IPL – Performance Power Rankings Week 2

With the 2022 IPL about to conclude its second week of competition, Team TSZ has analysed both the results and performances of the ten franchises so far and ranked them from tenth to first based on who has impressed the most. Be sure to bookmark the Cricket section of TSZ’s official website as we’ll be bringing out IPL Power Rankings every week assessing the best (and worst) performing sides of the competition so far.

TENTH – CHENNAI SUPER KINGS

To say it has been a nightmare start for Chennai Super Kings in the 2022 IPL would be an understatement and it could be argued that the defending champions are getting even worse rather than any better! Having already lost their opening two matches, Ravindra Jadeja’s side were hammered by Punjab Kings in week 2, losing by 54 runs. Such a resounding defeats sends them down to the foot of our Power Rankings and deservedly so.

NINTH – SUNRISERS HYDERABAD

Although Sunrisers Hyderabad move up a place on the basis that their 12-run defeat against Lucknow Super Giants was not as poor a showing as what CSK offered in week 2, Kane Williamson’s men have done nothing to warrant moving up any further. They remain without a point in this year’s competition so far and clash with Chennai this coming weekend, a must win for them.

EIGHTH – MUMBAI INDIANS

Mumbai Indians like Chennai are going through a horrendous time of it this season, having also lost their first three matches. After being beaten by 23-runs at the hands of Rajasthan Royals at the start of the week, Mumbai were put to the sword by KKR and more specifically Pat Cummins this past Wednesday, the Australian smashing an unbelievable 56 from just 15 deliveries to help KKR to a four-wicket triumph over Rohit Sharma and his team. They are extremely fortunate not to drop below SRH, but we didn’t feel SRH deserved to move up two places after losing their only match in week 2.

SEVENTH – DELHI CAPITALS

Successive defeats for Delhi Capitals see them drop dramatically in our power ranks within the space of just a week, underlining how fast things can change in the IPL. The Capitals firstly lost out by 14 runs to Gujarat Titans, before being on the wrong end of a thriller against Lucknow Super Giants, losing by six wickets after failing to defend a total of 149/3 with just two deliveries remaining. A week to forget for Rishabh Pant, Ricky Ponting and co.

SIXTH – PUNJAB KINGS

A mixed experience for Punjab Kings, who were beaten comprehensively by KKR, before bouncing back with a resounding triumph of their own against Chennai Super Kings, a 54-run triumph to be exact. The Kings are yet to really back out of the back and firmly establish themselves as one of the top teams in the 2022 IPL, but based on their showing vs Chennai it may only be a matter of time for this exciting squad.

FIFTH – ROYAL CHALLENGERS BANGALORE

Royal Challengers Bangalore played only once in the second week of IPL action, but it was an enthralling contest in which they underlined their batting credentials. Chasing 170 to end the 100% record of Rajasthan Royals, RCB reached their target with five balls to spare with wicket-keeper Dinesh Karthik starring in a finishing role. They are ticking along nicely and can consider themselves unlucky not to be above fourth place in our power rankings.

FOUTH – RAJASTHAN ROYALS

Although Rajasthan tasted defeat for the first time in week 2, they contain plenty of credit in the bank following previous performances including earlier in the week against Mumbai Indians, therefore drop just three places down to fourth. Their victory over Mumbai came by 23 runs after a wonderful batting display saw them accrue 193/8 with Jos Buttler’s century the highlight. Although they lost out to RCB, it was a close affair and there is still plenty of real optimism for the future of Rajasthan in this year’s tournament.

THIRD – GUJARAT TITANS

Gujarat Titans are the only side remaining in this year’s IPL who have not yet tasted defeat and for this reason, warrant their third-placed spot in this power rankings. Hardik Pandya’s side maintained that record in week 2 with an impressive 14-run beating of Delhi Capitals, a match remembered for both Lockie Ferguson’s four-wicket haul and the return to form of opener Shubman Gill, who struck 84 from 46 deliveries. For a team who were tipped by many to possible struggle in their maidan IPL season, it has been an excellent start.

SECOND – KOLKATA KNIGHT RIDERS

Two consecutive wins for Kolkata Knight Riders see them not only sit top of the overall IPL table, but also second in our week 2 power rankings after wins over Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians respectively. KKR have combined bowling potency with batting power and averaged over ten runs an over in their five-wicket victory over Mumbai. Pat Cummins of course, was the man to steal the show, blasting the fastest ever IPL half-century and he will no doubt play a crucial role for KKR throughout the tournament.

FIRST – LUCKNOW SUPER GIANTS

Top of our week 2 power rankings lie Lucknow Super Giants, who gained two wins to cement their place among the top performing franchises of this year’s IPL thus far. Most impressive about Lucknow Super Giants in week 2 was both their ability to win in different ways whether it be defending a target or chasing one, plus the character of their squad to come through two close contests on the winning side. There are the credentials needed if you are to go deep in this competition and Lucknow have shown their capabilities.