at no. 8. I expect them to stick with the same formula.
Kolkata Knight Riders XI: 1. Chris Lynn, 2. Sunil Narine, 3. Robin Uthappa, 4. Nitish Rana, 5. Dinesh Karthik (c & wk), 6. Shubman Gill, 7. Andre Russell, 8. Javon Searles, 9. Piyush Chawla, 10. Kuldeep Yadav, 11. Prasidh Krishna
Carlos Brathwaite batted well against CSK, but bowled a costly 18th over. Despite this, SRH should stick with the same team, even though Alex Hales at the top would be an option worth going for.
Sunrisers Hyderabad XI: 1. Shikhar Dhawan, 2. Shreevats Goswami (wk), 3. Kane Williamson (c), 4. Manish Pandey, 5. Yusuf Pathan, 6. Shakib Al Hasan, 7. Carlos Brathwaite, 8. Rashid Khan, 9. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 10. Sandeep Sharma, 11. Siddarth Kaul

Stats and Facts:

  • Head-to-Head: Matches 14, KKR 9, SRH 5
  • At Eden Gardens, KKR have won five of six matches against SRH. The first time SRH won at Eden Gardens was in IPL 2018.
  • SRH still have the best economy rate of all teams in IPL 2018 (7.88). KKR have the worst (9.07).
  • Shikhar Dhawan has played nine playoff matches in IPL, and averages just 11. At Eden Gardens, he averages 18. The time to change that is now.
  • Kuldeep Yadav, Piyush Chawla and Sunil Narine have taken nearly 50% of KKR’s wickets this season.

Prediction

Tough one to predict as both teams are very good on their day. KKR have four straight wins and SRH four straight losses, but I have a funny feeling this will be SRH’s night. Will I be proven right? We shall see.

IPL Eliminator Preview: Kolkata Knight Riders v Rajasthan Royals

Charbel Coorey
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How good is life for Kolkata Knight Riders? An elimination final at their beloved home of Eden Gardens, against a team I must admit I am surprised to see in the playoffs. Take nothing away from Rajasthan Royals though – they have done very well to make a successful late run to the elimination final, and looking at their performances compared to MI and RCB in the key final games, they deserve to be there.  As has been the case all tournament, expected the unexpected!

Key to a Kolkata Knight Riders win

KKR enter the playoffs off the back of three straight wins, and possess a batting line up that can send shivers down the spine of any team. Chris Lynn has displayed excellent maturity in recent games, notching up four 20+ scores in a row, including 40+ in his last two innings. If he can stick solid with a fast starting Sunil Narine, a great platform is set for the middle order, which includes Andre Russell who is striking at nearly 190 in IPL 2018.
Also, how well will KKR’s bowlers hold up RR’s batting? A promising battle awaits.

Key to a Rajasthan Royals win

RR’s wristspinners were superb in dismantling RCB, which put them in a good position to qualify. Qualify they did, and once again Shreyas Gopal (who took 4/16!) and Ish Sodhi, who combined for 5/47 off eight overs against RCB, will be key. Also, Heinrich Klaasen will want to build on his excellent keeping.
However, expect KKR to pose a greater challenge than RCB, so RR’s bowlers need to be on point.
Also, Rahul Tripathi was excellent for RR in the absence of Jos Buttler, helping set up a match winning score for his team on a slow pitch. He is key along with the likes of Ajinkya Rahane (who continues to fight for form), Sanju Samson and Heinrich Klaasen. Expect Jofra Archer to stay away from the top order!

 Possible teams:

Kolkata Knight Riders XI: 1. Chris Lynn, 2. Sunil Narine, 3. Robin Uthappa, 4. Dinesh Karthik (c & wk), 5. Andre Russell, 6. Nitish Rana, 7. Shubman Gill, 8. Javon Searles, 9. Piyush Chawla, 10. Prasidh Krishna, 11. Kuldeep Yadav
Rajasthan Royals XI: 1. Ajinkya Rahane (c), 2. Rahul Tripathi, 3. Sanju Samson, 4. Heinrich Klaasen, 5. K Gowtham, 6. Jofra Archer, 7. Shreyas Gopal, 8. Stuart Binny, 9. Ish Sodhi, 10. Jaydev Unadkat, 11. Ben Laughlin

Stats and Facts:

  • Head-to-Head: Matches 17, KKR 8, RR 9
  • KKR won the 49th match of IPL 2018 against RR by six wickets after dismissing them for 142.
  • Sunil Narine needs two wickets to reach 50 IPL wickets at Eden Gardens. Only Lasith Malinga has reached at least fifty wickets at one ground (58 at Wankhede).
  • KKR have beaten RR in five of six matches at Eden Gardens.
  • The winner of this game will play Qualifier 2 v SRH on Friday.

Prediction:

The fear I have with RR is will they still be able to cope with the loss of Buttler? RCB weren’t able to test them, but I know KKR will. 
KKR at home look a good team and I back them to win here. 

IPL 2018 Qualifier 1 Preview: Sunrisers Hyderabad v Chennai Super Kings

Charbel Coorey
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Amid all the drama at the end of the league stage, SRH and CSK were simply chilling, after nailing their respective playoff spots with games to spare.

