IPL 2019- Week 01- Top Ten talking points

#5 The Warner-Bairstow union; SRH's death-bowling issues

Different individuals react to adversity in a different manner. The weak become a pale shadow of themselves, while strong-minded individuals rise like phoenix. This IPL is increasingly becoming the launchpad for David Warner's redemption story.

Warner-Bairstow union

The swashbuckling left-hander has looked like a man possessed every time he has stepped onto the field. Warner looks hungry. He looks pumped and motivated. He has waited for this moment every single minute of the past year and the way he has gone thus far vindicate it. 85, 69 and an unbeaten 100 in the first three games will only tell you one thing, which is true- he absolutely crunched the ball to all corners of the ground, but his hundred against RCB displayed yet another facet of Warner's commitment and mindset.

On a hot day where temperatures soared well in excess of 40 degrees, Warner ran as his life depended on it, and he got an able ally in Jonny Bairstow to complement him. SRH's punt of buying Bairstow can now be termed as a masterstroke. The English batsman, who scored a whirlwind inning off 114 [56] against RCB has formed a fearsome opening partnership- probably, the best in this IPL.

Warner and Bairstow

Warner and Bairstow have racked up three consecutive century stands thus far, and have been central to RCB's success. But, it should not overshadow an interesting trend that is emerging with their death bowling. While you can argue that the bowler has very little chance when the like of Dre Russ or Samson are on song, but the fact of the matter is SRH's death bowling can prove to be their nemesis in the crunch games.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar

While in the last IPL, the SRH bowlers conceded around seven rpo in the death overs, the first two games have seen them go at the rate of 15 with the likes of Russell and Samson laying into Bhuvneshwar and co.

#4 Mankad and the spirit of cricket variance

R Ashwin and J Buttler

The month of March seems to have a penchant with controversies. Last year, it was the ball-tampering scandal and this year- 'Mankad'. The event took place during the game between Rajasthan Royals and Kings XI Punjab. Tempers were flayed. Social media went up and down. Opinions were shut down, and the term 'spirit of cricket' was again in the spotlight.

So, the question holds does the spirit of cricket holds variance to the laws of the game. Because, as per the laws of the game, Ashwin was justified in running Buttler out without giving a prior warning.

It begged another question as to why should only bowlers be the custodians of upholding the spirit of the game? Is it not the duty of the batsman to not leave the crease before the ball has been released when he/she has been at the receiving end of it [This was the second time when Buttler was Mankaded in his career] or is gaining a yard in a game where an inch can make a huge difference within the 'spirit of the game'?