IPL 2021: Rating teams for the second week based on their performance

This edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been exciting. Just like any other season, few teams have got their combination right, while the rest are still trying their best to find the perfect combination. IPL, as they say, provides the perfect platform for everyone. Unknown faces have become heroes. And some players are handling the burden of high price values.

However, in some way, this has been a different season, mainly because RCB has managed to win every game till now. Adding on, they have found their main death bowler in the form of Harshal Patel. Apart from RCB, the only consistent team is CSK. It looks like the addition of Moeen Ali has done wonders for them.

In the case of SRH, KKR, RR, and PBKS, they have to find a way to get the perfect combination. They have suffered because of poor captaincy. Adding on, the repeated instances of stat-padding have hampered their chances to sit comfortably at the top. It is time to rate these teams as per their performances during the second week of the season.

8. Punjab Kings: 2/10

During an IPL game between RCB and RR, Michael Slater stated that Punjab Kings do find a way to lose a game every time they play. Unfortunately, this is the harsh reality. Punjab Kings have the strongest lineup. But, poor management is ensuring that they do not win a game. 

Apart from the first match, their batting has been so bad that even Chris Gayle is unable to revive them. KL Rahul is batting too slowly and there is too much pressure on Mayank. Gayle at three is unable to smash those huge sixes and without any doubt, he should open. This is because KL Rahul can bat at any position, he is a versatile batsman.

Talking about their bowling, it looks like they have wasted INR 22 crore this year. Jhye Richardson and Riley Meredith are having the worst time of their careers as they are bowling at an economy rate of more than 10 runs per over.

It would have been better if the management had opted for better domestic players instead of popular BBL faces. Punjab has been the worst team, no doubt about it. But, we hope that they will turn the tables within the next few weeks.

7. Rajasthan Royals: 3/10

As per the points table, Rajasthan is the worst team. But, they have been a better unit than Punjab Kings. At least their batsmen are showing intent. Sanju Samson, their star batsman had a terrific start to the season. Well, he is slowly returning to his usual way of getting off-track after a brilliant effort during the initial games. 

Talking about his captaincy, Samson has been at the receiving end of bad luck. Jofra Archer and Ben Stokes are unavailable and the team is down on morale. Chris Morris and Mustafizur Rahman have been decent performers for the squad. Talking about Chetan Sakariya, he has been the best overall performer for them. 

As they move into another week, the senior players need to pull up their socks. Jos Buttler will take the charge, there is no doubt about it. But, Vohra needs to compliment him, and below-par scores are not helping Buttler. Talking about captaincy, Samson will improve as the tournament progresses.

6. Sunrisers Hyderabad: 4/10

The Sunrisers Hyderabad is one of the most consistent teams in the IPL. Somehow, they manage to reach the playoffs regularly. And their inspirational captain David Warner gives his 100 percent on the field and with the bat. But, as they are not good at chasing, they have suffered during the second week of the season too. 

The first two weeks showcased how important Kane Williamson is to the franchise. In his absence, Manish Pandey was under a lot of pressure and hence they lost few matches from winning positions. They have been bowling brilliantly, but it is their batting that has been a letdown. However, they won their last match against Punjab. 

And that might help them to get back in the tournament. Sunrisers can strengthen their middle order by opting for Williamson in the middle order. This will help other batsmen to play along with him as Williamson can play the role of an anchor. The master should revive his team when they need him.

5. Kolkata Knight Riders: 4.5/10

Just like the Punjab Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Rajasthan Royals, the Kolkata Knight Riders are sitting with just two points. They have a poor net run rate of -0.700. And, they have lost their last three games. It looks like Eoin Morgan is struggling with his team.

But, the only difference between KKR and RR or PBKS is the intent. During the game against CSK, as they were chasing a huge target of 221, they lost half of their side within 5.2 overs. The scoreboard was 31/5 and nobody gave them a chance. But, their superstars had some other ideas. 

The trio of Dinesh Karthik, Andre Russell, and Pat Cummins gave in everything. Dinesh scored a swift 40 from 24 balls. And, Russell was smashing every CSK bowler out of the park. He smashed 54 runs from 22 balls with a humongous strike rate of 245.5. Talking about Pat Cummins, he ignited a dead game by scoring 66 from 34 balls. Well, KKR might get back to winning ways if Eoin Morgan finds his form.

4. Mumbai Indians: 6/10

The five-time champions have been performing decently so far. But, in the first two weeks, they have lost their shape a bit. This is mainly because of their X-factor players: the Pandya brothers have been out of form this season. However, it is a matter of time that they find themselves at the top, if both of them get back to touch.

Rohit Sharma has been a great captain so far. But, the batting unit has failed them regularly or has been putting the bowling unit under a lot of pressure. In one of the games, they won because of a debacle from the KKR batting unit. But, credit goes to the bowlers who have been saving them regularly.

The main weakness for MI is the absence of a perfect fourth overseas player. They have the strongest team, but they are missing the services of an overseas player who can contribute effectively. Maybe, Jimmy Neesham might be their man but it depends on the management. They have a healthy run rate of +0.187 and are fourth in the table.

3. Delhi Capitals: 8/10

Since the last season, the Delhi Capitals have been the most consistent team. They managed to reach the finals and now, they have won three games out of four this season. The change in captaincy has not affected them. Adding on, their Indian players are performing extraordinarily well. Till now, they have been effective as a unit, thanks to good management. 

The Capitals are getting solid starts because of their opening duo of Dhawan and Shaw. Dhawan is the current holder of the Orange Cap and Shaw can plunder the bowlers by playing orthodox shots. Adding on, they have a strong middle order that ensures that the target has been attained. Captain Pant has been impressive as well. 

Under his captainship, they have managed to play two spinners and they have stood up to the occasion. The Capitals are having a terrific time. Adding on, if they manage to be consistent like they are now, they will be one of the strong contenders to lift the trophy this time.

2. Chennai Super Kings: 8.5/10

The Chennai Super Kings had their worst IPL season last year. For the first time, they were unable to reach the playoffs. There were a lot of loopholes for them as a squad. And the fans were disappointed. 

A departing Shane Watson made way for a young Ruturaj Gaikwad. And he found his form during the second week of the IPL. Against KKR, he scored a blistering 64 runs and ensured that the team got off to a great start. His partner Faf played a sublime knock of 95 and they posted a huge total of 220 against the Knight Riders. 

Talking about their bowling, Deepak Chahar has picked up 8 wickets so far. Moeen Ali and Suresh Raina have handled the middle order quite well. The only thing they should worry about is Dhoni’s form. He scored 17 against KKR but most of the runs came off the edge.

1. Royal Challengers Bangalore: 9/10

The Royal Challengers Bangalore had their best start to the season. Till now, they have won every game. And, in every game, there has been a different Man of the Match winner. It looks like Virat Kohli is determined to lift the trophy for the first time. And the team is complimenting him nicely. 

Because of the management’s efforts, Maxwell has found his touch. The evergreen AB de Villiers has been the best batsman for them so far. And in the last match, Devdutt scored a brilliant century. It is difficult for anyone to point out the mistakes in their approach towards batting in the second week. This is because they have not committed any mistake, unlike the Punjab Kings and the Rajasthan Royals.

Their bowling unit has improved with Harshal Patel picking up wickets regularly. He has found his perfect partner in the form of Siraj. The only issue with this team is Chahal’s form. Being a veteran, he can make a strong comeback in the upcoming weeks. Without any doubt, RCB has been the strongest team.