I use the term “chilling” lightly for Sunrisers Hyderabad, who haven’t exactly sailed smoothly into the playoffs. Three straight losses have created some cause for concern, especially when one of these losses included a heavy eight-wicket loss to tonight’s opponent. A lot depends on their bowling attack, and it is no surprise that they’ve lost three in a row when it has underwhelmed. Can their excellent attack get it right against the tournament’s best batting team and reach the final?

Among the nine times Chennai Super Kings have reached the playoffs, this one could be the sweetest for their fans. Back to the tournament after two years in exile, CSK had their doubters (including me, I must admit) thanks mainly to lack of depth in their pace attack and a number of their players well into their 30s. However, they have proven their worth yet again as one of the premier T20 franchises in the world, and enter the playoffs as IPL 2018 favourites, in my opinion. However, they have had a win-loss pattern in the last few games they’d like to overcome – can they beat SRH for the third time this season?

Key to a Sunrisers Hyderabad win

If SRH’s bowling attack and top three don’t fire, don’t only kiss their chances goodbye for tonight’s game, but also their hopes of lifting the IPL 2018 trophy.
In two games against CSK this season, SRH were able to keep CSK’s batting quiet for the first nine overs of their first meeting. Since then, they have conceded 321 runs in 30 overs against them, and if that trend continues, I’m not sure whether SRH have enough batting quality in them to win.
Throughout the tournament, SRH’s bowlers have been the main key to their success. In matches they have won, they have conceded an average total of 139, with an economy rate of just 7.01. The highest total they have conceded in these matches is 187, against bottom placed DD, which they chased down with ease. In matches they have lost, the average total balloons up to 189, with an economy rate of 9.61. 
They have the quality in their attack on paper to deliver. The challenge is going out there and executing as best they can against a strong CSK batting line up.

The likes of Rashid Khan are important, but so are these two

Key to a Chennai Super Kings win

There is something else really encouraging about CSK’s game play at the moment, despite their inconsistency in results in the lead up to the playoffs.
Their top four wicket takers in IPL 2018 are seam bowlers, and with Deepak Chahar and Lungi Ngidi looking dangerous, they have it in them to make inroads into the SRH batting line up. If they can dismiss Shikhar Dhawan and Kane Williamson cheaply, it opens the game up beautifully for CSK.
Also, getting the better of SRH’s bowlers again will be key. Over the course of IPL 2018, only DD (9.10) have a better run rate than CSK’s 8.89, and if the likes of Ambati Rayudu, Shane Watson and Suresh Raina can fire, CSK will be looking good for that spot in the final.

Ambati Rayudu – super tournament!

Predicted teams

There are murmurs that Alex Hales could be in the SRH side tonight, possibly in the middle order at the expense of Carlos Brathwaite. Shreevats Goswami did well in the opening spot in the previous game, and I expect him to stay there, but I would like to see Hales at the top with a license to go big from the get go as he is a danger player.
Sunrisers Hyderabad XI: 1. Shikhar Dhawan, 2. Shreevats Goswami (wk), 3. Kane Williamson (c), 4. Manish Pandey, 5. Carlos Brathwaite, 6. Shakib Al Hasan, 7. Yusuf Pathan, 8. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 9. Siddarth Kaul, 10. Rashid Khan, 11. Sandeep Sharma
MS Dhoni surprised us all with his batting line up against KXIP, but even with Thala so unpredictable, I can’t see him doing the same here. Also, I expect Shane Watson to be in the team.
Chennai Super Kings XI: 1. Shane Watson, 2. Ambati Rayudu, 3. Suresh Raina, 4. MS Dhoni (c & wk), 5. Sam Billings, 6. Dwayne Bravo, 7. Ravindra Jadeja, 8. Harbhajan Singh, 9. Shardul Thakur, 10. Deepak Chahar, 11. Lungi Ngidi

Stats and Facts:

  • Head-to-Head: Matches 8, SRH 2, CSK 6
  • CSK have won both games against SRH this season.
  • CSK have made the playoffs in each of their nine seasons. For SRH, this is their fourth playoffs appearance in six seasons.
  • Both teams won at the Wankhede this season v MI.
  • CSK have hit 130 sixes in IPL 2018, the most among any team. SRH have hit the least with 68.

Prediction

The IPL 2018 playoffs start with a bang with two excellent teams going head to head.
Both teams aren’t quite performing as well as they’d like right now, but I think CSK have enough experience to take them through to the final. CSK to win in a tight game.

CSK strengths & weaknesses ahead of IPL 2018 playoffs

Charbel Coorey
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Chennai Super Kings, one of the biggest T20 franchises in the world, have proven their worth yet again.

Speaking to some of their biggest fans before the tournament began, the general feeling was that they were just so happy to be back in the tournament. If they progress deep into the tournament, it’s a bonus.

After two years in the wilderness and boasting a squad of many players well into their 30s, it was a bit of a mystery as to how well they would do. Then, they were faced with having to move to Pune from Chennai due to political reasons, so again it was a mystery as to how they would cope.

Cope brilliantly they did. Led by their batting, they have sewn up a top two spot, and start as favourites against SRH in Mumbai, a team they have beaten twice in the tournament.

In this cricket opinion piece, I will explore their strengths and weaknesses, and look at five players who are key to their chances of winning the IPL 2018 tournament.

