IPL 2019: Rating the bowling of the eight teams
What's the story
The bowlers have had a big say in the 12th edition of the Indian Premier League so far. The bowling machinery has been crucial, especially in winning close matches. From Kagiso Rabada to Imran Tahir, we have witnessed world class efforts this term. As the race for the play-offs gets intense, we rate the bowling efforts of each IPL franchise this season.
CSK
Dhoni has used his bowlers to perfection, CSK get 9/10
Chennai Super Kings are on top of the table and the major reason for the same has been their bowling line-up. CSK spinners, in particular, have weaved their magic. Dhoni has used three specialist spinners and rotated Harbhajan Singh. The spinners have 31 wickets between them. Deepak Chahar has done well upfront and he has already bowled the second most number of dots (99).
DC
Delhi Capitals get 8.5/10 for delivering consistent performance
Kagiso Rabada has been the star for Delhi Capitals with 19 scalps to his name. His exploits have been crucial for DC. He is likely to win the Purple Cap. All-rounders Chris Morris and Axar Patel have played to their strengths. Keemo Paul and Sandeep Lamichhane have done a decent job when called upon. Ishant Sharma has been terrific upfront. DC have lethal attack.
MI
Mumbai get 8/10 for their efforts
Mumbai Indians have been dependent on their pacers to come and do the job. Rohit Sharma has rotated his bowlers well. Their victories have come with pacers putting in the shift. The pacers have taken 40 scalps between them and it has been a collective approach. Spinner Rahul Chahar has come in and done well. Krunal Pandya has also chipped in with the goods.
SRH
Bowling-heavy SRH get 7/10
Sunrisers Hyderabad have struggled with the bat this term except their openers. However, their bowling has been decent. Afghan stars Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan have been consistent. Sandeep Sharma and Siddarth Kaul have worked hard. Bhuvneshwar Kumar has picked up form. Pacer Khaleel Ahmed has come in and brought that extra variation. SRH are expected to get more sharper as the tourney progresses.
KXIP
KXIP get 6.5/10 for showing improvement
Kings XI Punjab have done well with the ball this season with Mohammed Shami leading the line. Shami has been among the wickets (12). R Ashwin (11 scalps) has been pivotal as well. The two experienced Indian stars have 23 scalps between them. Sam Curran has had his moments. The rest of the bowling has done well at times. They get 6.5.
KKR
KKR haven't reached the heights, get 3.5/10
The one thing lacking for Kolkata Knight Riders, this term, has been the effectiveness of their spinners. In a department where CSK have done well, KKR have disappointed. Kuldeep Yadav, in particular, has been a let down with three wickets. The three main spinners have taken 14 wickets between them. The pacers have been costly and inconsistent. We rate them 3.5 out of 10.
RR, RCB
RR get 3/10, RCB muster 2.5/10 in bowling
Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bangalore are two teams that have been dismal this season. RR are slightly ahead when it comes to bowling. However, they haven't executed their plans well. Besides Jofra Archer and Shreyas Gopal, RR have struggled. RCB have been wayward. They have bowled flat and are too predictable. But, Yuzvendra Chahal has been commendable as Navdeep Saini deserves a shout.