IPL: The surprises and new names Indian youngsters

DUBAI: Halfway through the 2020 Indian Premier League, exiled to the United Arab Emirates because of the coronavirus pandemic, it is already increasingly likely that a new name will go on the winner’s trophy. Here AFP takes a look at five things that stood out in the first half of the world’s richest cricket tournament including the upstart challenge from the Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bangalore:

Kohli’s hunt for first title

In search of their first IPL title, India captain Virat Kohli has led Royal Challengers Bangalore to their best start to a campaign with five wins from seven games. “King” Kohli found form with a half-century in his team’s win over Rajasthan on October 3. Bottom of the table last year, Bangalore are now level with leaders Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals on 10 points. South African veteran AB De Villiers, who hit an explosive 73 in Monday’s win over Kolkata Knight Riders, has played a key role. Kohli hailed the South

New Indian player including Bangalore opener Devdutt Padikkal and Kings XI Punjab spinner Ravi Bishnoi have been making a claim for national attention in the IPL. Kohli called the 20-year-old Padikkal a “serious talent” before the left-hander hit three half-centuries in seven games. Bishnoi, 20, has caught the eye with his leg spin for King’s XI Punjab and his eight wickets so far have included England’s Eoin Morgan and Jonny Bairstow, and Australian star David Warner. Kolkata Knight Riders pace duo of Shivam Mavi, 21, and Kamlesh Nagarkoti, 20, have also made their presence felt taking nine wickets between them.

Dhoni slump

Mahendra Singh Dhoni has been one of IPL’s most successful skippers, leading Chennai Super Kings to three titles. But Dhoni and the Super Kings are in a slump this year. The 39-yearold Dhoni, once known for finishing off games, has failed to fire in the middle overs with Chennai in five of their seven games and they are now in the unfamiliar position of seventh in the eight-team table. “IPL commentators are maintaining the fiction that the wicket of Dhoni is still a huge one,” Wisden Almanack editor Lawrence Booth wrote on Twitter. —AFP