- The ongoing edition of the Indian Premier League T20 competition has generated tremendous excitement, anticipation, mind-blowing performances, and thrilling contests over the last two weeks. The adrenaline gush witnessed courtesy of unbelievable performances on the cricketing fields by some of the best-known names in the international circuit is nothing short of breathtaking. Yes, the established and high-performing franchises like Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Royal Challengers Bangalore have performed on expected lines without being singularly spectacular. The last year’s champions Gujarat Titans have not disappointed either but have shown little flair in comparison so far. Of course, the tournament is still wide open and may provide level playing fields for every team to reach the knockouts.
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- Rajasthan Royals appear to be well-endowed with not only par for the course performers but also have enough firepower to press ahead. Going by the look of things, the Rajasthan franchise must be considered one of the serious contenders this year to go the distance. Unless the team peters out mid-way through the tournament, there is no reason whatsoever for the Rajasthan Royals to go for the kill. Why RR is being singled out here? For one, their openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and England white-ball captain Jos Buttler are literally on a song. Captain Sanju Samson and West Indian Shimron Hetmyer have been impactful. Their bowling unit of New Zealander Trent Boult, Australian Adam Zampa, and Indian stalwarts R Ashwin and Yuzvendra Chahal is on fire.
- If they maintain the momentum right through the tournament, RR is in with more than a fair chance to own the edition. What about others? As is its wont, Mumbai Indians started their campaign with two successive failures but have since picked up the pace by winning the next two. The Hitman Rohit Sharma is back among runs scoring a belligerent 50-plus score. Most importantly, Surya Kumar Yadav is back among runs with a welcome 40-plus score in their latest win against Kolkata Knight Riders. Bowling appears a bit weak in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah though. What about Chennai Super Kings? It’s been a mixed campaign so far for the top-notch franchise. Sadly, Chennai is plagued by a string of injuries to some of their best-known buys.
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- Marquee all-rounder Ben Stokes is nursing an injury, pacer Deepak Chahar is injured, and Captain MS Dhoni has a knee niggle himself. Thus, Chennai is yet to deliver on the expected lines. Virat Kohli, RCB’s star, and Captain Faf Du Plessis do the team proud. Maverick Maxwell looks dangerous with his strokeplay. Mohammed Siraj has been excellent in the power play. And the local boy VijaykumarVyshak has made a dream debut as well. Delhi Capitals have performed disappointingly and are yet to open an account after four consecutive losses. Lucknow Super Giants and Punjab Kings have had mixed outcomes so far. Kolkatta Knight Riders would like to raise the stakes as well. Further parts of the continuing edition will undoubtedly serve up even more delectable content.
