The IPL fever has returned with the start of the second leg in the UAE, which promises to be an action-packed two months. Many world-class players have chosen to play in the second leg, believing it will provide valuable practice for the T20 World Cup, which will be held in the same location after the IPL concludes.
To summarise, the first half of the IPL 2021 was postponed due to the COVID-19 breach after 29 matches were completed. With six wins, Delhi Capitals continued their incredible run from IPL 2019 and IPL 2020 to remain atop the points table. They were followed by CSK and RCB, who both had five wins, and MI, who had four wins. With a nearly 3.5-month break, several players have declared themselves unavailable, either to be fresh for the T20 World Cup or to avoid the bio bubble, which may cause mental weariness. Many teams witnessed roster adjustments as a result of this circumstance, particularly in the abroad department.
1. Chennai Super Kings
Last year’s IPL season was not the best for Chennai Super Kings, as they failed to qualify for the playoffs for the first time in the league’s history. The MS Dhoni-led team has been a revelation with their consistency, and they have more than made up for last year’s dismal season with some outstanding performances this year. Suresh Raina’s comeback was a huge boost for the squad. So far, Chennai has won seven of its nine games and has the best run rate among the teams. They are nearly certain to make the playoffs. This might be Dhoni’s final season as a player, therefore he wants to leave the IPL with fond memories and a championship.
2. Delhi Capitals
So far in the IPL 2021, the Delhi Capitals have been extremely outstanding. Delhi has won seven of its nine games thus far and has the second-best net run rate, both of which will help them. They are currently ranked second in the points table. Prithvi Shaw, Shikhar Dhawan, Shreyas Iyer, Ajinkya Rahane, Steve Smith, and others make up Delhi’s balanced batting attack. Kagiso Rabada and Ishant Sharma lead their bowling attack, which is also extremely impressive. The Delhi Capitals are one of the top playoff favorites this season.
3. Mumbai Indians
Despite being in sixth place in the points table, the Mumbai Indians can easily turn things around. The Mumbai Indians boast a star-studded squad, and they are the defending champions with the most IPL titles. Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit Sharma knows how to get into the playoffs, and his team had a fantastic IPL season last year on UAE grounds. They will face strong competition for the fourth spot from RCB, KKR, and Rajasthan, but their improved balance gives them an advantage over these sides.
4. Royal Challengers Bangalore
RCB has been one of the most disappointing teams in the IPL thus far. They have yet to win an IPL title, however, they have finished second in three IPL seasons between 2009 and 2016. Kohli, AB de Villiers, and Glenn Maxwell are just a handful of the team’s world-class stars. We believe that if RCB can play excellent cricket to their full potential, they will have a strong squad capable of reaching the playoffs and possibly winning the championship. Their negative run rate might be a concern, but with 5 wins in 9 games, they should be able to make the playoffs.
