There’s a bit of logic behind close matches in IPL

The close games we have seen in this IPL is unparalleled. The points table is a reflection of that. Barring one team, there is a struggle amongst the others to make the playoffs.

Maybe not with everything, but with most things there is a bit of logic to it. I have my theory on why we have had so many tight games and turnarounds too --teams bouncing back from hopeless situations to win and vice versa. That is because most teams this IPL have some glaring weaknesses along with great strengths that get exposed on a given night. This allows the opposition to get a second lease of life and strike back.

Look at Royal Challengers Bangalore. They have two great batsmen in AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli and two outstanding bowlers in Yuzvendra Chahal and Tim Southee. Barring these four, the rest are somewhat ‘hit and miss’ players. That’s RCB’S weakness waiting to be exposed.

Rajasthan Royals are a team with some players of class but they are down in confidence and that is the breath of a T20 performance. Players like Ajinkya Rahane, Ben Stokes and Jaydev Unadkat are RR’S big weakness, and if not for Jos Buttler would have sunk by now.

Kings XI Punjab have a good spin attack in R Ashwin and Mujeeb Ur Rahman and a devastating top opening pair in Chris Gayle and KL Rahul. Gayle does not fire consistently and after these two, the middle order is fragile. Also, the seam bowling has to be managed well. That’s KXIP’S Achilles heel.

Delhi Daredevils are too youthful in their batting, lack of experience is their problem. Also, they don’t quite have a gamechanging spinning pair.

KKR need spin-friendly conditions to make a mark, and if they don’t get that it makes them a vulnerable team. Sunrisers Hyderabad are the leaders of the pack. They have been brilliant with the bowlers leading the way, and the batting is now coming into its own, though I believe this is their soft underbelly.

Chennai Super Kings have great T20 experience but lack of fitness, though not crucial in T20s, may haunt them. A couple of misfields here and there or being slow to get under the ball for a catch that matters is their crack in the wall.

Mumbai Indians’ story is a strange one. Other than lacking a game-changing wrist spinner like Sunil Narine, they have their bases covered. It’s a team with the least weaknesses. So why haven’t they had it easy? Well that’s T20s for you.