The IPL 2022 has reached the later stages of the group games and in about 9 days, things will be clear and the teams who have advanced to the next round will be known. Except for Gujarat Titans, it is a pretty open field as of now with as many as 6 teams vying for the remaining 3 slots. Who will qualify for the qualifiers? For this question, there is no clear answer at the moment but in I think in the next few days, atleast a couple of spots may be filled. Let me analyse the chances of the remaining teams.
Royal Challengers Bangalore
RCB is an enigma. One day, they play like a champion team and the very next day, they play so poorly that it is impossible to believe that they can become the eventual captain. Batting is their main problem. Kohli & Maxwell, the experienced cricketers and on whom a lot was expected have completely failed so far. This essentially increased the pressure on Faf who despite his close to 400 runs was never able to set the pace at the top. It has left Karthik to do too much later in the innings. Though he tried his best, wasn’t always successful.
The one remaining game that RCB have is with GT, the leaders. They must win this game to stay in contention. With a weak NRR, they must win the game but it is a tough task against GT. Unless the batting improves drastically, I do not see RCB going any further.
RCB’s chances of moving onto the next round are slim.
Sun Risers Hyderabad
The one biggest advantage for SRH is that they have one more game than everyone else. The other significant advantage is that they will play the very last game and by that time, they will know what to do to qualify. Ofcourse, by then, they must have won the other 2 games.
Two of the three games are against Mumbai Indians and Kolkatta Knight Riders and both of them are placed below SRH. Mumbai especially is just a pale shadow of the team they originally were. It should not be difficult for SRH to defeat them which will mean their last game against Punjab will be a knock-out.
The bowling attack at the disposal of SRH is an envy of the other teams. Again, just like RCB, batting is a concern for them.
SRH’s chances of proceeding to the next round is good.
Delhi Capitals
It really is a surprise the DC is struggling despite the belligerence at the top of the order from Prithvi Shaw and Warner. The absence of Shaw during the later stages seems to have handicapped the team. The continuing failure of Pant in the middle order is a cause for concern. Their remaining games are against Punjab & Mumbai. Unless, Pant supports Warner, it is difficult for Delhi to qualify. It will not be too late for Pant to come down the order. His ideal slot is number 6 rather than number 2.
Mitchell Marsh’s 80-odd against Rajasthan must have given him confidence. Without Shaw at the top, it falls on Marsh and Warner to bat most of the overs to give Pant and the later order batsmen a platform to be ultra-aggressive. However, Marsh’s has been inconsistent not just in this IPL but throughout his career to be trusted.
Delhi’s remaining games are against Mumbai and Punjab, two teams they will fancy their chances. However, I rate the chances of Delhi Capitals advancing to the next round as slim.
Lucknow Super Giants
The Rahul led team is just a win away from qualifying. With 2 games, one against Kolkatta, they should qualify quite easily. They have been the 2nd best team in the competition. They have good depth in batting and in bowling with Avesh Khan and Mohsin leading the way.
Lucknow’s chances are excellent. Infact, it will be a huge surprise if they failed to.
Rajasthan Royals
Rajasthan is in a similar boat as RCB but with a slight advantage. They have a couple of games on hand to RCB’s one. However, one of them is against Lucknow. Both the teams will try their hardest to win the game so that they are secure. Rajasthan is expected to win against KKR and owing to superior NRR, they are slightly ahead of RCB.
The chances of RR qualifying is pretty bright.
Conclusion to who will qualify for the qualifiers?
Whoever qualifies, at the moment, Gujarat Titans looks the strongest contender for the title. If they do win, Hardik Pandya, will be over the moon. First time captain in any format and wins the tournament. That will be one incredible achievement.
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