Strengths

Here, I will look at a couple of CSK’s biggest strengths that can lead them to the title.
Strength #1: The best batting team in the tournament

The demise of the likes of KXIP and RCB were on the back of relying too much on one or two players. RR faced the same issue, and just snuck into the playoffs thanks to RCB’s incompetence.
CSK don’t have this issue. They have a number of batsmen in their batting line up capable of taking opposition attacks apart, and even win from the dead as they showed in the early stages of the tournament.
CSK’s run rate of 8.89 is second only to bottom-placed DD (9.10), and their run rate of over 11 at the death can place shivers down the spine of any team.
Ambati Rayudu has had a great tournament to date
Strength #2: An incredible leader, MS Dhoni. #thala

The return of CSK to IPL was always going to bring out the best in MS Dhoni. ‘Thala’ is always a step ahead of the game, who I describe as a tactical genius, the kind of captain who will never simply go through the motions.
Would have loved to play cricket under MS Dhoni’s leadership!
In the playoffs, he will have his team well prepared, and on their toes right throughout the game (literally for Ravindra Jadeja)!
MS Dhoni’s call to send out Harbhajan Singh and Deepak Chahar at five and six against KXIP shows his unpredictability and that if he sees an opportunity to be innovative, he’ll take it.
That’s right!

Weakness:

CSK are a good chance of winning the tournament, but they have aspects of their game that other teams can look to target.
Their bowling. How reliable is it?

In their defeat to RR, MS Dhoni just about wanted hit somebody. That is incredible for someone so cool.
CSK have conceded 8.89 an over throughout the tournament, including well over ten an over in the death overs. In the playoffs, they will be sure to face pressure moments with the ball, and it remains to be seen whether they can execute better than they have at stages throughout the tournament, such as vs RR recently.
However, the incredible return of 4/10 for Lungi Ngidi v KXIP gives CSK hope that he can lead the attack well, after concerns of a lack of pace bowling depth throughout the tournament. The improved bowling form of Ravindra Jadeja is encouraging, also.

Key players:

Ambati Rayudu: What a tournament Rayudu has had. Fourth highest run scorer in IPL 2018 with 586 runs at an avg. of 45.07 with SR of 153.40 suggests he is a very important player for CSK.
Suresh Raina: “Mr. IPL” has had a solid return to the beloved yellow. His 61* v KXIP was a fine knock which saw his team home. His experience is vital to CSK’s chances.
MS Dhoni: Of course, ‘Thala’ is a vital part of CSK’s chances. In addition to his wonderful leadership, he has had a superb season with the bat. 446 runs at 89.20 with nine not outs in 14 innings is simply magnificent. Dhoni will be ready to go in the playoffs, and CSK need him firing.
Dwayne Bravo and Ravindra Jadeja: Dwayne Bravo, in my opinion, has been a little underwhelming in this tournament, especially with the ball. The first man ever to 400 T20 wickets, and considered a good death option for CSK before the tournament started, Bravo has gone for 10.15 an over. Ravindra Jadeja, though, has been in the wickets in recent games, along with a good economy. Both these two can give the CSK attack important balance and variety.

Verdict

CSK have the experience and leader to take them all the way.
I believe they are favourites to win the tournament. The Qualifier 1 match against SRH is key. If they can beat SRH for the third time in the tournament, it will go a long way to helping them lift the trophy, as they will have important days in between the matches to adequately recover for the final.
All to play for!
In the meantime, be sure to check out my piece on Sunrisers Hyderabad ahead of the playoffs!

A close look at Sunrisers Hyderabad – will they win IPL 2018?

Charbel Coorey
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Sunrisers Hyderabad should be proud of their tournament to date, finishing first in the IPL Points Table for 2018.

After losing their skipper and damaging opener David Warner to suspension, you would have been forgiven for not knowing just how well SRH could do in the tournament. With KKR, KXIP and CSK enjoying strong starts to the tournament, as well as the potential for MI, RR, DD and RCB to make the playoffs, SRH were facing a big fight to succeed.

In magnificent fashion, they wrapped up their playoffs spot with three games to spare thanks to six straight wins during IPL 2018. Kane Williamson has been absolutely brilliant as captain, however, they enter the playoffs on the back of three straight losses – is this cause for concern?

In this cricket opinion piece, I will explore their strengths and weaknesses, and look at four players who are key to their chances of lifting the IPL 2018 title.

As always, any feedback – nice or mean – is encouraged!

Strengths

To keep this piece as short and sweet as possible, I will highlight two key strengths I feel will hold SRH in good stead in the playoffs.
Strength #1: Well-rounded bowling attack

