5 reasons why IPL 2019 has not lived up to its expectations

From two weeks there are intense discussions going on at every tea-stalls and street corner about the biggest carnival of Indian cricket, Indian Premier League. It is the time of year when meetings are canceled, classes are bunked and night parties are scrapped. With each passing season, the IPL has spread like a wildfire into the hearts of people. The tussle between the 8 teams is getting into the next phase, and the fans are also getting more engrossed into the action.

The atmosphere has been electrifying as the stadiums have been full even during the day games. It is amazing to see how the audience has connected with this format, and now they have formed an indomitable bond with this league. IPL is never short of surprises and that has made this league more interesting. Even with its popularity IPL 2019 began with its fair share of challenges and at its halfway mark it has lost some of the charms.

Here are the five reasons why IPL 2019 has not lived up to its expectations

1) Already a couple of teams are almost out of playoff contention

In IPL, all the 8 franchises have balanced sides, and on a given day any team can experience the taste of victory. As it is a long tournament which is played over 7 weeks the fans enjoy its unpredictability. In most of the previous seasons, the last 4 have been decided in the final week of the league phase.

This year RCB seems to have reached an impasse, and RR has not been able to beat the morning blues from the first match against KXIP. The Kohli led side has lost all their 6 matches, and the Royals have lost 4 out of 5 ties. It will be an uphill task for these two sides to make it to the playoffs, but it looks almost impossible which makes only 6 teams fighting it out for the remaining games.

2) Former champions again at top of the table

There is no denial in the fact that IPL is the most competitive T20 league in the world, because of the presence of various International superstars and breakthrough talents. In its 11 year history, the league has seen five different champions in the form of RR, CSK, MI, KKR, and SRH. It is very difficult to maintain consistency in such contests, but some of the teams like CSK and MI have managed to do it and they both have won the titles three times.

Every season fans wish the success of a particular team because of their favorite star’s presence in that team. For the league’s success, it is necessary that the underdogs reach deep in the tournament. Right now the top 3 out of 4 teams in the points table are former champions which is not good for viewing.

3) Too many controversies in such small amount of time

Right from its inaugural year the league and controversy have crossed their paths on multiple occasions. IPL 2019 was not welcomed by some of the cricket experts due to its scheduling right before the 50 over WC in ENG. As early as in the 2nd match the season was making headlines for wrong reasons where Ashwin mankaded Butler.

When RCB took on MI at Bengaluru a thrilling tie was on the cards, but due to an umpiring howler, the game ended on a wrong note. M. Kaif the coach of DC have raised the voice against the substitute fielders, and the leeway given by the officials. Umpiring decisions and match timings have been questioned regularly by the analysts in this season and that sums up the issues shadowing the league.

4) Slow and low surfaces

IPL is loved by the audience due to its fast pace and powerful hitting, and it is supposed to be a slam-bang format. Fans love seeing sixes and fours being hit to all parts of the ground by their superstars. It is inevitable that the surfaces will turn a little bit as the league is played in the sub-continent.

Till now IPL 2019 has not picked up the pace as the teams have been presented with slow and low surfaces. The pitches at Chennai, Bengaluru, and Rajasthan have aided the slow bowlers appreciably and it is only the second week of the season. 150 has been par score for the teams in 11 out of 23 matches of this season, and a couple of times teams have failed to cross even 100 in an innings which is not ideal for T20 cricket.

5) Far too many one-sided affairs

IPL has been the king of short formats as it produces nail-biters every now and then. The USP of IPL was its uncertainty factor when teams battle it out for the win in final overs. Over the years the league has produced some enthralling moments with its last over finishes, as the fans always love to remain on the edge of their seats. This season began with a dull affair as RCB managed to post only 70 on the board and CSK won it comfortably.

Though the league has already produced a super over thriller, most of the matches have been one-sided as either the total gets chased down easily or the opposition gets bowled out cheaply before reaching the target. If the trend continues then it will be difficult for the IPL to keep the fans engaged to the action.

IPL has always defied the odds and has become one of the most eye-catching tournaments of the world. All its 11 seasons has stayed true to its hype but this season is hampered by some issues and it has to be solved quickly.

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