The first half of the cash-rich Indian Premier League already came to a close. All the eight IPL teams have given their best in the title race. As things stand, the defending champions, Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals proved to be worthy contenders for the title challenge.
Mumbai Indians are placed on top of the points table with 12 points. The defending champions have won 6 games and lost just two in eight games. Delhi Capitals are placed second on the points table as they secured 12 points with 6 victories and 2 defeats.
Rohit Sharma’s team has the best NRR compared to all other teams so far. Their NRR is +1.353. The second-placed Delhi Capitals’ NRR stands at +0.990. Despite starting the campaign with mediocre performance, Royal Challengers Bangalore managed to catch up on the pace in the league.
Virat Kohli’s RCB are placed third in the IPL 2020 points table. Kolkata Knight Riders are placed fourth in the league standings. Sunrisers Hyderabad, Chennai Super Kings, Rajasthan Royals, and Kings XI Punjab are placed fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth on the points table.
Kevin Pietersen backs Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL 2020
It is indeed unfair to write off the bottom-placed teams. Any team has a chance to make it to the top four. Meanwhile, former England international cricketer Kevin Pietersen has his say on the IPL teams who can make a serious bid for the title.
The former England cricketer encouraged Virat Kohli’s RCB to do well after their narrow defeat at the hands of Kings XI Punjab. Having played eight games, Royal Challengers Bangalore won 5 games and lost three games. “Even though they narrowly lost to KXIP on Thursday, Royal Challengers Bangalore are playing some very good cricket now.
They went close to pulling off a miracle victory there. Their bowling is coming up trumps more often. They have a spin combination that is starting to work and produce results, alongside a batting line-up that we know all about,” he added.
According to Kevin Pietersen, RCB are one of the teams in a three-horse race to win the championship. I think RCB are one of the runners in a three-horse race to win the competition,” wrote Pietersen in his column.
MI and DC can finish in top two: Pietersen
Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals have by far been the two best teams in the IPL. There is no doubt that they would finish first and second after the completion of group stage fixtures. Kevin Pietersen predicted that MI and DC would finish in the top two positions.
“The Delhi Capitals are another. They have got an all-around team that is really good. I’m still happy to be behind them. Clearly, the Mumbai Indians are firing big time, too. They have a formidable line-up in all departments. For me, they are the three teams that can win it,” he added.
Chennai Super Kings are the only team that qualified for the playoffs in their participating seasons in IPL. Currently, they are placed sixth in the league table and there were in this position before in IPL 2010 where they went on to win the title that season.
However, Kevin Pietersen made it clear that it will be really hard for CSK to make it to the playoffs this season. “Chennai Super Kings are back in the tournament after their win against Sunrisers Hyderabad, but I still don’t think they can win games consistently. Their bowling attack just doesn’t feel right,” he added.
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