SRH were the best bowling team in the tournament, winning the majority of their games on the back of their well-rounded attack. Heck, they even defended a total of 118 with ease at The Wankhede against MI.
They possess three bowlers in the top ten for most dot balls bowled (Rashid Khan 3rd with 132, Siddarth Kaul 8th with 112 and Sandeep Sharma 10th with 101). Also, among their five main bowlers, their highest economy rate is 8.14, which is surprisingly held by Bhuvneshwar Kumar. However, knowing his ability in all overs of the innings, he has the potential to bring this right down in the playoffs.
With the variety in their attack and their ability to bowl well as a unit, SRH are in with a shout at making an impact in the IPL 2018 playoffs.
SRH have performed really well as a unit throughout IPL 2018.
Strength #2: Fantastic top three
Shikhar Dhawan, Alex Hales and Kane Williamson represent a dangerous top three on paper. Alex Hales wasn’t picked for SRH’s last game against KKR, but I believe they should pick him vs CSK.
I must say, I am surprised by Kane Williamson’s amazing performance in the tournament. He is a class player no doubt, but he is not your typical power hitter, yet he finished second in the run scoring charts only to the brilliant Rishabh Pant. 661 runs at 60.09, with a strike rate of 143.07 is a magnificent return in anyone’s book.
Shikhar Dhawan, despite his injury concerns, also had a good tournament. 437 runs at 43.70 with a SR of nearly 140 shows he is a danger man in the playoffs.
However, SRH would want more from Alex Hales, who has the potential to be very damaging. He has managed just 148 runs in six matches with a SR of 125, so the time is now for him to really get going, if picked. With the quality he can provide, he is worth the gamble.
Over 1,000 IPL 2018 runs in one picture.

Weaknesses

Despite finishing first, SRH are not without their weaknesses. Can they address these effectively in the playoffs?
Weakness #1: If their bowling has an off day, can they still win? 
I ask this question looking at the games they have won and lost in IPL 2018.

In matches they have won, they have conceded an average total of 139, with an economy rate of just 7.01. The highest total they have conceded in these matches is 187, against bottom placed DD, which they chased down with ease. In matches they have lost, the average total balloons up to 189, with an economy rate of 9.61. 

This shows the reliance on their bowlers to have a good outing.
The bowlers have a key role to play for SRH

Therefore, is it a surprise that they’ve lost twice to CSK, the best batting side statistically? No.
They will play CSK in Qualifier 1, and will be hoping they are third time lucky in IPL 2018. 
Weakness #2: Middle order not firing as they’d like

I look at their middle order and see hitting ability with the likes of Shakib Al Hasan, Manish Pandey and Yusuf Pathan.
However, I think all three would admit they haven’t quite fired with the bat as well as they’d like. 
If the top three deliver, can the middle order finish off their good work? Even worse, if the top three fail, can the middle order keep SRH in games? I’m not yet convinced, but they certainly have the potential to.

Four key players to their chances:

Kane Williamson and Shikhar Dhawan: SRH’s leading run scorers for the season. Dhawan and Williamson have contributed 51% of SRH’s total runs, so it’s a given these two are key to their chances.
Rashid Khan: One of the premier T20 bowlers in the world, Rashid Khan has the ability to dry up the runs from one end and take wickets. If he’s on, SRH can beat anyone.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar: If Bhvuneshwar and Rashid can deliver eight quality overs between them, it sets up the game perfectly for their team.

Verdict:

SRH will be looking to put three straight losses behind them as they gear up for Qualifier 1 against CSK. 
They are the best bowling unit throughout all stages of an innings, and if they can nail this part of their game again, they are a chance of winning the tournament. 
My verdict? I think they will be runners up. 
Your thoughts?

IPL 56th Match Preview: Chennai Super Kings v Kings XI Punjab

Charbel Coorey
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By the time this game gets underway, it may be a meaningless one. CSK have a chance to still finish first, and KXIP to finish fourth, but both seem unlikely. Nonetheless, both teams will be looking for a good performance.

No matter what happens tonight, Chennai Super Kings‘ return to the IPL has to be considered a success. After two years in the wilderness, and having a number of players well into their 30s, it was to be seen just how well they’d travel. Led by their batting, they have a top two position just about sewn up, and now will be looking for some momentum heading into the playoffs after a last start loss in Delhi.

What can be said of Kings XI Punjab? They have collapsed badly at the business end of the league stage, highlighted by their RCB-like reliance on one player. KL Rahul has been incredible in this tournament, but he just hasn’t had the support needed to see KXIP make a proper challenge for a top four spot. At the midway point of the tournament, they were sitting pretty towards the top, but now they will need one of the great IPL miracles to make the playoffs. Can they put in a good performance, at least?

Key to a Chennai Super Kings win

Is it as simple as “dismiss KL Rahul early, win the match?” It could very well be the case, looking at how influential KL Rahul has been for KXIP. CSK’s bowling has left a little to be desired at times throughout IPL 2018, so here’s a great opportunity to gain some confidence ahead of the playoffs.
Also, can the batting put on an improved show compared to their last game at Delhi? Even when facing the leading wicket taker in AJ Tye, back CSK’s batting to bounce back well ahead of the playoffs. The onus will be on the likes of Ambati Rayudu, Shane Watson, Suresh Raina and MS Dhoni to help CSK to a healthy total.
It has been a successful return to the IPL for CSK.

Key to a Kings XI Punjab win

If MI lose the first game today, KXIP will still have to win by a big margin to make a miracle appearance in the playoffs. For this to happen, so much depends on KL Rahul and Chris Gayle to get big scores. If they fail, forget about winning the match full stop, let alone making the playoffs.
Also, can the likes of AJ Tye and Ravi Ashwin thwart the strong CSK batting line up? KXIP need to be perfect tonight, and a key aspect to this will be overcoming the CSK batting juggernaut. Easier said than done, though.
KL Rahul has been KXIP’s batting shining light.

