Showing posts with label Cricket. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cricket. Show all posts
IPL 2019 | Road to the Playoffs - Top 4 Favourite Teams
The world's biggest T20 Tournament is almost nearing to the end of Knockout Stages and the run to play offs shall begin very soon. The 12th Season of Indian Premier League has not been an easy ride for any of the teams. They had to earn each and every win. It has arguably produced more last ball thrillers than any other season in comparison. At the beginning of the tournament, all teams looked well settled and were deemed worthy for claiming a spot in the playoffs. But, as the tournament progressed, some teams performed better than others, by holding on to game changing moments or rather, building those moments.
Some teams have been driven by individual brilliance, like for instance - the Kolkata Knight Riders, where Andre Russell has single handedly won them some matches. However, no great contributions from others has resulted in KKR sliding towards lower half of the points table, and losing 6 games on a trot. Whereas some teams like Chennai Super Kings have found a new Superhero to rescue the day. All said and done, only 4 teams can make it to the Playoffs. Here's our prediction of the top four, based on current standings and form:
Chennai Super Kings
One simply cannot imagine the Top 4 points table to be complete without CSK on the list. Right since the inception of this tournament, they have always been in the playoffs, which is a big achievement in itself, as many other teams continue to thrive, in order to achieve this feat. Led by the charismatic Mahendra Singh Dhoni, CSK has always found ways to improve their game and individual performances has been key to this team. After all, it's a team game, and each player knows their role as well as requirement for contribution. They have been assigned specific tasks, and each time, it's incredible to see a player rise to the occasion, in order to fulfil his part of the duties. This time, things are no different, as CSK has won 8 out of the 12 games they have played so far. One more win in the remaining fixtures, and they are assured of securing a top 2 finish in the points table.
Delhi Capitals
This can be termed as the best year for the Delhi based franchise. It is rightly said, "Progress is not possible without change." And, the Delhi owners have understood this logic quite well. This year, the owners changed the franchise name, jersey and also upped their game with fresh faces, which in turn has changed their fortunes all over. They have the perfect mixture of young Indian core - Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant and Prithvi Shaw; all of whom have been at their best this season. The addition of Dhawan at top of the order has been like a cherry on the cake. Foreign recruits like Rabada, Morris have made major impact, with former also being the Purple Cap holder. DC has already qualified for the playoffs, with 8 wins in 12 games. One more win could guarantee them a top 2 finish in the league stages.
Mumbai Indians
Duniyaa Hila Denge Hum has been their anthem, and it seems they have lived up to these words, and that too with a big bang. MI is always known to have a slow start in the initial stage, and then, bounces back in the second half. Well, this time around the trends have changed, as the team has already won 7 out of the 12 matches played so far. Hence, they look set to book a ticket for the playoffs! The batting unit has fired most of the times, and helped chase down massive totals with ease. Each player has played their part very well. The unit looks like a well settled one with Quinton De Cock and Rohit Sharma providing promising starts for the likes of Krunal Pandya, Hardik Pandya and Keiron Pollard to build on and go for those mighty big shots in end overs. Jasprit Bumrah has done what he does best. Malinga, Rahul Chahar, Alzarri Joseph among others have played their part with the ball as well. Their only worry will be the form of their Captain - Sharma, who has blown hot and cold in the season so far, But as they say - Big players rise to the occasion. So, we look forward to seeing a twist in Hitman's form as well.
Sunrisers Hyderabad
The Hyderabad based franchise has faced a rather tricky road this season. Winning and losing 6 games each, they stand on the 4th place currently in the points table. They have banked heavily on their openers - David Warner and Jonny Bairstow, who have accounted for 50% of the overall runs scored by SRH this year. The Warner - Bairstow partnership has hardly failed, thus giving their middle order less exposure, which may be the only cause of worry for SRH. However, with the return of Manish Pandey, things look a bit sorted, as he has impressed with some good consistency and form. Bowling has never been a caution area for SRH with Rashid Khan, Bhuvaneshwar Kumar and Khalel Ahmed doing major damage to the opposition. They are well supported by Mohammad Nabi, Sandeep Sharma, and Siddhart Kaul. Since KKR, KXIP and KKR need to win all their remaining matches, in order to make an impact and finish in the top 4, it looks like SRH has a decent edge over them.
