IPL 2022: Parthiv Patel predicts top two teams at the end of league stage

The IPL 2022 has become a 10-team tournament with the inclusion of two new franchises Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants which have stretched the season to over two months and also increased the number of matches to 74 (70 league and four knockouts). Meanwhile, experts have already started picking the teams who are the favorites this time around.

With the two champion teams Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings languishing at the bottom, there is a possibility of new champions being crowned for the first time since 2016 and former wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel has picked his two sides who according to him will finish on top at the end of the group stages.

Parthiv Patel picks his top two teams

“No.1, I think the way they [Gujarat Titans] have been winning and creating a positive environment in the team with many people saying they are lucky but it needs to be understood that they are capable of finishing the games whenever they find themselves in tough situations. Finishing the game is very important and GT are doing that,” Parthiv told Cricbuzz.

“RCB did play badly [against SRH]. They have a team and that team has managed to play well. Obviously, at some stage, Virat Kohli will get back to form. These are my two choices,” he added.

The Gujarat Titans have been on a roll this season, having won six out of their seven matches and are also table-toppers with 12 points with an NRR of +0.396. They would next be seen in action against the Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on April 27. Coincidentally, their only loss has also come against the Orange Army, by eight wickets.

RCB, who seemed to be on a roll, had a forgettable outing against Hyderabad where they were skittled out for just 68 runs and ended up suffering a humiliating nine-wicket loss. They have now slipped down to the fifth spot with five victories from eight games and 10 points to their tally at a net run rate of -0.472. Bangalore would now be hoping to make amends against Rajasthan Royals when the two sides lock horns at the MCA Stadium in Pune on April 26.