Possible teams

CSK will probably stick with the side that traveled to Delhi, and look to pick up some momentum before Qualifier 1.
Chennai Super Kings possible XI: 1. Shane Watson, 2. Ambati Rayudu, 3. Suresh Raina, 4. MS Dhoni (c & wk), 5. Sam Billings, 6. Ravindra Jadeja, 7. Dwayne Bravo, 8. Deepak Chahar, 9. Harbhajan Singh, 10. Shardul Thakur, 11. Lungi Ngidi
KXIP’s middle order has been cause for concern all tournament, so it remains to be seen which combinations they go for.
Kings XI Punjab possible XI: 1. KL Rahul (wk), 2. Chris Gayle, 3. Aaron Finch, 4.Karun Nair/Yuvraj Singh, 5. Manoj Tiwary, 6. Marcus Stoinis/Mujeeb ur Rahman, 7. Axar Patel, 8. Ravichandran Ashwin (c), 9. AJ Tye, 10. Mohit Sharma, 11. Ankit Rajpoot

Stats and Facts

  • Head-to-Head: Matches 18, CSK 10, KXIP 8
  • KL Rahul’s season total of 652 runs is the most ever by any KXIP batsman in a single season (previous best: Shaun Marsh 616 in 2008).
  • CSK have won four of the five matches they have played in Pune in IPL 2018.
  • Chris Gayle needs six runs to reach 4,000 IPL runs. MS Dhoni needs ten to reach the same milestone.
  • KXIP need MI to lose to stand a chance of getting in the playoffs over RR. They will need to win by 53+ runs or with 38+ balls to spare. Big ask.

Prediction

KXIP have been woeful in recent games, whereas CSK have been good in Pune.
I guess much of KXIP’s motivation will depend on the result in MI’s game, but even if MI lose, it’s hard to see KXIP beating CSK. 
CSK to win.

IPL 55th Match Preview: Delhi Daredevils v Mumbai Indians

Charbel Coorey
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Final day of the league stage, and what an amazing finish it’s been. Sunil Gavaskar rightly said it during the RR v RCB game yesterday: “seven teams fighting for four playoff spots. It’s been an amazing IPL.”

I’ve enjoyed every bit of it, and it’s now down to three teams fighting for one playoffs spot.

Unfortunately for Delhi Daredevils, their tournament officially ends today, but the signs they have showed in recent matches must be really encouraging for their fans. Their younger players have given all associated with DD much hope for the future, and their win against CSK shows that they aren’t ready to pack their bags and move onto the next stage of their cricketing journeys just yet.

For Mumbai Indians, the equation is simple – win or be knocked out. MI must be counting their lucky stars in a sense as the team placing the most pressure on them for a playoffs spot were RCB thanks to their positive NRR, but the typical RCB choke came into effect yesterday. Here they have the chance to pull off another amazing escape, after winning just two of their first six matches. Can Rohit Sharma fire in what has been a pretty disappointing campaign for him? With Kieron Pollard finally firing, will MI have too many runs for DD? And can the bowlers put on another disciplined show under pressure? It remains to be seen.

Key to a Delhi Daredevils win

Taking pace off the ball worked beautifully for DD against CSK, stifling the best performing batting line up in the tournament. The onus for MI in a must-win game is mainly on their batsmen to deliver enough runs, so if the DD spinners especially can choke the scoring, we could see the defending champions bundled out of the tournament before the playoffs.
Amit Mishra and Sandeep Lamichhane, both at the opposite ends of their careers, combined brilliantly to dismantle CSK. They picked up a combined 3/41 off eight overs, in conjunction with brilliant spells from Trent Boult and Harshal Patel, to give CSK little chance of chasing 162. 
The 160ish total worked brilliantly for RR yesterday, and they dismantled RCB through spin. The same could be the case here for DD on what is expected to be another slowish pitch.

Looking forward to seeing the talented Rishabh Pant for one final time in IPL2018

Key to a Mumbai Indians win

MI were in big trouble in their batting innings against KXIP, losing their top four within nine overs. Thankfully for them, Kieron Pollard fired at the right time, but MI cannot afford to put themselves in that sort of situation again.
Rohit Sharma has had his worst IPL season to date in terms of runs scored, which is certainly disappointing. However, what’s done is done, and as has usually been the case this season, when Rohit scores well, MI do well. So, he and the top order have a vital role to play in giving the middle/lower order a good platform to launch from.
Also, how well the MI bowlers can keep a lid on DD’s exciting batting line up will be key. Will they be effective in using a mix of deliveries to make scoring difficult? They have the personnel to do that, and today is the day for them to execute as we know they can.

MI’s stars need to step up today.

