IPL 2021 has started on a brilliant note. There have already been quite a few games that have gone down the wire. All the teams have played at least one game each. Batsmen and bowlers have left their stamp on the IPL. Mumbai and Chennai have hosted all the 7 completed games till now. Mumbai has witnessed high-scoring matches while Chennai has produced low-scoring thrillers.
Challenge for teams:
IPL 2021 has done away with the concept of home and away. All teams are required to play in neutral venues. This has negated the curated strength of the squad to a certain extent. Despite all odds, few players have put in striking performances. Few such players must have gone unsold in the fantasy auctions earlier. It is time you make a note of such key players and include them in your StumpsandBails fantasy team.
IPL 2021: PK vs CSK preview
Punjab Kings notched up a thrilling win against Rajasthan Royals in their opening game. PK posted a mammoth score of 221 on board and won the game by 4 runs. Skipper KL Rahul scored a fine 91 in 50 balls while Chris Gayle scored 40 off 28 balls to lay the foundation. It was Deepak Hooda though who pushed the score to its final destination. His 28 ball blitz shook RR and they could never really recover from that. Hooda smashed 64 and scored 6 sixes in his stay. PK’s death bowling came up trumps with the likes of Jhye Richardson, Riley Meredith, and Arshdeep Singh stepping up beautifully. They look in good shape compared to their rivals heading into this game.
Chennai Super Kings on the other hand stuttered in their opening game. Delhi Capitals defeated them comfortably at the same venue. They will be wary of PK’s batting lineup. Their spinning bowling was undone at the Wankhede. CSK have to be smart about their squad’s strength and use resources effectively. Their batsmen will face the daunting challenge of keeping up with PK’s explosive batting order. They have a huge task at their hands to overcome Punjab Kings.
IPL 2021: Players to have in your StumpsandBails Fantasy Team
Arshdeep Singh
Riyan Parag made his IPL debut in 2019. He played just 3 games for Punjab Kings that season. Singh picked up 3 wickets at an average of 36.33 and conceded runs at 10.90 per over. But he impressed one and all in IPL 2020. He featured in 8 matches picking 9 wickets. Singh partnered Mohammad Shami in the first game of IPL 2021. He bowled a brilliant last over to cap off a tremendous game for Punjab. His figures read 4-0-35-3. The numbers look even more brilliant considering the match was being played at Wankhede. He is a must have in your fantasy team.
Robin Uthappa
Robin Uthappa is coming off a great domestic season. He is striking the ball cleanly. There are very few timers of the cricket ball who are as effortless as Uthappa. CSK will be tempted to play Uthappa in this game against Punjab Kings. The flat wicket at the Wankhede will suit his game. His flying start will help CSK set a solid base for its middle and lower middle-order. He will be a smart pick in your fantasy team.
