CSK have finally won a match in the IPL and what a win it was. They beat KXIP by 10 wickets chasing a mountainous score of 174, Watson and Du Plessis eventually made a mockery of the run chase. Chennai Super Kings have now climbed to 6th from 8th on the back of a commendable win. After their dismal start to the league, they were subjected to a pretty fun mockery, the likes of which RCB are familiar with. This was a statement win for the Chennai based franchise who now look like the top team that they have historically been.
KXIP who have looked quite good on the pitch haven’t been rewarded accordingly on the points table. KXIP have two players in the top 3 in orange cap and still lie at the bottom.
Fours galore
On their way to 83 and 87, Watson and Du Plessis scored 22 fours in total. The innings from Watson and Faf looked more like an ODI inning than a T20 one and that is not a bad thing, to be honest. Watching a batsman thread the field and deceiving the fielders is something we could never get tired of. Both the batsmen played good cricketing shots without having the need to slog every ball towards the long-on.
KXIP curse continues
KXIP have a very poor record in the IPL. They have always been lingering in the lower half of the table and this year is no different. Their individual performance has been very good but as a team, they have not been good enough. All the other teams like RR, DC and RCB have improved but somehow KXIP keep on missing the mark.
Change might not always be good
CSK and MI have shown that a consistent core is very important for consistent performance. These teams have had an unchanged core since the inaugural season that has earned them 7 IPL titles in the past 12 years. KXIP, on the other hand, seem to always be in transition. While CSK give pretty long ropes to their key players, KXIP are constantly dropping theirs after one bad game. Dropping Jordan after the first game looks like has destroyed his confidence and the same has been done to Neesham.
The IPL has been a neutrals paradise with every team equally stacked against each other. A return of form for RCB, RR and DC has thrown this IPL wide open and anyone could win it this time. Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings were outclassed in the beginning but have now bounced back with easy wins. KXIP have also shown flashes of brilliance but haven’t clicked together as other teams. If only they could improve their performance, this IPL could be the most open yet.