Predicted teams

Do DD continue to stick with Glenn Maxwell? He has been the victim of plenty of Twitter trolling in recent days, in line with his disappointing tournament. He could be replaced by Jason Roy who was brilliant in delivering victory over MI early in the season, thanks to his 91* off 53 balls in their chase of 194 at the Wankhede.
Delhi Daredevils possible XI: 1. Prithvi Shaw, 2. Jason Roy, 3. Rishabh Pant (wk), 4. Shreyas Iyer (c), 5. Vijay Shankar, 6. Abhishek Sharma, 7. Harshal Patel, 8. Amit Mishra, 9. Sandeep Lamichhane, 10. Trent Boult, 11. Avesh Khan
MI have been pretty consistent with their XIs throughout the tournament, so I expect no changes for them here.
Mumbai Indians possible XI: 1. Evin Lewis, 2. Suryakumar Yadav, 3. Rohit Sharma (c), 4. Ishan Kishan (wk), 5. Hardik Pandya, 6. Kieron Pollard, 7. Krunal Pandya, 8. Ben Cutting, 9. Mitchell McClenaghan, 10. Jasprit Bumrah, 11. Mayank Markande

Stats and Facts

  • Head-to-Head: Matches 21, DD 10, MI 11
  • At the Feroz Shah Kolta Stadium, DD lead MI 5-3.
  • Sandeep Lamichhane’s inclusion has been superb for DD. Before he came into the side, DD’s spinners were conceding 8.45 an over with a BPB ratio of 6.6. Since his inclusion, the economy rate has improved to 6.28, with a BPB ratio of 9.8.
  • Evin Lewis needs nine runs to reach 3,000 in T20s, and Trent Boult three wickets to reach 100.
  • An MI win will knock KXIP and RR out of contention. They have the simplest equation thanks to their NRR.

Prediction

A game vs the bottom placed team doesn’t mean an easy game for MI. CSK can tell them all about that.
However, with so much at stake, and so much experience in their side, I expect them to win and make another remarkable comeback to make the playoffs.

IPL 54th Match Preview: Sunrisers Hyderabad v Kolkata Knight Riders

Charbel Coorey
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0

Royal Wedding? Please. Royal day in the IPL!

In the second of two huge games today, KKR have the chance to secure their playoffs spot following the Royal Derby, against an SRH side looking to get back in the winner’s circle.

Sunrisers Hyderabad face the possibility of three straight defeats ahead of the playoffs. The last time they lost two straight was also in this tournament, where they conceded two big totals (193 and 183). They bounced back superbly, winning their next six matches. They face the same situation here, coming off conceding 180/2 (19) v CSK and 218/6 v RCB, so can they bounce back as they did earlier in the tournament?

Kolkata Knight Riders find themselves in a situation where they can finish as high as second, or miss the playoffs together, such is the nature of the amazing IPL competition. Unlike SRH, KKR are on a good run of two straight wins, both impressive. After getting pummeled by MI, KKR then pummeled KXIP and RR to highlight their bounce back ability, and they’ll back their chances tonight against an SRH side looking to get back into the winners circle. Can they lock down their playoffs spot?

Key to a Sunrisers Hyderabad win

SRH suffered at the hands of CSK and RCB, two of the stronger batting line ups in the tournament. With KKR’s batting hitting good form in the last couple of games, including a huge score of 245/6 v KXIP, SRH’s bowlers need to find their mojo again.
Rashid Khan was superb in SRH’s last two losses, taking a combined 3/52 off eight overs, including 3/27 (4) in a total of 218/6 at Bangalore. The key to SRH’s success right throughout IPL 2018 has been their ability to bowl well as a unit, and ahead of the playoffs, they need to rediscover that aspect of their game.
Whether Bhuvneshwar Kumar is included could be key, as Basil Thampi had a night to forget v RCB, going for 70 off his four overs. Also, Shikhar Dhawan and Kane Williamson (the latter scoring an amazing 81 to give SRH a chance v RCB) are two key batsmen, and if they can fire against KKR, they provide freedom for the others to try and get as many runs as they can on what is expected to be a slow pitch. 
Kane Williamson is in scintillating form.

Key to a Kolkata Knight Riders win

Can KKR get on top of the SRH attack? If so, much of the battle is won, which is vital in a situation where their fate lies in their own hands. Chris Lynn has been excellent in terms of his maturity in recent matches, and if Sunil Narine can have one of those blockbusting starts, KKR have the firepower throughout their line up to set or chase a big score. 
Also, how well KKR’s spinners perform will be key in Hyderabad. Kuldeep Yadav roared back into form with a man of the match 4/20 against RR, and if KKR don’t allow SRH’s batsmen to get going, even more pressure gets placed on their bowlers, which KKR have the ability to take advantage of with their batting.
Sunil Narine – key with bat and ball for KKR

Predicted teams

For SRH, the inclusion of Bhuvneshwar Kumar will be vital to their chances of locking down first position, and gaining some momentum ahead of the playoffs. Also, the general consensus is that Wriddhiman Saha will miss this game as well.
Sunrisers Hyderabad possible XI: 1. Shikhar Dhawan, 2. Alex Hales, 3. Kane Williamson (c), 4. Manish Pandey, 5. Deepak Hooda, 6. Shakib Al Hasan, 7. Shreevats Goswami (wk), 8. Bhvuneshwar Kumar/Basil Thampi, 9. Rashid Khan, 10. Siddarth Kaul, 11. Sandeep Sharma
KKR’s spinners are key to their chances tonight on what is expected to be a slow pitch, so could Piyush Chawla be brought back to the team? It’s certainly a possibility.
Kolkata Knight Riders possible XI: 1. Chris Lynn, 2. Sunil Narine, 3. Robin Uthappa, 4. Andre Russell, 5. Dinesh Karthik (c & wk), 6. Nitish Rana, 7. Shubman Gill, 8. Javon Searles, 9. Piyush Chawla, 10. Prasidh Krishna/Shivam Mavi, 11. Kuldeep Yadav

Stats and Facts:

  • Head-to-Head: Matches 13 SRH 5 KKR 8
  • SRH have won five of six matches at home this season, on the back of six out of seven wins last season.
  • SRH’s economy rate first ten matches: 7.24. Last three matches: 10.18
  • KKR have hit the second most sixes in IPL 2018 (107) and SRH the least (62).
  • KKR will be hoping Sunil Narine is still around when Rashid Khan comes on to bowl. Rashid Khan concedes 10.1 an over v left handers, with a balls-per-boundary ratio of four balls. Against right handers, he concedes 6.1 an over with BPB ratio of 8.7 balls.

