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 18 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: CSK vs RCB preview

CSK began the tournament on a slightly slippery note. They posted a good total against DC but failed to defend that. CSK came back strongly in the 2nd game and blew away PK. They picked up crucial wickets in the powerplay to dent PK’s innings. CSK put a dominant performance in the game against RR. They comfortably won against them and stormed to the 2nd spot in the points table.

CSK boast of having the best Net Run Rate among teams currently. Their experienced outfit has mastered the conditions at Mumbai smartly. CSK are one of the most balanced teams in the IPL. They are on a roll and even a spirited KKR fightback couldn’t stop them from winning. CSK are high on confidence and might prove to the toughest opponent for RCB.

Royal Challengers Bangalore have started the tournament in the best possible way. They are the only team to have won all the games this season. RCB posted thrilling wins over MI and SRH in their first two games. They comfortably defeated KKR in their third game. RCB have found new heroes in every game. Harshal Patel led the charge in the first game while Glenn Maxwell’s innings proved to be the difference in the 2nd game.

RCB have found new heroes in both their wins and this augurs well for the franchise. Shahbaz Ahmed’s game-changing over against SRH is another highlight. Glenn Maxwell and AB de Villiers powered RCB to a fantastic total in the third game. Mohammad Siraj then bowled an excellent penultimate over to shut the game. RCB annihilated RR at Mumbai. They cruised to a 10-wicket win thanks to Devdutt Padikkal’s splendid century and Virat Kohli’s 71. RCB are at the top of the table. It promises to be a mouth-watering contest.

IPL 2021: Players to have in your StumpsandBails Fantasy Team

Ruturaj Gaikwad:

Ruturaj Gaikwad found the proceedings difficult in the starting 3 games. There were talks about him being dropped for Robin Uthappa. But he found his groove back in the 4th game. Gaikwad scored an impressive 64 off just 42 balls. His starts at the top is crucial for CSK. Team backs Gaikwad to the hilt and he has impressively repaid the faith. He will be a valuable addition to your fantasy team. 

Harshal Patel:

Harshal Patel has been a revelation for RCB. He has emerged as a key force at the death. His skill has helped RCB to overcome their death overs struggles. Patel found CSK’s pitch to his liking. Teams found him nearly impossible to get away. RR targeted Patel at the Wankhede but he made an impressive comeback and picked up 3 wickets. He has picked up 12 wickets at an average of 9.66 and his economy rate of 7.25 is brilliant too. He is a must have in your StumpsandBails fantasy team.