IPL 2019, Standout player, biggest disappointment, best quote – Andre Russell, Delhi Capitals, and Virat Kohli feature in week 2 wrap

IPL 2019, Standout player, biggest disappointment, best quote – Andre Russell, Delhi Capitals, and Virat Kohli feature in week 2 wrap

IPL 2019 12 Virat Kohli Andre Russell Delhi Capitals

After all the drama in the first week of IPL 2019, what with the Mankad and the missed no-ball, there was a return to normalcy in the second week. News was dominated by actual cricketing achievements, and there was plenty of that.  

Standout player – Andre Russell
No change here. Much like he did against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Andre Russell changed perceptions about T20 batting when he hammered a 13-ball 48* as Kolkata Knight Riders chased down 53 runs in just 2.1 overs in what seemed a routine Bangalore victory. Both David Warner and Jonny Bairstow are higher up in the run-charts than Russell, but the Jamaican’s impact, with his strike rate of 268.83, has been unparalleled. His batting has prompted questions, from players current and past, on where exactly to bowl to a player like him. The answer is still awaited.

Standout moment – Delhi’s collapse
Change of names from Daredevils to Capitals, new ownership, new backroom staff – none it matters. Delhi have been in freefall, and it all started when they lost 7 wickets for just 8 runs to Kings XI Punjab. They needed 23 runs from 21 balls, and had 7 wickets in hand, but somehow, they ended up conceding a 14-run defeat, with young Sam Curran taking a hat-trick. For all the rebranding, this still seems like the same old Delhi.  

Biggest disappointment – Virat Kohli
It’s not often you get Virat Kohli ranting and raving, and openly criticising his team-mates. But he’s done that – that’s what Bangalore’s wretched form – 5 matches, 5 losses – has driven him to. Kohli will have to assume some responsibility for it all, though. Bangalore’s bowling has traditionally been their weak link. Why, then, do they continue ignoring it at the auctions? Kohli’s captaincy has also left many puzzled, like not bowling Moeen Ali on a pitch made for spinners, even as Russell let loose. More crucially, how will this form affect India at the World Cup?

Room for improvement – Time keeping
T20 matches are supposed to last so long. But once again in IPL 2019, matches have crossed the four-hour mark. It’s caused some commentators to wonder whether the people behind the Hundred in England are on to something. Perhaps so, but the IPL could easily install a timer and improve this problem. Some points are non-negotiable – the strategic time-outs, which a hindrance to momentum does serve commercial interests – but a clock between deliveries can stop chasing teams using time as a tool for gamesmanship. One way or another, this has to be addressed.

Standout quote – Andre Russell

“I know I am special”
– Andre Russell showing excellent command over the art of stating the obvious.