In the first part of this series, we evaluated the performances of the Delhi Daredevils and Kolkata Knight Riders. Now, we take a look at one of IPL’s newest entrants, Gujarat Lions and one of the most disappointing teams in the tournament in recent years, Kings XI Punjab – and review their performances over the last month.
Gujarat Lions
Suresh Raina has finally managed to step out of the shadows of MS Dhoni
Not much was expected from the new team on the block, Gujarat Lions, but their performance has been one of the most surprising stories of the IPL thus far.
Coached by Australian Brad Hogg and captained by Suresh Raina, the franchise has won 7 of their 8 matches so far with the two blips coming against Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kings XI Punjab. The team sits at the top of the table with 12 points.
Highs – It has been a team performance from GL so far with the players chipping in with both bat and bowl on a consistent basis.
Aaron Finch started the campaign for GL on a rampage, scoring 191 in 4 innings before being ruled out due to injury. His replacement Dwayne Smith, along with Brendon McCullum, have ensured that the Australian’s absence hasn’t been felt. The West Indian has so far scored 163 in 4 innings at a strike rate of 168, while McCullum has chipped in with 219 runs with an equally impressive strike rate of 160.GL have been the best team in Powerplays this season, scoring at 9.83 per over. The form of the openers has majorly contributed in the success of the Lions.
A strong and reliable middle order, comprising Suresh Raina and Dinesh Karthik, may not have set the tournament on fire, but have contributed as and well the team has demanded them to.
The Gujarat team boasts of a penetrative pace bowling attack, led by Indian discard Praveen Kumar, who has impressed with his accurate line and length, bowling the Yorkers effectively. An economy of 7.45, including figures of 0/13 in 4 overs against Delhi Daredevils reveals its own tale.
Disappointments – A team which sits comfortably on top of the table can rarely have indifferent performances from their players. However, failing to rise up to expectations has been ‘Champion’ DJ Bravo, especially in the bowling arena. Probably the best death bowler at present, the West Indian has gone for almost 9.37 runs per over and except for figures of 4/22 against Kings XI Punjab, has little to show for.
Expectations – With the ominous form of the openers unlikely to end anytime soon, the Gujarat Lions look the most dangerous side in the competition. The way a new team has gelled under a new captain has been a major reason for their consistency.
Keep an eye out for youngster Shivil Kaushik who, with his unique action, can confound the opposition with his left arm chinaman bowling. He returned with impressive figures of 3/20 against Punjab.
With the form they are in, it will be surprising if the Lions don’t end up finishing within the top two.
Remaining matches- (6)
03 May – GL vs DD
06 May – SRH vs GL
08 May – KKR vs GL
14 May – RCB vs GL
19 May – GL vs KKR
21 May – GL vs MI
Kings XI Punjab
If Vijay manages to turn things around for KXIP, it’ll be nothing short of a miracle
The winner of the wooden spoon last year, Kings XI Punjab face a similar fate this season as well, unless a miraculous performance ensues which changes things around. The team has only two wins to their name, against Rising Pune Supergiants and table toppers Gujarat Lions, in their 6 outings. With David Miller having a torrid time, Murali Vijay replaced the South African as the captain of the team. He impressed in his first outing with an upset over the Lions.
Highs – Amidst the gloom that Punjab find themselves in, the form of Murali Vijay and Manan Vohra provide them with a sigh of relief.
Vijay, with 196 runs in 6 innings and Vohra, with 161 runs in as many innings have been providing the team with starts, which unfortunately have not been capitalised on by a woeful middle order.
Shaun Marsh, brought into the second game, has 159 runs against his name and it is only these three batsmen who have managed to bring some respectability into the batting order. However, he too, finds himself injured – and will miss the remainder of the season.
In the bowling front, Mohit Sharma seems to be the only bowler who can trouble the batsmen for the Punjab franchise.With 10 wickets, he is the highest wicket taker for Punjab thus far.
Disappointments – The form of their international recruits has been the biggest disappointment of the season for the Preity Zinta owned team. David Miller, the former captain, failed to lead from the front, scoring only 106 runs in 7 innings. A lacklustre performance as captain with questionable field placements and bowling changes further added to his misery.
The Australian import Glenn Maxwell has had a horrible season scoring 95 runs in 7 innings. In the absence of George Bailey, the onus was on the two big hitters to finish the innings with a flourish, an aspect in which they have failed miserably in.
Another disappointment has come in the form of Mitchell Johnson, who was meant to spearhead the bowling attack. Just 1 wicket in 2 games at an economy rate of over 9 has meant that the Aussie has been warming the bench in the last four games.
Expectations – It will need nothing less than a divine intervention for Punjab to get their campaign back on track. The appointment of Vijay as captain can exude in fresh ideas into the team but a qualifying berth looks highly improbable.
Remaining matches – (7)
04 May – KKR vs KXIP
07 May – KXIP vs DD
09 May – KXIP vs RCB
13 May – MI vs KXIP
15 May – KXIP vs SRH
18 May – RCB vs KXIP
21 May – RPS vs KXIP
Watch this space for the monthly reviews of the remaining four teams.
Note: All stats are updated till 1st May 2016
