IPL 2020: KXIP vs CSK Game Plan 2 – The powerplay threat awaiting CSK
The eighteenth match of the IPL 2020 tournament between the blockbuster teams, Kings XI Punjab and Chennai Super Kings, could all be about match-ups. Here, we take a look at a key game plan that could play a role in the eighteenth game of IPL 2020 – KXIP vs CSK.
MS Dhoni and his intent is probably the most discussed point regarding Dhoni in the past few years. In IPL 2020, not only Dhoni’s intent but CSK’s intent also has been questioned. The criticism of the intent of the CSK batsmen is quite understandable.
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In the powerplay overs of IPL 2020 so far, the strike rate of CSK batsmen is 104 – the second-worst after Delhi Capitals (101.39). CSK have lost seven wickets in the powerplay, the joint-highest along with Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals. Overall, CSK are among the worst batting sides in the powerplay so far.
The major issue for CSK – in the batting department – is the lack of skill along with intent. CSK tried Murali Vijay at the top of the order. Vijay batted at a pathetic strike rate of 77 in the powerplay. Watson is a slow-starter. However, Faf du Plessis, who has looked in good touch so far, has failed to utilise the powerplay restrictions. In the run-chase against RR, he started to fire when the match was almost gone.
One reason why CSK have failed to capitalise the powerplay is not being good enough against full-length balls and full-tosses against pacers. Full-length balls in the early of the innings are a high-risk high-reward for the bowlers. It is easy to score runs on those balls but with caution; CSK have been over-conservative. They have the second-worst strike rate on such balls after Delhi Capitals. They have played the most number of false shots (excluding misses) – six – and lost two wickets including a run out on such balls.
CSK will facing the best powerplay bowling unit of the tournament. In the powerplay this season, the Kings XI Punjab bowlers have picked up the most number of wickets and have the best bowling average and strike rate as well. KXIP have two good bowlers for this phase. Besides providing the left-arm angle, Sheldon Cottrell can swing the ball. Mohammed Shami is good seamer and extracts movement off the deck.
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Both bowlers have bowled good lengths: full, good and short lengths, and adjusted according to the opposing batsmen. Cottrell is a swing bowler, and thus, he has bowled 11 full-length balls to find swing. However, his all four powerplay wickets have come when he has bowled on good and short of the length. Shami, who relies on seam movement rather than swing, has bowled 43 out of his 48 balls on the good or short of the length.
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However, Shami bowled just one over in the powerplay in KXIP’s last game. The KXIP team management along with the skipper KL Rahul should ensure that Shami should bowl at least two overs in the powerplay.
Cottrell could trouble Watson with his inswingers. In the powerplay overs of IPL 2020 so far, Watson has played seven such balls and scored just one run. He has played four false shots (excluding misses) and has got out once on such balls. In the powerplay, while bowling inswingers, Cottrell has bowled 14 inswingers and averages just 6 with one wicket to his name.
Faf du Plessis, if he comes in the powerplay, could be tested against Shami. In the powerplay, against 11 nip-backers in IPL 2020 so far, Faf has scored just five runs and played three false shots (excluding misses). Shami, in the powerplay overs of IPL 2020, has bowled 13 nip-backers and averages 3 with one wicket to his name on such balls.
Also Read: IPL 2020: Kings XI Punjab v Chennai Super Kings – KXIP vs CSK Predicted Playing XI and team news
Ambati Rayudu could be tested by bowling on the good and short of the length in the off-stump and outside off-stump line at a high pace.
CSK could promote Sam Curran to take advantage of powerplay restrictions. Curran can find gaps in the powerplay and score at a good rate. However, CSK might not try such an unorthodox move.