IPL 2022 Exclusive: Predicted Top 4 Teams that can Qualify for Playoffs

Delhi Capitals, expected to finish at the top as we look at the best predicted top 4  teams to qualify for Playoffs for IPL 2022.

The Indian Premier League 2022 has started on a positive note with COVID staying away, and all matches being conducted without any hurdles. Of the 7 matches that have been conducted so far, MI, CSK, and SRH are yet to get off the mark. RR, DC, GT, and PBKS have won their first match. Whereas RCB, LSG, and KKR have won one and lost one. 

Having seen the initial matches of all the teams, we now have an idea of how teams are thinking in terms of their playing 11 combination, batting-order and bowling combinations. While most of the teams are yet to play full-strength considering a few overseas players are yet to join the camp, we still get a holistic idea of the team combination.

With this base in mind, how about we do a tournament simulation, and apply a deep data analysis on the schedule and Team combination. Although these are initial days with uncertainty creeping in as the tournament progresses, we can still anlyze the schedule, and find out the best predicted top 4 to qualify for the Playoffs for IPL 2022.

Meanwhile, according to the leading cricket betting website, Betway, Delhi Capitals have the best winning odds at 6. Delhi is followed by Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, and Royal Challengers Bangalore at 6.5. Whereas Sunrisers Hyderabad are placed last at 34.0 odds. Nevertheless, let’s now look at the best predicted top 4 to qualify for IPL 2022 Playoffs. 

#1: Delhi Capitals

Delhi Capitals finished second in the group stage Standings last year, but failed to qualify for the finals. This time around, Delhi Capitals look the strongest among all the teams. Having started on a positive note against MI even without the likes of David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, and Anrich Nortje, expect Delhi Capitals to only do better from here. 

Overall, the team doesn’t have any drawbacks as it looks potent from all directions. With Warner, Marsh, and Nortje joining soon, expect Delhi Capitals to finish in the top 2. Rishabh Pant did well as a Captain in the second half of IPL 2021 last year. With Warner supporting him from the leadership point of view, expect Pant to only improve as a captain. 

#2: Punjab Kings

Punjab Kings could well be the contender for the most aggressive team of the lot. They have the most explosive batting line-up among all 10 teams with the likes of Mayank, Dhawan, Livingstone, SRK, and Odean in place. They currently don’t have Kagiso Rabada and Jonny Bairstow. But as soon as these two join, expect Punjab Kings to only get better. 

Overall, If Mayank Agarwal can draw inspiration from Anil Kumble, there is no stopping this team to repeat their 2014 heroics. But one thing which may come in the way of Punjab Kings is their bowling attack. While PBKS have Kagiso Rabada as their leading bowler, the likes of Rahul Chahar, Arshdeep Singh, Harpreet Brar are still inexperienced. However, overall PBKS are a dangerous team, and should definitely do well. 

#3: Chennai Super Kings

The defending champions have a steep task in their hands this time to qualify for the Playoffs. They have a well-balanced squad, but are not perfect overall. They have been able to get a good core, but it is their bowling that is their major issue. Add to it the loss of Deepak Chahar, who is expected to miss more than half of the tournament. 

With the likes of Shardul Thakur and Josh Hazlewood not being there, CSK have Adam Milne for Hazlewood, and Tushar Deshpande for Shardul Thakur. This isn’t a potent bowling line-up, but with Dhoni still in the leadership role, he can get the best out of these resources. Overall, CSK may not finish in the top 2, but given their history, they should be able to qualify for the Playoffs. 

#4: Lucknow Super Giants

The fourth Playoffs contender could see a tough competition between Lucknow Super Giants, Rajasthan Royals, and Royal Challengers Bangalore. I feel they could all end up on similar points with Lucknow Super Giants being slightly ahead. Lucknow Super Giants have a great first-choice playing 11, but the loss of Mark Wood and KL Rahul’s captaincy could well be the decider. 

We all know KL Rahul and his captaincy decisions. Oftentimes, he has been making surprising calls when it comes to bowling changes and batting-order combinations. Such decisions have often resulted in his team ending on the losing end. But ignoring his captaincy, he can still help LSG qualify for the Playoffs because the team is full of match-winners and quality. 

In addition to the above 4, watch out for darkhorse, Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bangalore. Both these teams have quality match-winners. If they can continue their winning momentum and play exceptional quality cricket, they can actually sneak in a surprise, and be in the top 4 teams for the group stage standings. 

The other teams like MI, GT, KKR, and SRH have a few gaps in their team combination. For example, Mumbai are lacking a good bowling attack, whereas Gujarat are thin on their batting. In terms of Kolkata, the batting combination isn’t so strong. For Hyderabad, there’s too much reliance on Indian bowlers and overseas batters. That’s the reason, it’s difficult for these three teams to qualify for Playoffs. 

Conclusion

So, that completes the best predicted top 4 teams for Playoffs for IPL 2022. Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals seem to be the front-runner for the top 2 spots. CSK should qualify given their history, good team balance and leadership. Whereas LSG should just make it on account of a solid core that they have assembled. 

Thanks for reading!  Looking at the predicted top 4 teams for Playoffs for IPL 2022, which other team can challenge them? Please email your thoughts to business@cricalytics.com

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