IPL 2021 had to be indefinitely postponed owing to Covid-19 cases in a few of the franchises. BCCI, the governing body had promised to complete the season in the next available window. UAE will play host to IPL 2021 phase 2 starting September 19. Few key players had to miss the first part owing to injuries. Teams will be expecting them to get fit and rejoin in the 2nd phase. Players Who Might Return In UAE
StumpsandBails looks at 5 players who might return in the UAE leg of IPL 2021:
#5 Kane Richardson
Players Who Might Return In UAE. Kane Richardson was one of the few cricketers who had reservations about health security in the first phase. The Royal Challengers Bangalore recruit had cited concern and did not participate in the league. But with the T20 World Cup round the corner, expect Richardson to turn up for the franchise. As UAE is hosting both IPL and the World Cup, it will be fitting for him to rejoin his side. It will provide him with an ideal dress rehearsal.
#4 Adam Zampa
The stocks of Adam Zampa have risen quite significantly over the last couple of seasons. Zampa would have loved bowling at the Chepauk where RCB played their first 5 games. But Zampa didn’t start for RCB in either of the games. Being restricted to the bench, Zampa withdrew from the league citing safety issues. But now since the tournament has been shifted to UAE, expect him to make a comeback.
#3 T. Natarajan
T. Natarajan was one of Sunrisers Hyderabad’s biggest finds last season. His ability to bowl Yorkers at will impressed everyone. Natarajan even went on to represent India across all 3 formats soon after. A lot was expected from him going into this season. But an injury ruled him out of the competition. Natarajan has now undergone surgery. SRH fans and team management will be hoping for a fit-again Natarajan to amp up their bowling stocks.
#2 Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin has had an interesting couple of IPL seasons with the Delhi Capitals. He missed out on few games in IPL 2020 owing to an injury. Ashwin later ruled himself out citing family security concerns midway through the IPL in 2021. He was the only Indian player to have expressed his anxiety openly. Ashwin will be gearing up for a big showing in the 2nd half of IPL. A stellar display from Ashwin may just land him a World Cup spot.
#1 Shreyas Iyer
Shreyas Iyer along with Ricky Ponting have transformed the Delhi side. Iyer led them to successive playoffs in 2019 and 2020. He was all set to take off in 2021 before an ill-timed injury ruled him out of the IPL. Rishabh Pant stepped in as DC’s skipper. Iyer is now back to full fitness. He is raring to go. A strong showing in the IPL 2021 will allay the fears of his spot in the playing XI. Iyer is a terrific player of spin and India will need him in UAE.
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