IPL 2021 has started on a great 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 20 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 KKR preview
Punjab Kings had played their first 3 games at the Wankhede in Mumbai. They registered a thrilling win over Rajasthan Royals in the opening encounter. PK posted a mammoth total (221) and scraped home by 4 runs in that game. But since then the Punjab franchise have flattered to deceive. They were completely outplayed by CSK in their second game. While they went on to lose against DC even though they were in a dominant position.
PK’s problems have been confounded with their captain KL Rahul’s conservative approach. They will be hoping for him to play his natural game and set the tempo. The Chennai pitch tested the PK team even more. PK could score a paltry 120 batting first against SRH. They went on to lose by 9 wickets. PK came roaring back and defeated defending champions Mumbai Indians by 9 wickets. They will be eager to carry on the winning momentum.
Kolkata Knight Riders are languishing at the bottom of the points table. They made a solid start to the tournament defeating SRH in their opening game. But since then KKR have flattered to deceive. They lost a match against MI from a winning position. KKR failed to score 31 runs in the last 5 overs with 7 wickets in hand. Their bizarre tactics cost them the game against RCB.
KKR conceded 204 runs on the Chennai strip. The score eventually proved to be way above par. KKR were 31-5 chasing 221 against CSK at the Wankhede. They staged a wonderful counter-attack to come back in the game. But they eventually lost out since they kept losing wickets. KKR looked out of place in the match against RR. They showed no intent both with the bat and with the ball. KKR will want to forget that match in a hurry and get their campaign back on track.
IPL 2021: Players to have in your StumpsandBails Fantasy Team
Ravi Bishnoi:
Ravi Bishnoi was very impressive in his very first game of the season. He was on the money from the word go. He troubled MI batsmen with his skill and guile. Bishnoi had a great IPL 2020 too. He impressed everyone with his attitude and temperament. Bishnoi is key to PK’s fortunes in the tournament. KL Rahul can use him in the powerplay as well as in the middle overs to restrict run scoring or to pick wickets. He will be a key addition to your StumpsandBails fantasy team.
Shivam Mavi:
Shivam Mavi showcased fantastic skills against Rajasthan Royals. He was one of the few shining lights on an otherwise forgettable night for KKR. His pace and disconcerting bounce will find help from the surface here in Ahmedabad. Mavi’s ability to move the ball away from the left hander will be difficult to negate. Mavi will be a valued addition to your fantasy team.
