The IPL is reaching its final stages and there has been plenty of action for everyone to view and enjoy. This being the tenth version has been memorable with the likes of MI and KKR living up to their big billing while RCB and GL have faltered. We take a look at all the IPL teams and rate them out of 10:
Royal Challengers Bangalore (3/10):
The team from Bangalore was expected to capitalize on last year’s finalists’ performance and go on to win the trophy. They have done everything except that. This year, they have not been able to get going and have faltered miserably. Lying at the bottom of the table, the squad brimming with talent have been let down in all departments. Their injuries at the beginning of the tournament have also not helped their cause.
Gujarat Lions (5/10):
The team led by Suresh Raina made it to the semi-finals last year but are now languishing at the bottom of the table. Raina has been in decent form with 400 runs and above in yet another IPL but the others have not been able to get going. They have also been hampered with injuries with star bowler Andrew Tye and batsman Brendon McCullum having to leave the team.
Delhi Daredevils (4/10):
The Delhi Daredevils were one of the worst affected teams with injuries with players such as JP Duminy and Quinton De Kock missing out. This has caused them to rely on youngsters who have performed admirably and their pace department. The team however lost some crucial games due to which they had to fall to the bottom of the table.
Kings XI Punjab (6/10):
The KXIP team has a lot of big-hitters led by captain Maxwell but they were mostly let down by a drab bowling battery. The team did play well in some matches and still have an outside chance of making it to the play-offs stage. Hashim Amla and Sandeep Sharma have performed relatively well in the tournament however.
Rising Pune Supergiant (7/10):
The Steven Smith led squad started slow but have picked up admirably led by the brilliant Ben Stokes who has gone on to justify his price tag. Smith too, has been excellent and supporting roles from the likes of Tiwary and Dhoni have helped them find a safe spot on the table. They still have a lot to offer and the elimination rounds should be interesting.
Sunrisers Hyderabad (7.5/10):
David Warner has led by example, holding the orange cap and so has Bhuvneshwar Kumar, with the purple cap. They have also had some fantastic innings played by the likes of Yuvraj Singh and Shikhar Dhawan while teenage Afghani sensation, Rashid Khan has picked some important wickets on the way.
Mumbai Indians (8/10):
The Mumbai Indians have performed superbly in all departments, led by the likes of Kieron Pollard and Jasprit Bumrah. Rohit Sharma too has played some important innings due to which the team are amongst the top two in the table. Mumbai will be looking to win their record third IPL this year and will almost certainly finish in the top 2.
Kolkata Knight Riders (9/10):
Captain Gautam Gambhir and Robin Uthappa along with Chris Lynn and Sunil Narine have given the KKR a rousing start due to which their bowling has improved. The biggest surprise has been Sunil Narine and his ability to wield the bat while the likes of Umesh Yadav have picked up wickets regularly.
By Rohit Nair
