IPL 2019: 4 Teams who are early favorites to reach the playoffs

As IPL 2019 is about to enter its second half, the race for a place in the playoffs is heating up. A lot of the players looked rusty in the first couple of weeks of the tournament but as the tournament has progressed, they seem to have found their touch.

While teams like Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders have made a strong start to their campaigns, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Rajasthan Royals have failed to live up to expectations and have made it extremely difficult for themselves to make it to the final four.

However, funny things have happened in the IPL in the past and thus no team can be written off completely even at this stage of the tournament. Also, there have been instances in the past where teams have lost their way after rollicking starts and eventually failed to reach the playoffs.

Considering the current form, availability of players in the latter half of tournament and the venues of the teams' remaining matches, here are the 4 teams who look to be favorites to reach the playoffs this year.

#4 Delhi Capitals

Delhi's bowling attack has done reasonably well so far

Delhi Capitals might have won just 3 out of their 6 matches, but the team is surely one of the contenders for a place in the final four. Delhi would have been much higher in the points table had they not lost some tight games.

Kagiso Rabada's menacing pace has caused a lot of trouble for the opposition batsmen. His South African teammate, Chris Morris has also been quite impressive with the ball. However, Delhi's biggest strength is its dynamic top order. Prithvi Shaw, Shreyas Iyer, and Rishabh Pant have played some stunning innings so far. If the Capitals can get their lower middle-order in place, they will be a team to beat in IPL 2019.

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#3 Kolkata Knight Riders

Karthik has led KKR brilliantly

Kolkata Knight Riders have once again surprised everyone with their performances. Not many people gave the team a chance at the start of the tournament, especially when Shivam Mavi, Kamlesh Nagarkoti and Anrich Nrotje were ruled out due to injuries.

But Andre Russell had other ideas as he has single-handedly won matches for KKR. Nitish Rana has been instrumental as well, batting confidently after a poor Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

KKR's fast bowling looked a little weak before the arrival of England seamer Harry Gurney, who seems to possess all the variations to succeed in the IPL. Gurney is ably supported by Prasidh Krishna, who has looked impressive once again. The spin trio of Sunil Narine, Kuldeep Yadav, and Piyush Chawla are slowly coming to their own.

Also, in the batting department Chris Lynn, Sunil Narine, and Robin Uthappa have shown signs of returning back to form. KKR will fancy it's chance of making it to the playoffs.

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#2 Mumbai Indians

Mumbai Indians picking up at the right time

After a disappointing season last year, Mumbai Indians have made a steady start in IPL 2019. After losing their first match against Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians has made a strong comeback, winning 3 of their last 4 matches, including the big win against CSK.

Interestingly, none of the Mumbai Indians' big guns have hit top form yet, but still, the team has been able to win important moments in the game. Hardik Pandya and Krunal Pandya have played well in patches but the biggest plus point for the team so far has been the return to form of Kieron Pollard.

The big Trinidadian has scored 96 runs so far this season at an outstanding strike-rate of 157.37. Pollard is extremely crucial for Mumbai Indians and they will be hoping for him to continue his good form. Rohit Sharma has once again led the team beautifully but he would like to contribute more with the bat.

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#1 Chennai Super Kings

CSK looks to be the most balanced side in IPL 2019

The defending champions Chennai Super Kings have made a strong start in the pursuit of their 4th IPL title. Even though most of their star players are yet to get going in the tournament, CSK has managed to win 4 out its 5 matches.

MS Dhoni has once again proven his mettle in the IPL and has already played some match-winning innings for the team. He has also shown how effective he is as a captain on slow Indian wickets. Dhoni has already choked a couple of teams with the use of his spinners in the matches played at Chennai.

CSK will be a little worried about their bowling though. Even though the spinners have looked sharp, the pacers have leaked too many runs, especially in death overs. However, with MS Dhoni being there as captain, CSK fans will not be sweating about it much.

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