IPL 2021 was weirder than IPL 2020. You ask us why?
IPL 2020 not just shifted venues from India to UAE, but even changed its timeline. It was played between September and November last year. IPL 2021 got all of us excited as it returned to India and during the great Indian summer. But unfortunately owing to the second COVID-19 wave, IPL had to be indefinitely postponed midway.
But there were quite a few takeaways for each team this season! We glance a look at every team’s position and what they need to fix to compete in the rest of the season (as and when IPL resumes again)
#8 Sunrisers Hyderabad
SRH are the only team with a single win this season. They changed opening pairs, they changed their middle-order, they even changed their captain. But SRH simply couldn’t win.
FIX: They need to get their team combination right. The feeling of a team-like culture is missing in SRH. SRH was known for its culture, its time the management set it right once again.
#7 Kolkata Knight Riders
A team that has Andre Russell, Pat Cummins, Eoin Morgan, Shakib-Al-Hasan, and Sunil Narine in its ranks but still finds itself at number 7 is disappointing. Their top order has been too careful. This has put pressure on its middle-order.
FIX: KKR need to liberate themselves right at the top and play with more freedom. Their tactics could be smarter too when it comes to the utilisation of resources.
#6 Punjab Kings
They changed their name but their fortunes pretty much remained the same. The Kings haven’t fired as a team yet apart from one game against RCB. Their over-dependence on KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal have cost them few games.
FIX: They need other players like Chris Gayle, Dawid Malan, Chris Jordan, and, Riley Meredith to step up if they have to qualify for the playoffs.
#5 Rajasthan Royals
If there is one team that has managed to survive despite all odds of players being unavailable and stars getting injured. They have managed to win 3 out of the 7 games.
FIX: RR doesn’t have any stars and that probably is their biggest advantage. They will probably have Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer back when IPL resumes again. They will become stronger once they return.
#4 Mumbai Indians
Mumbai Indians found a new lease of life when IPL shifted to Delhi. They won a thrilling game against CSK. MI just started gaining momentum and the tournament halted.
FIX: MI will start favourites as soon as the season resumes. Expect nothing less than a champion effort from them.
#3 Royal Challengers Bangalore
RCB started the tournament with a bang winning 4 out of 4 games. They went on to lose 2 of their next 3 games. RCB were one of the strong contenders this season. They will hope they remain the same once the season resumes.
FIX: RCB need more from their uncapped Indian batsmen to complement their star players. If they manage to do that, there is no stopping them this season.
#2 Chennai Super Kings
CSK surprised everyone probably even themselves this season with their outstanding performance. They won 5 games on the trot and established their supremacy. CSK look like serious title contenders this season.
FIX: The only possible weak link for CSK is their fast bowling line-up. If they can plug that gap then they can win the title for the 4th time.
#1 Delhi Capitals
DC are the only team to have won 6 games this season. The fact that they haven’t played their best game yet makes them even more dangerous. DC will fancy winning their maiden IPL title this season.
FIX: Prithvi Shaw, Avesh Khan, and Shikhar Dhawan have hidden DC’s lesser performing players. DC will need everyone to step up once the tournament resumes.
