Season’s trend: Fluctuating fortunes, age factor and icons
As IPL enters its business end and teams sprint around the final bend, it is anybody’s game. Teams that earlier surged ahead have lost momentum; others who gasped for breath initially have got second wind.
This season, only CSK and Sunrisers Hyderabad have been consistent; Delhi Daredevils too, but in a different way. CSK is a settled team led by an astute captain who knows how to win. Sunrisers have solid bowling and a captain who keeps finding new ways to win. The difference between the two captains is that MSD is a legend, permanent member and chairperson of IPL’s club of icons. Kane Williamson is a fresher who would have sat on the bench in Hyderabad had Warner been present.
It is interesting how the fortunes of teams change, and what causes these changes. DD underperformed again and must find out why they are where they are. Mumbai began poorly, KKR/ RCB had their moments. Kings sped off the blocks like Usain Bolt only to pull a hamstring halfway. Royals were excellent one day, exasperating the next.
Sometimes, it is possible to understand the changing fortunes of teams. Captain Ashwin admitted they are not a champion side and initially punched above their weight. For Royals, Steve Smith missing out proved a crippling blow, their situation made worse with Rahane and Stokes not putting their hand up when needed.
The major gain is the emergence of bright young Indian talent. Batsmen still in an age category to be called juniors have won matches for their teams. This new set of players are skilled, confident and fearless. But don’t miss the irony: this latest batch of under-19s are mentored by Rahul Dravid, who considers the longer format far more important than 20-over cricket.
Strangely, young players slightly senior are having a mixed season. Nitish Rana, Deepak Hooda, Mandeep Singh and Rahul Tripathy are more down than up.
Manan Vohra, Saurabh Tiwary and Manoj Tiwary, all so promising in previous editions, are on the fringes.
More surprising is the inability of Karnataka’s experienced batting muscle to make an impact. Manish Pandey, Mayank Aggarwal and Karun Nair (collectively worth several crores) are yet to ‘express’ themselves. But KL Rahul, their Ranji colleague, has had a standout season.
The fortunes of senior players have thrown up conflicting trends. Some are pushed aside, unable to survive the rush of a format that disrespects age. Gautam Gambhir stepped down at DD and Yuvraj is no more central to KXIP plans.
Raina, Jadeja and Uthappa are not as forceful as they were. Harbhajan is not an automatic four-over option. Two players defy this narrative. Ambati Rayudu, an IPL expert, is having his best-ever season. DK at KKR is successfully playing multiple roles -- those of captain, keeper and finisher.