With the RR-SRH clash in Pune on Tuesday (March 29), all the teams in the IPL 2022 finished their first league games.
Subsequently, cricket experts Irfan Pathan, Suresh Raina and Dhawal Kulkarni weighed in on the performances and named three teams that left them impressed.
In the final match of the opening round of IPL 2022 fixtures, Rajasthan Royals humiliated Sunrisers Hyderabad by 61 runs. On the other hand, Delhi Capitals (DC) opened their IPL 2022 campaign with a 4-wicket win over Mumbai Indians on Sunday (March 27) at the Brabourne Stadium.
"I am a fan of Delhi Capitals' fighting spirit. They could have easily lost the match looking at the position they were in against Mumbai Indians, but Akshar Patel batted brilliantly and finished the game for his team. David Warner hasn't joined the side yet. Anrich Nortje isn't fit yet. If these two join the Delhi squad, then this team will become even stronger," Irfan Pathan said during an episode of 'Cricket Live' on Star Sports.
In their opening match, Punjab Kings (PBKS) registered a 5-wicket win versus Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) while chasing a massive target of 206.
Suresh Raina, former CSK batter, said: "Punjab Kings have impressed me a lot. The way they played in their first game. A new captain, a new-look team, and all the players showed their full strength. The collective effort put in by them while chasing a target in excess of 200 shows that their team combination is very good and it will bode them well in the times to come."
Newcomers Gujarat Titans (GT) started the campaign with a 5-wicket victory against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on Monday (March 28). Mohammad Shami starred with the ball and scalped three wickets before the Titans batters pulled off a thrilling run-chase.
Dhawal Kulkarni, who has played for Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals and the now-defunct Gujarat Lions in the IPL, said: "Gujarat Titans has impressed me a lot. The new talents under the leadership of Hardik Pandya have put up a very good performance in their opening game. I am very impressed with this team."
The second round will fixtures will get underway with the RCB-KKR clash at DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai on Wednesday (March 30).
(With ANI inputs)