Prediction

What mood will SRH be in? Will they be focused on this game, or Qualifier 1? Can they find momentum ahead of the playoffs?
For KKR, can they handle the pressure? Can they build on their good form?
I have a feeling KKR will do very well in this game, and win it in a close one. However, this is one that can easily go the other way, as SRH are a fine side themselves. That’s the beauty of IPL 2018. Bring it on!

IPL 53rd Match Preview: Rajasthan Royals v Royal Challengers Bangalore

Charbel Coorey
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0

To anyone who knows me personally, here’s a message. Don’t ask me to go out tonight, as there are two games I’ll be glued to the TV to watch, the perfect way to spend a cold Sydney night!

Both games have significant impact on which teams will end up in the playoffs, and I can’t wait.

First up to the stage are RR and RCB, two teams who were on the verge of elimination at certain stages throughout the tournament. Now, thanks to some good form over the last couple of weeks, they enter their final game with a shot at the playoffs. The winner stays alive, whereas the loser is gone. It’s a knock out match, before the playoffs, and promises to be a beauty.

Rajasthan Royals will need to find a way to win without Jos Buttler, who has headed back to England to prepare for the Test series against Pakistan. Buttler’s inclusion in England’s Test side surprised many, but has hurt RR significantly, as he has almost single-handedly got them close to a playoffs berth. Ben Stokes has also departed, but his contribution was nowhere near justification for the money RR spent on him, and now the Royals desperately need the others to step up.

Royal Challengers Bangalore have recently shown the form that many of their optimists (including myself) thought they could show from the very start. The likes of Tim Southee and Moeen Ali have added excellent balance to their side, in conjunction with the wonderful AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli. RCB are in a situation where they can still progress even if MI win tomorrow, which makes for compelling viewing. RCB have done brilliantly to get into this situation thanks to three straight wins, but will they thrive at the final group stage hurdle, or choke?

Key to a Rajasthan Royals win

With the loss of Jos Buttler, it’s obvious the onus is on the likes of Ajinkya Rahane and Sanju Samson to challenge the RCB bowlers. However, at the same time, there is significant responsibility on the bowlers to dismantle the RCB batting line up. If they are able to achieve this, they can defend even a subpar total or significantly reduce the pressure on the batsmen ahead of the chase.
Ish Sodhi has been a good in IPL 2018, and he should play in my opinion. If he, in conjunction with the likes of Jofra Archer and Jaydev Unadkat, can put in a collaborative bowling performance, RR are a good chance of toppling RCB. Of course, Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers are two key wickets, but if RR can also keep the likes of Parthiv Patel and Moeen Ali quiet, I like their chances in this game.
Sanju Samson was superb in the previous meeting v RCB

Key to a Royal Challengers Bangalore win

RCB survived the Kane Williamson storm two nights ago in a deserved victory against SRH. They look like a team that could be a very dangerous prospect if they make the playoffs, but it is vital they don’t think too far ahead.
In Jos Buttler’s absence, if RCB go out onto the field and just expect to dismiss RR cheaply, they have another thing coming. Remember, Sanju Samson smashed RCB all over the M Chinnaswamy Stadium earlier in the season, so RCB’s good bowling efforts in the powerplay and middle overs needs to continue. How well RCB can execute at the death, mainly thanks to Tim Southee, will also be key. 
In addition, if the batting can fire, one feels they have too many runs for RR to contend with. However, this starts with mindset – will RCB stand up or crumble in a high pressure situation?
AB de Villiers continues to amaze us all

Predicted teams

RR are facing a few conundrums in terms of their team selection. Do they play four overseas players? Do they go with Shreyas Gopal or Ish Sodhi? Or do they go with both, with Binny to miss out? Much to ponder.
Rajasthan Royals possible XI: 1. Rahul Tripathi, 2. D’Arcy Short, 3. Ajinkya Rahane (c), 4. Sanju Samson, 5. Heinrich Klaasen, 6. Stuart Binny, 7. K Gowtham, 8. Ish Sodhi/Shreyas Gopal, 9. Jofra Archer, 10. Jaydev Unadkat, 11. Anureet Singh
For RCB, I think they will go with the same line up as they did v SRH, and back their bowling attack to do well on what is expected to be a slowish track at the Sawai Masingh Stadium.
Royal Challengers Bangalore possible XI: 1. Parthiv Patel (wk), 2. Virat Kohli (c), 3. AB de Villiers, 4. Moeen Ali, 5. Sarafraz Khan, 6. Colin de Grandhomme, 7. Mandeep Singh, 8. Tim Southee, 9. Umesh Yadav, 10. Mohammed Siraj, 11. Yuzvendra Chahal

Stats and Facts:

  • Head-to-Head: Matches 17, RR 8, RCB 8, No result 1
  • RR lost all ten wickets for 82 to crumble to 142 all out v KKR. 
  • Virat Kohli v spin in IPL 2018: 13 innings, seven dismissals (SR 118.18). At Jaipur, he has 104 runs in five innings with a top score of 39*. Time for VK to step up big time here.
  • In RR’s last six matches, Jos Buttler contributed 45.24% of their runs.
  • RCB have taken the most wickets in the powerplay of any team (24). If they can keep this going, they will push RR significantly on the back foot.

