New Delhi: The race to the last four slot in this edition of the IPL is wide open as the teams go through the half-way stage of the tournament. Barring Mumbai, who need just two wins from their next seven games to make it to the semis, as many as five teams – Delhi Daredevils, Deccan Chargers, Rajasthan Royals, Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bangalore – are in with a realistic chance of filling up the remaining three slots.
Chennai Super Kings too could spring a surprise if they continue the momentum they showed against Bangalore in their game on Wednesday. They have six more games to play and a winning streak now could see them upset the applecart of either Bangalore or Deccan.
If there’s any team that’s sure to make it to the last four, it’s Mumbai. They lead the table with six wins from their seven games and have been in tremendous form. While they do have among the most balanced side in this edition of the tournament and Sachin Tendulkar has been in ominous form, detractors might complain that they have been lucky to have played six of their games at home. With Hyderabad ruled out as a home venue for Deccan, the Chargers played the Indians in what was supposedly a home game for Adam Gilchrist’s men at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. Tendulkar’s boys, in fact, have only had to travel to Delhi in the entire first leg of the tournament and that has obviously been to their advantage.
After a blow hot, blow cold season, Delhi now find themselves in second place. A string of losses saw Delhi land up at the wrong end of the table, but off late they have come into their stride with three consecutive wins. The return of David Warner has done wonders to their chances and with Daniel Vettori due to join them before their next game, the Daredevils will hope not only to qualify for the semi-final, but also break the jinx of not being able to make it to the title round.
For Bangalore, a six-day break certainly didn’t do them good. While they continue to be in third place, a loss to Chennai on Wednesday would not have done their momentum any good. But Kevin Pietersen is now back among the ranks and is expected to fire them into the last four. Their early wins also give them the leeway as they now need four wins from the remaining seven games. Off late though their bowling has been inconsistent but they have time with them to sort out the weakness and get back to winning ways.
The most vital fight, however, would be for the fourth place. Deccan Chargers are all set to give it a tight fight even as Rajasthan hold on to the fourth place at the moment. With both the teams still to face each other, every point till then is crucial for these two teams. And their next game itself could well turn out to be a mini-final.
As the second leg of the matches get underway, the teams have their job cut out. Balance and consistency will be the key as every point lost now will mean the loss of an opportunity.
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