IPL 2017: Week 2 in review

Kings XI Punjab

Mohit Sharma is a reliable and economical bowler in the Powerplay

Positive: Bowling

Although KXIP’s bowling at the death has been really poor, their bowling in the first two phases has been excellent. Sandeep Sharma and Mohit Sharma are both superb Powerplay bowlers who bowl full, looking to take wickets, but maintain a tight enough line to remain economical.

KXIP have the lowest economy rate in the Powerplay among all teams. The performances of Axar Patel and KC Cariappa have also been particularly pleasing. KXIP spin bowling appeared to be their major weakness coming into the season but Axar and Cariappa have soothed concerns for now.

Negative: David Miller’s form

Although the form of Manan Vohra at the top of the order has lessened KXIP’s reliance on their overseas batsmen, they remain integral to the success of their season. While Hashim Amla and Glenn Maxwell have both looked in good form, David Miller has not, scoring 83 runs at a run rate of 6.22 runs per over.

It is now 36 matches and 33 innings since Miller last scored a T20 fifty. In that time he has averaged 16 runs per innings. While his IPL pedigree may earn him another match the pressure on Miller is increasing.

Tactical Tip: Trust Natarajan

KXIP’s major weakness so far has been their death bowling – which he been the most expensive among all teams this season. In Natarajan, KXIP have a bowler signed precisely because of his strength at the death but he was dropped after two matches and four overs, none of which were bowled in the final phase. He deserves another chance.

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Kolkata Knight Riders

Pandey has been in superb form for KKR

Positive: Manish Pandey

Pandey has lent stability and power to KKR’s middle-order just when they needed it most after losing Andre Russell and then Chris Lynn. Pandey has scored 221 runs at a run rate of 9.00 runs per over. In the death over phase, he has scored 95 runs at a run rate of 12.66 runs per over.

The form of Pandey, which has bolstered the batting, has allowed KKR to pick Colin de Grandhomme as a replacement in the team for Chris Lynn. de Grandhomme offers batting and bowling and sees KKR adopt the overseas balance of two all-rounders and two bowlers that has served them so well in recent years.

Negative: Seam bowling

The difference between KKR’s seamers – economy rate: 9.56, and their spinners – economy rate 7.05 – has been stark. Not only have overseas imports Chris Woakes and Trent Boult struggled, but so too has Umesh Yadav. KKR will need their seamer’s form to turn around because the spinner cannot be relied on to continually bail them out; especially on a relaid Eden Gardens pitch that is expected to provide assistance to the fast bowlers.

Tactical Tip: Persist with the pinch-hitter

Sunil Narine was sent in as pinch-hitter for two games

Whether it is Sunil Narine as was tried v KXIP and SRH, or de Grandhome as was tried v DD, KKR should persist with a pinch-hitter at the top of the order. It is a low-risk, high-reward strategy for any team.