IPL 2022 is shaping up nicely!

We are two weeks into the tournament the numbers tell their own story.

All four venues with grass on the pitch for longevity has encouraged aggressive seam and swing bowling. That meant top-order of all teams have struggled so far in the tournament and the numbers support the argument.

This year 42.5% of teams runs so far scored by batter 1-3, last year it was 58.7% was the equivalent number. Meanwhile, 51.1% of team runs this year are scored by batters 4-7, while last year 35.9% was the equivalent number. In the last 14 matches only Jos Buttler and Sanju Samson have managed to show promise with man of the match awards.

So often the top 3 is the place to bat in the T20 format and it still is but great that those not able to bat there are having opportunities to shine. Shivam Dube, Deepak Hooda, Liam Livingstone, Tilak Varma, Andre Russell, Ayush Badoni, Dinesh Kartik to name a few have made significant contributions.

A memorable and unforgettable innings from Pat Cummins against Mumbai when KKR were up against it. His extraordinary clean power-hitting in the game with the result on the line. The best batters in the world would be proud to play an innings like that. Take a bow Pat Cummins!

Teams who have been respectful of early conditions and adapted have been more successful. The conditions will change as the tournament goes on and the challenge will be to adapt again but players giving themselves time to assess conditions have been smart and rewarded.

Nothing worse in the game for me hearing players say “that’s the way I play”, the best read the game situation and play accordingly. To see the likes of Shivam Dube and Deepak Hooda play wonderfully well when their team is in trouble bodes well for them and their team.

Not always in a winning cause but has shown they have great skill and presence of mind to carry out what team needs. This great game is so often played in the mind, sure techniques are important but I believe the best are very often clear thinkers.

These pitches have so far been “thinking man’s pitches”. So, in a game often dominated by the top order it has been refreshing to see quality bowlers using the pitches to their advantage. Umesh Yadav has been outstanding with his pace and control.

In this format pace can be a batter’s friend not foe. Control of Line and length has been Umesh’s great asset allied to his aggression and skill making his pace work for him. Shreyas Iyer has used him effectively as a wicket-taker at the start and a partnership breaker in the middle of the innings.

Lockie Ferguson has great pace and great control of his variations. His bowling against Delhi and in particular the dismissal of Rishabh Pant underlined his ability to be a match winner under pressure. This format has for many years forced bowlers to expand their bowling armoury and Ferguson for me is at the peak of his powers with ball in hand.

A big tournament needs its big players to play a central role. Andre Russell’s singlehanded destruction of Punjab Kings scoring 70 not out to finish the game was simply awesome. A big tournament beckons for the big man. It will be fun to watch.

Form and confidence have so far illuded both Mumbai and Chennai. Mumbai have established leadership, Chennai are establishing their leadership. Different problems same aim to get back on winning ways.

Mumbai are in the search of a winning combinations and in desperate need of its senior players to kick start their tournament. Great sign with Suryakumar Yadav returning with a bang and looking high class.

There’s much focus on Jadeja’s captaincy. However, Jadeja the player can turn things around and he is feeling happy and relaxed with the support of those around him absolutely crucial. CSK are proven winners and it won’t be long before they return to their best.

Final word on two experienced and seasoned campaigners.

Tim Southee’s catch from long on at the Wankhede against Punjab kings was simply outstanding and one of the best catches you could see. Great athleticism and awareness combined from a fine opening bowler.

Dinesh Kartik has been sublime with his ability to finish games. He clearly loves the challenge of dealing with pressure and underlines the importance of teams with a player who can be moved up and down the order depending on the game situation.

Albeit early in the competition he has been one of the players of the tournament so far. A proven finisher is this format’s greatest asset. There aren’t many around. It’s T20’s golden nugget.