Prediction

How confident can one be about RR’s chances with Jos Buttler gone? Their fans will be hoping that his absence will spur the others to fire, but it’s not a given against an RCB team in good form.
With RR’s key player gone, and RCB in good touch, I will go with RCB to win and get into the top four before KKR’s match with SRH tonight. All to play for.

IPL 52nd Match Preview: Delhi Daredevils v Chennai Super Kings

Charbel Coorey
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0

Within the context of the amazing finish to the IPL 2018 group stage, this is one of the lower key matches.

Delhi Daredevils are certain to finish last, an extremely disappointing result looking at the talent they had on paper before the tournament began. It started with optimism under the leadership of Gautam Gambhir, and then chaos as Gambhir resigned and wasn’t considered good enough to be in the side. There have been flashes of brilliance from the likes of Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer, as well as the introduction of talented youngsters Sandeep Lamichhane and Abhishek Sharma, which will give DD fans hope for next season. Can DD put in a complete performance here to recoup some pride?

This game certainly means more to Chennai Super Kings, though. How mighty impressive they were against SRH, thrashing the top of the table side to underpin their threat to this year’s title. A win today will see them take top spot, and put them in pole position to host the Qualifier against SRH, instead of travelling to Hyderabad.

Key to a Delhi Daredevils win

DD’s powerplay bowling has been disappointing in IPL 2018, conceding 50 runs or more in 11 out of their 12 matches. Against CSK’s in form opening pair of Shane Watson and Ambati Rayudu, more of the same from DD will surely see them stare a huge total in the face. They’ll need early wickets, or at worst, stem the run flow with straight bowling and tidy fielding.
If (a big “if) their bowling is tidy, DD are a good chance of winning, as CSK are not the finished product when it comes to their own bowling. Expect the young guns of DD to give it their all against a CSK attack that has frustrated MS Dhoni at times. 

Key to a Chennai Super Kings win

CSK blew SRH out of contention last Sunday with amazing power in the powerplay and middle overs. If they do the same to DD tonight, I’m not so sure if their opponents have the skill, or motivation, to come back from it.
Ambati Rayudu was simply superb against the tournament’s best attack last Sunday, and he will be key again along with the likes of Shane Watson, Suresh Raina and MS Dhoni. In a game like this, it is a fantastic opportunity for CSK’s batsmen to keep their form going ahead of the playoffs, and get first place for a home Qualifier en route to the IPL 2018 Final.
Also, against SRH, one could say they conceded 20 or 30 more than they would have liked after the start Deepak Chahar provided for them with the ball. This is an opportunity for CSK to get their bowling right ahead of the playoffs. If they can, watch out.

Possible teams

For DD, Jason Roy and Colin Munro have been disappointments, based on the fact that neither has nailed down their spot. Another spot up for contention is Liam Plunkett possibly coming in for Junior Dala. 
I’m really keen to see how Abhishek Sharma (46* off 19 v RCB) and Sandeep Lamichhane (1/25 off 4 v RCB) go here after impressive performances first up.
Delhi Daredevils XI: 1. Prithvi Shaw, 2. Colin Munro, 3. Shreyas Iyer (c), 4. Rishabh Pant (wk), 5. Abhishek Sharma, 6. Vijay Shankar, 7. Liam Plunkett, 8. Amit Mishra, 9. Sandeep Lamichhane, 10. Trent Boult, 11. Shahbaz Nadeem
For CSK, they could stick with the same team that impressively beat SRH.
Chennai Super Kings XI: 1. Shane Watson, 2. Ambati Rayudu, 3. Suresh Raina, 4. MS Dhoni (c & wk), 5. Sam Billings, 6. Ravindra Jadeja, 7. Dwayne Bravo, 8. Harbhajan Singh, 9. Deepak Chahar, 10. Shardul Thakur/Karn Sharma, 11. Lungi Ngidi

Stats and Facts

  • Head-to-Head: Matches 17, DD 5, CSK 12
  • CSK have won four of five matches at the Feroz Shah Kolta Stadium.
  • In the previous meeting between the two teams in IPL 2018, CSK smashed 211/4, on the back of Shane Watson’s 78 (40) and MS Dhoni’s 51* (22). They won by 13 runs
  • DD have the worst economy rate of any team (9.34), whereas CSK have the best scoring rate of any team (9.31).
  • With a win, CSK will go top of the league.

Prediction

Nothing to play for but pride for DD, but a nice incentive is up for grabs for CSK. I will be surprised if CSK don’t win this game (weather permitting). They have the quality to take it to a poorly performing DD bowling line up, and I think will have too many runs for them.
CSK to win.

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