With the 2022 IPL having concluded its seventh 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
Chennai Super Kings enjoyed somewhat of an upturn in results since the return of MS Dhoni as captain, but week 7 saw them fall flat once again, losing both their fixtures played against Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Titans respectively. The former bowled out CSK for just 97 in what was a particular low point and with just eight points on the board, Dhoni’s men are officially out of playoff contention.
NINTH – MUMBAI INDIANS
Like Chennai, Mumbai Indians are also unable to reach the playoffs following a terrible season by their usual high standards, losing nine of their 12 matches played and began week 7 with a really disappointing defeat at the hands of Kolkata Knight Riders. Victory over CSK later in the week clawed back some respectively and saves them from finishing bottom of our rankings this week.
EIGHTH – SUNRISERS HYDERABAD
Sunrisers Hyderabad appear to be ending the IPL similarly to how they started it, terribly! Kane Williamson’s side have lost their last five matches, enough to see them dramatically drop down the table and their latest defeat came courtesy of Gujarat Titans in week 7. With only two fixtures left, it would take a minor miracle for them to finish inside the top four now.
SEVENTH – PUNJAB KINGS
It was a successful week 7 for Punjab Kings, who were triumphant in their only match played, a 54-run win against Royal Challengers Bangalore. The Kings’ strong English contingent were on fire with the bat and both Jonny Bairstow and Liam Livingstone will be absolutely crucial if the Kings are to win their final two games, both of which will be played in week 8.
SIXTH – KOLKATA KNIGHT RIDERS
Kolkata Knight Riders have dragged themselves back into playoff contention following an excellent week 7 which saw them win each of their two matches played, both by margins of over 50 runs. This has significantly improved their net-run-rate and should they beat Lucknow Super Giants in their final game of the league stage, then it could be enough for them to sneak through depending on the margin of victory.
FIFTH – ROYAL CHALLENGERS BANGALORE
Week 7 was not kind to RCB, who were beaten heavily by Punjab Kings, who took them apart with the bat before strangling them with the ball, ultimately winning by a significant 54-run margin. Despite that loss, Faf du Plessis’ side are still in pole position to qualify for the playoffs, although they will have to overcome league leaders Gujarat Titans this coming Thursday to guarantee their place.
FOUTH – LUCKNOW SUPER GIANTS
A significant drop for Lucknow Super Giants this week in our power rankings following two consecutive losses which has left them still not yet guaranteed of a top four league finish. After being thrashed in their top of the table clash against Gujarat Titans, Lucknow were defeated once again by a team expected to be in the playoffs come the end of the league stage in Rajasthan Royals.
THIRD – RAJASTHAN ROYALS
Rajasthan Royals fell to an eight-wicket loss against Delhi Capitals early in week 7, but bounced back excellently to defeat a strong Lucknow Super Giants side by 24 runs, putting themselves in a strong position heading into week 8. The Royals have now won eight of their 13 fixtures so far and lie second in the table behind Gujarat Titans. With the return of all-rounder Shimron Hetmyer following the birth of his first child, Rajasthan are in an excellent position to kick on from here.
SECOND – DELHI CAPITALS
Delhi Capitals only featured once across week 7, but what a performance it was! Rishabh Pant’s men restricted Rajasthan Royals to 160/6 across their 20 overs before chasing it down in 18.1 overs for the loss of just two wickets. Australian duo David Warner and Mitchell shone with scores of 52 not out and 89 respectively as the Capitals once again demonstrated their incredible resilience. Such a showing earns them second-place in our power rankings heading into the final stretch of league games.
FIRST – GUJARAT TITANS
Gujarat Titans proved once again across week 7 that they are the story of the 2022 IPL so far. In the highly anticipated battle between them and fellow high-flyers Lucknow Super Giants, it was the Titans who came out on top once again. Top of the league table with a playoff place guarantee and top of our week 7 power rankings, things are looking very rosy in the garden for Gujarat.
