CricketIPL 2022

Four Probable Play-Off Contenders For IPL 2022

Even though it is just the wee hours of the IPL with most of the teams completing just three games, being the cricket-crazy nation, that India is, talks about being a part of the IPL play-offs has already started doing vehement rounds.

There is a marathon way to go and one never knows when does the complexion of the entire tournament changes with the extravaganza known for its meandering course with a gazillion twists and turns.

In fact, in the 2021 edition of the tournament, at the end of the first phase, no one knew that KKR would have been a part of the knock-outs and apparently, they were there in the finals. Till the time the last game is played, no one can say for sure who is going through and who is not.

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In this story, we will try and find out four teams that will be the primary contenders to make way for the play-offs that the initial rounds suggest.

#1 Rajasthan Royals

The Royals have finally got the much-needed kick that they wanted and have started the tournament with a bang. Even though this has been a known scenario in the last two to three years, this season feels different for them.

With the firepower of Jos Butler being in full swing, their batting looks much more solid. Sanju Samson has shown a determination that was previously missing and if it’s not again a slide into madness, his role in the RR setup will be crucial. Also, with the duo of Ashwin and Chahal, their bowling has breathed fire. They just need to ensure that they keep the momentum intact. It wouldn’t be surprising if they slip for a couple of games, but given the long league that this is, it shouldn’t be dampening their spirits.

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#2 Royal Challengers Bangalore

Despite a shaky start to the tournament, the Challengers have everything that a team needs to make it to the IPL playoffs. With the big three of batting, namely Faf, Maxwell and Virat, this probably seems like a dream trio for any T20 franchise. People have said that if the bowlers manage to find a way through the top three, the middle-order is a precarious one. Going by the relative experience of the middle-order players, one may have his doubts.

However, the way Shahbaz batted against KKR and with the Challengers’ batting going down as deep as to number eight, it compensates the relatively less fierce names with willow. There is a finisher in Dinesh Karthik who has already played a couple of mind-blowing games. Add to that, it is not easy to get past the big three. When it comes to bowling, Hazlewood is already one of the most feared monikers in the shortest format of the game and he is laced with Hasaranga, Harshal and Siraj, names that have wreaked havoc in international and franchise cricket alike.

#3 Punjab Kings

Despite a slip up against the Kolkata Knight Riders, Punjab Kings have bagged two wins already, one of which was a momentous chase against RCB with Odean Smith and Bhanuka Rajapaksa playing the kingpins of destruction while the following game saw Liam Livingstone belting out a T20 masterclass and their bowlers taking out the reigning champions with extreme prejudice.

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The team has found a solid combination that was missing in their preceding years, and this alone can play a crucial role in making amends for the last couple of seasons.

#4 Gujarat Titans

The newcomers have already shown some steady promise with two wins from two games, and both their batters and bowlers have left a significant impact already.

Hardik Pandya has already pulled off a couple of decent showdowns and that gives them a massive boost already. They are a tough team to crack and with experienced players in their ranks and a decent chemistry brewing slowly and steadily, it is not going to be astonishing if they make the playoffs in their very opening edition of the tournament.

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Rony

A sports lover with a passion for words.

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