IPL 2020 mid-term report card

3) Rajasthan Royals

Batting: 6

Bowling 6

Fielding 6

Captaincy and Decisions: 6

Average: 6

Best Player: Rahul Tewatia

Tewatia is the best thing that happened to Rajasthan Royals this season

Though the Royals started the tournament with a bang, they then lost four matches and almost succumbed to another defeat in the fifth. Their batting has been unpredictable but they have occasionally found saviors like Rahul Tewatia and Sanju Samson.

In the bowling, Jofra Archer has been reliable and Tewatia has been consistent. And with the arrival of Ben Stokes, things may get better for them.

Their fielding has been decent although they have dropped some easy wickets.

Steven Smith has not been in the best of form and his captaincy is a reflection of his disposition. The decision to open with Ben Stokes in the last match did raise a few eyebrows.

Rajasthan might have a path to the playoffs if they are able to narrow it down to one winning formula.

4) Sunrisers Hyderabad

Batting: 7

Bowling: 7

Fielding 6.5

Captaincy: 6.5

Average: 6.75

Best Player: Rashid Khan

Rashid has been economical and deadly

The Sunrisers started the tournament on a disappointing note but have bounced back well. Their batting has been heavily reliant on the openers, and the duo of David Warner and Jonny Bairstow haven't let them down. With Manish Pandey and the young Priyam Garg also chipping in when required, their batting lineup looks reasonably solid.

T Natarajan and Rashid Khan have been instrumental to the Sunrisers' successful streak. They are certainly missing Bhuvneshwar Kumar during the death overs, but their fielding has been excellent.

Warner's captaincy has not been the most innovative and he has often lost his temper in crunch situations. Issues with bowling during death overs still exist, but some determination and advice from Kane Williamson could push the Sunrisers into the top four spots.