IPL 2020: Rating the bowling attack of all the teams

T20 cricket is tipped to be a batsman’s game. It’s known that the slam-bang version of the game is for all the big hits to the boundary and the tall scores. However, there is a wrong perception that the best batting team generally are the favourites to win titles.

But they don’t. Ask Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). They have had the best of batting line-ups over the years in the IPL but they’ve failed to put in combined performances. Moreover, bowlers win you tournaments. A decent batting line-up can do with a strong bowling attack while vice-versa isn’t always true.

Hence, these days, there is a lot more focus on the bowlers. In fact, there were as many as 26 bowlers or bowling all-rounder bought in the auction this time around.

Thus, with all teams lined up for the moment, here we rate the bowling attacks of the teams for the 2020 IPL: –

1. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) – 7/10

As expected, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) boast of a spin-heavy attack. They have as many as seven frontline spinners which includes a couple of all-rounders in their ranks. With the Chepauk track expected to take turn, CSK are likely to unleash at least three spinners at their opposition when they play at home. While the spin department has depth and quality, it’s the fast bowling department where there are a few concerns.

Deepak Chahar’s rise has been fantastic but he is currently out of action due to a lower back injury. He is expected to be back only in March or April, according to chief selector MSK Prasad. Hence, Chahar might be rusty while Shardul Thakur is the only other capped Indian pace bowler. Moreover, they have Lungi Ngidi who is very injury prone as well. CSK have added Josh Hazlewood to their squad as well.

The Australian pacer returned to T20 cricket after a gap of nearly four years when he turned out to play in the BBL. Moreover, they have Sam Curran who isn’t a proven customer in the shortest format. That leaves them with Dwayne Bravo who has been on the decline. Thus, death bowling will be an issue and they have arguably the worst bowling attacks for the upcoming season.