IPL 2019 - Top Players to Watch Out For
Year after year, the Indian Premier League brings with it a bag full of fresh domestic talent. While the T20 league is most cherished and admired for bringing recognition to fresh faces, it is also a platform for some of those 'old war horses' to find favour with the national selectors or extend their careers in T20 leagues. As expected, the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2019 player's auction attracted massive windfall. All eight franchises used the auction to get their squads ready for the upcoming season of the T20 league. Let's take a quick look at our top ten favourite players who look all set to be the game changes. For them, this edition of the IPL might turn out be career-altering or perhaps in some cases, even career-saving.
David Warner
The swashbuckling left-hand batsman from Australia is all set to make a comeback to IPL after not being a part of Orange Army last year in 2018. The 32-year-old is one of the best openers, and his numbers speak for themselves. He has scored 4014 runs from 114 innings in the tournament with an average of 40.55 and a strike rate of 142.14. These are the kind of players who win you tournaments. Certainly, one of our favourite players to watch out for in IPL 2019.
Steve Smith
All charged and geared up for a Royal Return. Rajasthan Royals will be boosted up with the return of Steve Smith, as he proved to be an asset for them before. The 29 year old, right handed middle order batsmen is a member of community "Fab 4" in international cricket. With a strike rate of 130+; he is one of the most dependent players for RR in IPL.
Varun Chakravarty
The man who went for maximum bucks in this season's IPL auction. Varun was picked by Kings XI Punjab for a price of 8.4 Crores INR. Another mystery spinner in this year's season, with the ring already filled up by the likes of Mujeeb Ur Rehman, Sunil Narine, and Rashid Khan. The spinner made his name with strong performances in the Tamil Nadu Premier League, picking up 10 wickets at mere 4.7 RPO. He can be the X-factor for KXIP this season. Let's see if he can live up to the reputation of being the 'Million Dollar Baby'.
Shivam Dube
Everyone was sure that Shivam Dube is bound to gain a considerable amount of attention in this year's IPL auction, and rightly so. Many teams did try to get him on their side. Ultimately, the 25-year-old all rounder was picked by Royal Challengers Bangalore. His all-round abilities can give RCB a much needed boost in the middle order. Right when it mattered the most, just before the IPL auctions, he slammed 5 sixes off 5 balls at a Ranji Trophy face-off, which helped him fetch a price of 5 Crores INR.
Oshane Thomas
Thomas impressed everyone with his raw pace at the Carribean Premiere League this year. He was picked by the Rajasthan Royals for 1.1 Crores INR at the auction. He is someone who can consistently touch the 150 kph mark. He might just turn out to be the trump card that Rajasthan Royals require in their bowling line up, as they do not have anyone who can bowl with such an amazing pace. Speed-o-Meter might be on a roll when this guy is bowling. Definitely a player to look out for!
Suresh Raina
It's hardly possible that you talk about IPL and you don't associate 'MR IPL' with 100% attendance. Suresh Raina may not be around in the international arena as much as we like, but he sure is the perfect person to fit in to our favourite category. The 32-year-old Southpaw has been the backbone of Chennai Super Kings since a long time. He can hit those big shots with ease, and is one of the finest players in this format. Closing in on 5000 IPL runs, he is the one of the leading run getters and surely making a comeback to Indian Squad will be up on his mind, which makes him a player to watch out for.
Rishabh Pant
This young Wicket Keeper - Batsmen is already being considered as the successor of MS Dhoni. He is certainly one of the most entertaining cricketers around, and can hit the ball a big mile. As a team, Delhi Capitals is packed with raw talent and will rely on Pant to continue his golden form, With a blistering strike rate of 160+ and already an IPL 100 under his name in last season, he is certainly another hot favourite!
