Left-handers are essential to the formation of teams in all formats of cricket. Because there are considerably more right-handed players than left-handed players, both now and in the past, bowlers aren’t as used to bowling to southpaws as batsmen are to facing left-handed bowlers.
We’re only a month away from the start of Phase 2 of the IPL 2021 in the UAE, and the anticipation is palpable. The first part of IPL 2021 was originally slated in India, however, due to an increase of Coronavirus infections, the event has been moved to the United Arab Emirates.
1. Openers: Shikhar Dhawan, Quinton de Kock
Dhawan, who now plays for the Delhi Capitals (DC), is a terrific IPL batsman who should be included in the XI. So far this season, the opener has been in outstanding form. Dhawan has been in incredible form since returning to Delhi Capitals, and De Kock has done the same since joining Mumbai Indians.
2. Middle Order: Nitish Rana, Moeen Ali, and Rishabh Pant
In the first seven games of this year’s IPL, Rana scored 201 runs for KKR, which was postponed in April due to several COVID-19 instances within India’s bio-bubble. He is KKR’s leading scorer this season.
When the 2021 IPL begins on Sunday, England all-rounder Moeen Ali will be crucial to Chennai Super Kings’ success. Moeen is in fantastic shape and will be well-suited to the UAE’s climate.
Pant is also in fine shape, and DC is performing admirably under his leadership.
3. All-rounders: Ravindra Jadeja, Marcus Stoinis & Sam Curran
In virtually every game he played, Ravindra Jadeja performed admirably in all three areas. So far this season, his performances have been outstanding.
Marcus Stoinis made a couple of cameo appearances for the Delhi Capitals during the IPL 2021 India leg. His unbroken innings of 27* (13) against the Punjab Kings helped the Capitals chase down 195 runs. The right-handed batter batted six times, scoring 71 runs with a strike rate of 144.89.
Before the IPL was halted due to Covid, Sam Curran was in the midst of another fantastic season for the Chennai Super Kings. The left-arm seam-bowling all-rounder took 9 wickets at 24.11 in 7 games, including the coveted scalp of Dre Russ, who was bowled behind his arse, which swung the game in CSK’s favor.
4. Bowlers: Pat Cummins, Kagiso Rabada, and Mustafizur Rahman
Pat Cummins’ core skill may not have lit up the IPL, but he has been a solid performer for KKR with both bat and ball since his comeback last year.
Rabada and Mustafizur Rahman have not been exceptional so far this season but they have the talent to turn things around. Both Rabada and Mustafizur Rahman have picked up 8 wickets each.
