IPL 2019, 27-28 April Preview: Race to the playoffs intensifies!
The penultimate weekend of the group stages of the IPL promises some exciting action as the race for the top 4 spots hits a high-fever pitch. The 2019 edition of the IPL has been a blast to watch for the spectators with most of the games ending as close encounters and all the 8 teams still alive in the tournament. The weekend bonanza will have 3 matches with stakes at an all-time high in all three.
For a change, it won’t be a doubleheader Saturday. The only match that day will be between Rajasthan Royals, who have suddenly found some form and Sunrisers Hyderabad who have a lot of quality in their ranks. There will be a doubleheader on Sunday with the match between Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bangalore getting the party started. The action will then reach its peak as two of the most glamorous sides in the IPL, Kolkata Kolkata Knight Riders and Mumbai Indians bringing an end to the weekend.
All aboard the Riyan Parag hype train!
(Image: Times of India)
It speaks volumes about the impact that a 17-year old kid has had when he becomes one of the key players in a team. Riyan Parag has been a sensational find for the unit from Jaipur this season and his performances have provided the spark which has kept Rajasthan Royals alive in the tournament. Parag has been exceptional with the bat, providing impetus in the middle-order. He has also chipped in with some handy overs and captain Steve Smith, in particular, has been a big fan. In a team of some big name superstars like Jos Buttler, Ajinkya Rahane, Jofra Archer and Steve Smith, it is the 17-year old Parag who has shone the brightest. Scoring 77 runs so far in the tournament, his composure has impressed one and all.
With Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler and Jofra Archer departing, lights will shine even brighter on Parag to make an even bigger impact. He will face off against one of the most impressive bowling units in the SRH attack. If he puts up another impactful performance, the hype around him will only continue to grow. The teenager will have to perform along with a few more of RR’s key players, as this is another do-or-die encounter for them to stay alive in the tournament.
One final step towards the promised land for Delhi Capitals
RCB will miss the services of Dale Steyn. (Image: IPLT20.com)
Whatever the final outcome in the tournament, this has been one of the best campaigns in their history for the Delhi Capitals. The young players in whom they have invested a lot of time and effort are finally starting to mature. They sit in the second spot on the table with 14 points in 11 games and one more victory will seal their spot for the playoffs. The next hurdle they face in their quest to qualify for the playoffs will be a charged up Royal Challengers Bangalore unit.
After an incredibly poor start to the tournament, Bangalore have picked themselves up and are currently riding a wave of momentum with three consecutive victories. But they will be seriously affected by the absence of Dale Steyn who has been ruled out of the tournament with an injury. Moeen Ali’s all-round skills will also be missed as he has flown back to England for World Cup preparations.
Another win for Bangalore will firmly put them in the hunt for a playoff spot and will make them the in-form team of the tournament. As for Delhi, they will continue to trust the process and go on with the usual business of relying on their young Indian core.
Will the real KKR please stand up?
Kolkata Knight Riders have lost 6 matches in a row. (Image: IPLT20.com)
With the quality which they have in their ranks, Kolkata Knight Riders should not be struggling as much as they have over the past few weeks. Despite being one of the strongest units on paper, KKR have now lost six matches in a row. This has seen their campaign disintegrate in a spectacular fashion, with the team failing to perform as a collective unit.
Against Mumbai Indians, they will face-off against one of the strongest sides in the tournament. It is high time that Kolkata start to perform like a well-oiled unit again, instead of depending upon a couple of players. Another loss could lead to them being knocked out of the tournament. For a side considered as among the favourites, it could turn out to be a drastic result. The match will also provide Mumbai with an opportunity to inflict further misery upon the home side and move one step closer towards the Top 4.
