The IPL 2023 has just crossed its halfway stage. There have been a lot more high-scoring encounters and plenty of last-over and last-ball nail-biters that have thoroughly entertained the fans.
CSK and GT sit at the top of the table, but there is a log jam in the middle and bottom with multiple teams with 8 points, 6 points, and 4 points.
In this article, we’re rating all the teams at halfway stage of IPL 2023:
Chennai Super Kings – 9
CSK’s bowling has exceeded all expectations and predictions. In the injury-forced absence of some pacers and pace-bowling all-rounder in Ben Stokes, the Indian players Deshpande, Akash Singh, and Jadeja along with the overseas players Pathirana, Theekshana, Santner and Moeen Ali have all stepped up with the ball.
Their batting has been brilliant with the openers leading the way and Shivam Dube has been scintillating as their middle-order spin basher. CSK are looking set for a playoff finish and perhaps even a top 2. MS Dhoni has been weaving his magic wand in what is likely to be his last IPL season.
Gujarat Titans – 9
Hardik Pandya‘s side has been as clinical in all departments as they were last year and now have 5 wins in 7 matches. Their two losses came to freak innings against Rinku Singh and Hetmyer. The Impact Player rule has allowed them to play Manohar and Shankar, two hitters in the middle-order, followed by Miller and Tewatia. Their bowling, with the introduction of Noor Ahmad, has more variety than ever before.
They are strongly in contention not only for a top-two finish, but to even retain their title.
Rajasthan Royals – 8
Rajasthan Royals have continued on their good form from last year. Barring Riyan Parag, all the regulars have performed well, though they would yearn for more consistency from Samson and Padikkal. Hetmyer has taken the finishing duties to a new level while Dhruv Jural has been a revelation. Sandeep Sharma has been impressive after coming on as a replacement. RR still would also want an extra bowling option in their arsenal. Boult, Chahal, Ashwin have been simply superb.
Lucknow Super Giants – 7
Though LSG have won 4 of their 7 matches, they have holes. Starting with the tempo of KL Rahul’s batting. The inconsistency of Stoinis, Pooran, and Krunal with the bat cost them in their embarrassing loss vs GT where they failed to close the chase even when 31 were needed in 36 balls. Mark Wood hasn’t been fit for all games and even in his presence, LSG’s pace attack has been expensive.
Royal Challengers Bangalore – 5
Oh RCB. They are heavily dependent on the trio of Kohli, Faf, and Maxwell and on Siraj and Hasaranga in bowling. The rest others have been disappointing, and mostly their middle and lower-middle order batting. In the absence of Patidar, nobody has really taken the mantle of finishing games and that’s forced Kohli and Faf to even slow down. If they don’t find new heroes soon, Royal Challengers Bangalore might miss the playoffs this season.
Punjab Kings – 6
Punjab Kings have done well with 4 wins in 7 matches and they have been without captain Shikhar Dhawan for the last 3 games, out of which they won 2. Jonny Bairstow’s absence meant the likes of Short, Rajapaksa, and Sikandar Raza got opportunities and all three did well. PBKS now also has Livingstone back in the side. Their bowling is good and includes variety. A playoff spot for Punjab this time is a realistic chance.
Kolkata Knight Riders – 4
KKR were revived by two freakish, once-in-a-lifetime knocks by Shardul Thakur and Rinku Singh to win their first two matches out of 3 before going on a 4-match losing streak where their batting and miserable pace bowling was exposed. They have tried 6 different opening pairs. The inclusion of Jason Roy has added a boost at the top of the order while their spinners remain their strength as their victory over Royal Challengers Bangalore showed.
Mumbai Indians – 5
Mumbai Indians have actually done well to cover up for the loss of Bumrah and injury to Archer, who has played in only 2 out of 7 matches. Arjun has bowled decently up front while Behrendorff, Meredith too have been impressive. Piyush Chawla, the veteran leg-spinner, has turned around the clock and made impactful performances. Their batting has certainly been in a better state than last season with both Rohit and Kishan firing at some points. A playoff spot, though, remains unlikely for MI who have 3 wins in 7 matches.
Sunrisers Hyderabad – 4
Problems start for SRH right from the top. Barring a century from Harry Brook, no other top order batsman has really played a match-winning knocks; they have won only 2 out of 7. Their bowling has surprisingly been underfire this season so far. They have made a hat-trick of losses, in the latest of which, they failed to chase 145 vs Delhi Capitals.
Delhi Capitals – 4
After 5 losses at the start of the tournament, Delhi Capitals have made some mitigation with 2 straight wins. It has come on the back of some good, jointly-made bowling performances. Their batting has been going through a churner with out of form batters.
