The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 has begun with a bang, showcasing thrilling finishes and exciting matches. Each of the 10 teams has lost at least one game so far. The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) currently lead the table with three wins in four matches, while the Delhi Capitals (DC) sit at the bottom with four losses in four games.
Despite most IPL teams having specialist coaches, the economy rate in the death overs this season has been over 11 runs per over. Although the SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH), Rajasthan Royals (RR), and Gujarat Titans (GT) have a decent economy rate of around 10 runs per over in the death overs, the other teams have an average economy rate of 11 runs per over.
However, some teams have overcome their death-bowling woes by strengthening themselves in other departments. The Punjab Kings (PBKS) have an abysmal economy rate of over 16 at the death in two of their three games but have managed to emerge victorious twice.
Let us take a look at the three teams whose IPL 2023 results have been adversely impacted by their inefficient death-bowling.
Delhi Capitals (IPL 2023 death overs economy rate 12.56 runs per over)
The Delhi Capitals are struggling in IPL 2023 due to poor death bowling. With an economy rate of 12.56 per over and only four wickets in the death overs, they have conceded the most number of sixes (14) in this phase. Anrich Nortje has been their primary weapon, but he has struggled this season with an economy rate of almost 10.5 runs per over. To address this, they have included specialist bowler Mustafizur Rahman. While the move seemed to have paid off until the 19th over, where Mustafizur conceded two sixes off the last three balls. The combination of Nortje and Mustafizur will be crucial for the team to turn their fortunes around and win matches.
Royal Challengers Bangalore (IPL 2023 death overs economy rate 12.08 runs per over)
Over the years, RCB have struggled with their death bowling despite having star batsmen like Gayle, Kohli, and de Villiers. This has hindered their chances of winning the IPL title. Though the small boundaries at Chinnaswamy Stadium may have contributed to the problem, the team’s inability to contain runs in the death overs is concerning. Harshal Patel was drafted ahead of the 2021 season to help fix this issue. While the medium pacer had impressive numbers in the last two years, he has struggled in IPL 2023, going at over 12 runs per over. RCB’s bowlers have gone at a similar rate, costing them matches against KKR and LSG.
The team will need their bowlers to step up and support the new ball attack to stay in the tournament.
Mumbai Indians (IPL 2023 death overs economy rate: 11.51 runs per over)
Mumbai Indians’ slow start in IPL 2023 can be traced to their weak death bowling. With Jaspirt Bumrah out due to injury and Jofra Archer missing the last two matches, MI’s bowling attack has been left inexperienced and lacking death-over specialists. This has resulted in a high economy rate of 11.51 runs per over in the death overs. Bumrah and Archer are two of the world’s best death bowlers, and MI will hope for Archer’s swift return to the lineup to address their bowling concerns and turn around their fortunes in the tournament.