IPL 2019: Which teams are likely to qualify for play-offs?
What's the story
The battle for the play-offs in the Indian Premier Premier League (IPL) 2019 is shaping up well with each passing match. The likes of Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders are dominating the league with their all-round performance, while Royal Challengers Bangalore are off to the worst start in their history. Here we decode which teams are likely to qualify for the play-offs.
KXIP
KXIP need to deliver consistently
Kings XI Punjab have started off well much like last season. The failures in IPL 2018 will help them to keep their feet grounded. So far three wins out of five will please skipper R Ashwin. KXIP are playing well as a team and their bowling has seen a remarkable improvement. All they need to do is not panic during pivotal moments.
SRH
Sunrisers Hyderabad look assured with Warner leading the show
Sunrisers Hyderabad are off to a good start. They endured a narrow loss in the opener against KKR, but the Orange Army came back strong to win three matches. Even though, they suffered an embarrassing loss against MI last weekend, overall, they look strong. David Warner has been leading the troops with magical show with the bat. They look set to qualify for play-offs.
CSK
CSK have been magical in 2019
Being touted as the favorites to win the trophy, Chennai Super Kings have been a force to reckon with. They have played almost flawless cricket and despite some setbacks, the core of the team has delivered to its potential. The presence of several match-winners has made sure they stay ahead of the pack. They have suffered a single defeat in five matches.
KKR
KKR have been dominant
The Knights have started the season strongly, winning four out of five matches as Andre Russell is enjoying the form of his life. They look all charged-up to qualify for the play-offs. On the flip side, KKR look over-reliant on Russell and their spinners haven't fired to date. They would want to take corrective actions as they are in hunt of their third title.
Information
One cannot write DC off
Delhi Capitals usually panic as seen in the last three matches. They are a young side and Shreyas Iyer's unit will gain confidence along the way. If DC can pull off close victories, then they have a good chance of making it to the play-offs.