Planet "M"

#IPL2019: As it happened
Infogram

1. Mandeep Singh (Kings XI Punjab)

Mandeep Singh

219 runs from 8 matches with an average of 31.28, he is the top run-scorer in the tally of 'uncapped' players which eventually speaks of his worth.

2. Manprit Juneja (Delhi Daredevils)

Manprit Juneja

As the Daredevils failed to repeat their old form where openers constantly failing short, Juneja in the middle order slot has ensured some quick runs (125 off 7 matches) with a strike 97.65

3. Kevon Cooper (Rajasthan Royals)

Kevon Cooper

A key component in Rajasthan Royals' winning triumphs Cooper being the leading wicket-taker for 'uncapped' players list. Thus far, his card reads: 10 wickets off 7 matches with an economy of 8.46

4. Mohit Sharma (Chennai Super Kings)

Mohit Sharma

A T20 debutant from this IPL, and probably another find for Chennai, Mohit has notched up 6 wickets from 6 matches with a handy economy of 6.16

5. Ashish Reddy (Sunrisers Hyderabad)

Ashish Reddy

Been a bowler for the Hyderabad Ranji team, IPL has discovered a fine lower-order batsman in him where he has collected 120 runs from 9 matches at the strike rate of 144.57

Even as they have journeyed from the famous Ponting vs. Tendulkar debates during India-Australia clashes to 'Pondulkar', the two batting maestros of cricket failed to create a similar magic for the Mumbai Indians. With only 109-runs between them, Ricky Ponting must either promote Rohit Sharma or Ambati Rayudu ahead of him.

If the backbone fractured Delhi Daredevils were underwhelming with David Warner-Unmukt Chand as the openers, the the arrival of Virender Sehwag hasn't assuaged their concern. Though, skipper Mahela Jayawardene has been among runs, Delhi yet to find the perfect combination.

With Chris Gayle being their key player, RCB has tried Tilakaratne Dilshan, Mayank Agarwal and Lokesh Rahul in the opening slot and yet to figure out the best. An all-guns-blazing Bangalore have competitive players in them, but none to partner Gayle at top.

The newbie in the house, SunRisers comprises T20 specialist batsmen but lacks local talents. With four-overseas players rule, they need local talent to post a bug score on the board.

The defending champions, KKR, could open with either Jacques Kallis or Eoin Morgan as opener since Bisla is consistently falling short with runs. With Gautam Gambhir doing well at top, Manoj Tiwary should be promoted to the No.3 slot. Nevertheless, they have been one of the most balanced sides of IPL.

Pune Warriors is one side which is replete with all-rounders. They should persist with Robin Uthappa-Aaron Finch as an opening pair. Middle-order batting is a cause to worry though as the too fragile to convert starts though problem lies in the shaky middle-order which is leaking wickets rather scoring runs.

The Rahul Dravid-led Royals where the batting revolves around Shane Watson, Ajinkya Rahane and Rahul Dravid at no. 3 has been delivering consistently. Rahane has continued from where he left last year, amassing runs. Brad Hodge has been a reliable finisher for them.

Kings XI has not been given good starts by Adam Gilchrist and Mandeep Singh. The middle order has been quite consistent but need the openers to fire to exert dominance on the opposition.

They have always been slow-starters but have also been the most consistent side. With Vijay showing some form, Michael Hussey would be the best man to join him at the top. The middle-order’s over dependence on Dhoni is a worry though.