Why are the IPL Teams struggling early on?

Make no mistake, I am talking about the general trend here. Delhi Daredevils are an exception to this. In fact, I believe they are one of the favorites to lift the Champion League title if they are able to cope well with their chokers tag.

With the all IPL teams having played at least their opening match, a disappointment galore for their fans; Delhi Daredevils were the exception.

The first was the match between two IPL franchises, Delhi Daredevils and Kolkata Knight Riders. Given the conditions and form of the key players, Delhi clearly went in with an upper hand, and as things panned out, they emerged clear winners, outplaying the Kolkata outfit in all departments. The Knight Riders struggled with their batting, and if it was not for Sunil Narine, who was the pick of the bowlers for them, they would have conceded much more. So it is trouble in both the departments for them.

Now with the second loss in their second game, it’s a worrying time for the IPL champions.

The much consistent Chennai side too found it difficult here in South Africa, conceding a hell lot of runs and failing to come close. Mumbai too were outplayed; a superb batting performance from the Highveld Lions with the Mumbai bowling failing to acclimatize.

Let’s look at the possible problems:

Kolkata Knight Riders:

Let’s begin with Kolkata’s bowling, which was key to their IPL title success. They didn’t comprise of ‘hit the deck’ bowlers, which generally prevail in South African conditions. With Brett Lee having lost his pace and vigour, and Balaji more of a ‘take the pace off the ball’ bowler who cannot use the bounce to his advantage – they lack the bowling combination to do well in such conditions. Spinner Sunil Narine seems to be their best bet in that respect, given the bounce and his variations, which he makes full use of. Kallis too can be handy, but cannot run down a batting line up on his own.

Delhi Daredevils players celebrate capturing the wicket of Gautam Gambhir.

Kolkata missed a trick with not fielding Lee in the second game. Though he is not what he used to be, he’s their best fast bowler if he has his day. Another mistake KKR committed in the second game was getting Sangwan late on. Sangwan is a swing bowler, and should have been brought upfront, in place of Balaji so as to make full use of the swinging conditions.

Another major problem KKR are facing is the form of their key batsmen. Kallis and Gambhir seem to be struggling ever since the World T20 began, and the others aren’t experienced enough to be expected to win it on their own. Since the first 6 overs are pretty crucial in a 20-20 affair, Kolkata should send their premier in-form batsman, McCullum, to open the innings; another area in which they committed a mistake.

The crux is that they are finding it difficult to get acquainted with the conditions, and are hence, struggling. The form of their key players is also a key reason. They need to put their thinking caps on, before it gets too late.

Chennai Super Kings:

Chennai’s strength has been their batting and they batted well too, but their bowlers had given away 15 runs too many.

Chennai’s only worry in the batting department is the form of their skipper Dhoni, who seems to have not moved from the World Cup form. He seems to be struggling, and with this continuing, Chennai will struggle because Dhoni is a key member of the side and has an important role of a finisher in the side. Also, a captain’s confidence passes on to the team; with Dhoni low on confidence, he might dent the team’s confidence.

Dhoni’s form is of some concern to CSK fans.

The bowling seems to be the real trouble. Though, Hilfenhaus and Bollinger are amongst the top bowlers who can thrive in such conditions, the fact their form has dropped – their names from the Australian playing 11 too – has adversely affected them. The Indian paceman, Yo Mahesh, doesn’t have any sort of experience in such conditions, and will take time. Ashwin and Jadeja aren’t at their best either, hence aggravating Chennai’s bowling woes.

They too need to get going and get themselves acclimatizing soon, to have any sort of chance of lifting the trophy.

Mumbai Indians:

They have a good balance between their batting and bowling, and they can thrive in any conditions; the proof being their triumph in the last edition of Champions League held in South Africa.

The major problem with Mumbai is their Indian contingent’s poor form. Sachin hasn’t been playing for long, and seems to be out of touch. Such is the extent of his poor form that people are terming it a litmus test for the man, failing which, he should retire.

Sachin’s been out of touch for a while now.

Rohit Sharma is a class act and has had a good record in South Africa, but records don’t count, form does. This is where the Mumbai batting is lacking. The others in the Indian contingent, comprising of Karthik and Rayadu batted way too down the order and should have been batting up at 4 and 5. It was surprising to see Johnson in at 4, being out of the game for so long. In fact, his position in the team is questionable, given Thisara Perera has just come from a good showing in the World Cup.

Their bowling department is strong and such conditions should suit them, but again the same old question of form. There is bounce, carry in the wicket and that’s Bhajji would have been craving for. But such is his form that he seems absolutely ineffective, even against sides that don’t play spin too well. Bhajji is lacking confidence too, having had a long spell on the sidelines. Malinga is their key bowler and even Dhawal should do well, given the conditions.

Mumbai needs Tendulkar and Sharma to hit form and hit it soon to have a chance of shout in this tournament. Also, Bhajji needs to get his act together.They must get their batting order right .If things fall in place and they adapt well enough, they have a real chance of a shout, at least.

All these teams have two problems in common, they need to get their best batsman up the order and try getting their bowling order correct too, suiting the conditions. Also, they need to acclimatize quick. They have experienced players in their side, and they should help the youngsters get going and get going quick.

On the Contrary:

Delhi Daredevils:

Delhi seems to have done well in all these regards, and are one of the favourites. They have a strong batting line up to go with a potent bowling line up.

Their batting seem to have the in-form foreigners, the likes of Mahela and Taylor. In addition, Kevin Pietersen, having had a spell in the studio, would be itching to go out there and get runs. Sehwag is an innings away from being at his lethal best.

The best part for the Daredevils is the pleasing form of their young Indian star, in the name of Chand.

Their bowling seems to be in safe hands with Pathan swinging it early on, followed by Morkel and Yadav hitting the deck hard. Agarkar can chip in well too, and Negi gets through his overs quickly without leaking runs.

They are well on their way for a first trophy.*TOUCHWOOD*