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. Except for Chennai, all the other 3 venues have been good batting wickets. Bowlers have to come up with plans to counter the short boundaries and bigger bats as the tournament progresses. Teams will have to unearth newer heroes in every game to stay in contention for the playoffs.

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 DC preview

Punjab Kings 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. 

The Chennai pitch tested 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 were strangely subdued in their batting when they faced KKR. Their lack of intent cost them the game. PK roared back strongly against RCB and find themselves at 5th position in the points table. They will like to continue their winning momentum.

Delhi Capitals played their first 3 games at the Wankhede in Mumbai. The pitches there aided stroke making. DC won 2 out of their 3 games. They started with a win over CSK, lost to RR and beat PK. Their batting might helped them overhaul big targets against CSK and PK. DC struggled when the pitch offered something to the bowlers. Their struggles against RR seamers were proof of that point. DC began their Chennai sojourn with a win over MI. This win came as a shot in the arm for Delhi. They tied with SRH and later went on to win the super-over. DC went on to lose a close game against RCB and this pushed them to 3rd in the standings. They romped home comfortably with a 8-wicket win over KKR in their previous game. They sit pretty at number 2 in the points table.

IPL 2021: Players to have in your StumpsandBails Fantasy Team

Chris Gayle:

Chris Gayle has slowly started to impose himself on the tournament. The big hitting Jamaican smashed 5 boundaries in a single over last game. His 46 set up the game for the Kings. He himself will admit to the fact that a big knock is round the corner. Gayle will be itching to hit that big hundred when he comes up against DC. He is 63 runs short of 5000 runs in IPL. Gayle will be eying the landmark in this game. We recommend having Gayle in your fantasy team.

Marcus Stoinis:

Marcus Stoinis announced himself in DC’s jersey when he took on Punjab Kings in their opening clash last season. He has been vital part of DC’s plans since then. Stoinis admittedly has had a mixed IPL 2021 until now. He showed glimpses of form in the game against RCB. DC will expect more from Stoinis as the tournament enters a crucial phase. Stoinis is one player you can count on to deliver in crunch situations. He will be a valuable addition to your StumpsandBails fantasy team.