(Cricket news) Teams are risking everything to secure a spot in the top four as the TATA IPL 2023 playoff battle heats up. A very close race has defined the TATA IPL season. Seven teams are still competing for a spot in the playoffs as we enter the final week of the league round. There has never been a TATA IPL season with such fierce competition between so many teams, especially as the tournament nears its conclusion.

As the inaugural game of the TATA IPL 2023 takes place at the picturesque HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala, Punjab Kings will play Delhi Capitals with two critical points on the line. It serves as the Punjab Kings’ secondary residence.

Irfan Pathan, a former cricketer for India, praised young Punjab Kings batsman Prabhsimran Singh for smashing his first TATA IPL century against the same opponent in the previous match. Irfan thinks the young Punjabi top-order batter would go far in the game.Speaking on Star Sports Cricket Live, Irfan Pathan said, “Prabhsimran did the work of a senior batsman against Delhi Capitals but the thing to remember is that he is young, and bats with great finesse and power. He has all kinds of shots. I think he’s a star of the future.”

The 23-year-old wicketkeeper-batter received accolades from former India cricketer Mohammed Kaif, who also asserted that the TATA IPL platform will always be able to showcase fresh and exciting talent. Speaking on Star Sports Studio, Md Kaif said, “This is the tradition of IPL. Bring in a new talent and give him a chance. He will definitely shine. Prabhsimran is a talent of that kind. He has all kinds of shots and he not only has the ability to finish the innings but can also take the team to a strong score.”

Even if the Delhi Capitals’ aspirations of making the playoffs were crushed, opponents cannot afford to underestimate the David Warner-led team. Teams are better able to recover from more trying circumstances when the coaching staff has some strong individuals.

Irfan Pathan, a former cricketer for India, believes that as the Delhi Capitals are currently concentrating on the upcoming season, Sourav Ganguly should be appointed as the team’s head coach. Speaking on Star Sports Studio, Irfan Pathan said, “Sourav Ganguly’s presence in the Delhi dugout is a big deal. I think if Dada is given the responsibility of coach as well, he can make a big difference in this team. Dada has knowledge of the psychology of Indian players. He knows how to run the dressing room and Delhi should definitely take advantage of that. At the time of the toss, Warner has said that his team has now started preparing for the next season and in this context, it would not be

A resilient Lucknow Super Giants team, meanwhile, extended its unbeaten streak against the five-time champion Mumbai Indians and upset MI by 5 runs Wednesday night in Lucknow. With this victory, LSG revived its playoff aspirations and dashed MI’s hopes of placing in the top four. To defend 10 runs against Tim David and Cameron Green in the final over, LSG left-arm bowler Mohsin Khan bowled incredibly effectively.

Former Indian cricketer Mohammed Kaif praised Mohsin for having a major effect in his second TATA IPL 2023 match after missing nearly a year of action due to injury. Kaif commended the Uttar Pradesh seamer for maintaining his fundamentals when under duress and doing well. Speaking on Star Sports’ Cricket Live, Md Kaif said, “Mohsin Khan didn’t disintegrate under pressure despite Tim David looking in a menacing touch. UP cricketers are shining in the IPL 2023, Rinku (Singh) is doing it for KKR and Mohsin just did that for LSG in a must-win game. Very important victory for LSG.”

Marcus Stoinis created the groundwork for LSG’s victory over Mumbai Indians by playing a crucial knock of 89* off 47 balls and providing the push his team needed against a formidable MI. Harbhajan Singh, a former cricketer for India, praised Stoinis for his composed performance and his power-hitting prowess. Speaking on Star Sports’ Cricket Live, Harbhajan Singh said, “It was Marcus Stoinis’ knock in the death overs which made the difference for LSG. This pitch required a set batter to finish it and he did just that. Stoinis is a power-hitter and he delivered.”

Also read: LSG defeated the MI by five runs to go significantly towards the playoffs