Virat Kohli
Format doesn't matter when it comes to the Indian Captain. The run machine continues to flow. If T20 cricket is a brand, then certainly Kohli can be termed as the Brand Ambassador. With a wide array of shots and astonishing technique, the quick wrists and foot movement against spinners makes him one of the most dangerous batsmen. Kohli, with a strike rate of 135+, can be the one of the leading run getters in IPL. However, clinching the IPL trophy is still on the wish list for our RCB skipper. Let's see if that works out successfully for Kohli this year.
Jasprit Bumrah
When it comes to the bowling department, Mumbai Indians have plenty of talent to choose from. But, all eyes will once again be on ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah. He is regarded as one of the best pacers in the international arena. Bumrah has been instrumental for the eye catching success of MI in the last few years. He has 63 wickets in 67 IPL matches, and will look to increase that tally this time around. From Bowling those economical spells at the top to bowling some toe cracking Yorkers; he has it all in his armoury.
Rashid Khan
He can be termed as one of the 'Best Teenage Players' around. Afghanistan has a knack of producing world class talents, and Rashid Khan clearly leads the spin trio along with Nabi & Mujeeb for Afghanistan. Plus, he leads the Spin department for the Orange Army as well. Sometimes, it's very hard for batsmen to know what's gonna come up next from his sleeve. With an economy just over 6, he can control the middle overs and take wickets in last overs as well. Make no mistake! This Guy can win you tournaments.
Are you all set to watch IPL 2019 and cheer for your favourite squad? Is your top player on this list?
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Bleed Blue for Team India | Nike (ICC World Cup 2015 Special)
Tis' the season of cricket, where we all get together to scream our lungs out, every time Team India is out on the field to play against the opponent. Empty streets, nail biting moments and loud cheers have become the norm every weekend these days. Now, with Team India becoming the first team in Pool B to qualify for the quarter finals, everyone is quite excited to see our Indian boys get a clean sweep with a win over Ireland in the next match. With a great batting line up, excellent fielding and decent bowling skills, Team India is fast becoming a hot favorite to defend the title. So much, that every time we see a match involving India, the stadium looks more like Wankhede than an Australian venue.
This sure is turning out to be one interesting edition of the World Cup and what makes it even more special is the incredible 'Bleed Blue' campaign by Team India's official apparel sponsors - Nike. I get emotional every time I see the men in blue stand in respect for the national anthem. And of course, another proud moment is to watch a sea of Team India fans in Australia/New Zealand, clad in their brand jerseys, bleeding blue with pride for their nation. After all, cricket is not just a game, it is a much revered and loved religion, where a match win ensures an early Diwali (read: firecrackers bursting) in every little by-lane of India. Bleed Blue (the campaign), that was first launched in 2011 ahead of the cricket world cup that year, has fast become two integral words that every Indian swears by. It stands for the color that unifies the hopes and dreams of more than 1 billion people.
For someone who has been brought up in an environment where cricket talks are an everyday thing - irrespective of the format, tournament or team, it is no surprise that I am a proud cricket fanatic. If you have been following me on Twitter, you already know that I get this fanaticism from my Dad, an ex-cricketer, with whom I can talk all things cricket non-stop. Girls can't talk cricket, some say. "They can only chat about Virat Kohli and Dale Steyn's latest hair do." Wrong! There is a lot more to cricket than fashion or good looking men. I can easily tell a cover drive from a hook and square cut. Oh, and I love cricket in its purest form - the test format. One doesn't have to talk cricket statistics all day to be a fan of the game. Cricket, for those like me and dad, is not just a game. It is a way of life. And when it comes to cheering for India, everything else can wait.
If I had to describe the all new Nike Team India jersey in one word (or two), it would be - super comfortable. I can live in this the entire day. No wonder, the men in blue are all smiles, whenever they step out looking their finest best in those uniforms. With just one match left before we hop on to the crucial QFs, here's wishing Team India all the very best for the journey ahead. Kill it, boys! Don't give that beauty back.
Have you ordered your Team India jersey yet? If not, head to a Nike store or order it online here.
Outfit Details
Men Blue ODI SS Stadium Jersey
Legendary freeze frame tights
Air Max 2015 shoes {All} - Nike
Watch - Swatch
Aviators - RayBan
Photography - Team Dancebee
Love,
The Dancebee
