IPL 2021: The Tale So Far
The second phase of the Indian Premier League (IPL), which begins on September 19, is extremely important from the perspective of the individual players participating in the competition. Many cricketers will be using this as a warm-up for the T20 World Cup, which begins next month in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Given that both tournaments will be held in the UAE, adjusting to the conditions and generating positive momentum will be critical.
As far as the franchises are concerned, they will have to start over from the ground up. Twenty-nine matches were played in the first phase of the IPL 2021 before the tournament was forced to be postponed by Covid. Some teams gained an early advantage, while others were forced to play catch-up. Every side would like to get things started as soon as possible.
Mumbai Indians
MI will have to raise their game in order to become the first team to win the IPL three times in a row, which they typically do during the final stretch of the season. The team’s three losses were sandwiched between four victories in the first phase, resulting in an eight-point total. If the bare minimum required to qualify for the Playoffs is 14 points, the five-time champions will need to win at least three more games.
The Bumrah (workload) factor is an important consideration.
In four Tests in England, Jasprit Bumrah bowled 151 overs for the Indian team. The fast bowler will be critical to India’s success in the T20 World Cup, and he will need to be at his best during the ICC event. It is this conundrum that Bumrah faces: how to manage his workload, given the fact that he is also indispensable to his franchise. Possible role for the BCCI in this situation to ensure that a repeat of the Rohit Sharma incident (read: injury) from last year does not occur.
Immediately following the IPL last year, a BCCI official told this newspaper that Rohit was forced to go above and beyond, which resulted in him missing the majority of India’s assignments in Australia at the time. During the T20 World Cup, India cannot afford for Bumrah to run out of gas on the field.
Chennai Super Kings
The current league standings demonstrate that CSK has had a strong start to the season — 10 points from seven matches and a chance to make the Playoffs. However, there is a catch. Fast bowlers are expected to get some early traction on the new pitches in the United Arab Emirates.
This is a weak area for the three-time champions, and it was a problem for them last season as well. It will be interesting to see what MS Dhoni’s game plan is for the remainder of the season.
The Jadeja-Dhoni team is a winning combination.
It is expected that Ravindra Jadeja will use the second half of the Indian Premier League to get into the T20 World Cup groove after establishing himself as the country’s first-choice spin-allrounder across all formats. Pitch conditions in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah should begin to assist spinners by the middle of October. A strong performance in the Indian Premier League will put the left-arm spinner in good stead. Keep an eye out for a few tricks that Dhoni and Jadeja, working together, may have in store for you. Remember that Dhoni will serve as India’s team mentor at the International Cricket Council event.
Royal Challengers Bangalore
Their campaign will resume with 10 points from sevn matches, and based on their performance in the first phase, RCB appear to be in a strong position to go the distance in this competition. Even though the loss of leg-spinner Adam Zampa could be a problem, the Royal Challengers Bangalore have brought in a similar-looking replacement in Wanindu Hasaranga following his impressive performance in the home limited-overs series against a second-string Indian side.
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Kohli’s examination
Virat Kohli, who has been captain of the Royal Challengers Bangalore for nine years, is under immense pressure to win the title. Given Kohli’s poor record as a captain in the IPL and ICC events, as well as the BCCI’s decision to appoint Dhoni as the team’s mentor, failing to take RCB over the finish line may prompt his detractors to sharpen their knives once more. He did, however, do an outstanding job as captain during the Test series against England.
Delhi Capitals
Under head coach Rick Ponting, the Washington Capitals have risen to the top of the table with 12 points from their first eight games. The return of Shreyas Iyer adds to the positives, but DC’s challenge may be determining the best combination of players. They have a plethora of middle-order and spin-bowling options at their disposal.
Pay attention to Ashwin
Because of Washington Sundar’s injury, Ravichandran Ashwin has been able to return to the Indian T20 squad in time for the World Cup. There are a couple of factors that could be significant in this situation: How DC captain Rishabh Pant employs the senior off-spinner, because Ashwin would relish the opportunity to bowl in the Powerplays if he could.
Kolkata Knight Riders
The two-time IPL champions are currently in seventh place in te standings, having picked up only two victories in their first seven matches. The absence of Pat Cummins could be extremely costly.
Varun faces a difficult task.
Varun Chakravarthy’s performance in the first phase of the Indian Premier League (IPL) was sufficient for national selectors to select him for the T20 World Cup squad. At the ICC tournament, he will have to compete with Ravichandran Ashwin, Axar Patel, and Rahul Chahar for a spot in the starting lineup. Varun’s challenge in the IPL will be to make his case even more compelling.
Rajasthan Royals
They have six points from seven games, and without Ben Stokes, Jofra Archer, and Jos Buttler, they have a mountain of a task ahead of them if they are to climb the table.
The response of Samson
Sanju Samson will have to take the reins at the start of the season if the Royals are to secure a postseason spot. When it came to the second wicketkeeper position in the Indian T20 World Cup squad, Samson was beaten out by Ishan Kishan. His franchise would benefit from a strong response to the setback that he has experienced.
Punjab Kings
Punjab Kings need KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal to perform spectacularly if they are to improve their record to six points from eight matches. Adil Rashid, a leg-spinner, appears to be an excellent replacement for medium pacer Jhye Richardson.
Take precautions when handling
When it comes to workload, Mohammed Shami must be treated with caution. Once again, a conversation between the BCCI and the franchise management (in this case, the Punjab Kings) would be beneficial.
Sunrisers Hyderabad
The Sunrisers, who have only one win from seven matches, are in desperate need of a golden run in the second phase. Midway through the first phase, David Warner was relieved of his captaincy duties and Kane Williamson was appointed to take over the reins. The Sunrisers must put their differences aside and work as a team.
Bhuvi’s physical fitness
Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s fitness has been a source of contention recently. Prior to the T20 World Cup, the medium pacer can’t afford to sustain another injury.