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, Chennai, Ahmedabad and Delhi have hosted all the 25 completed games till now. The caravan shifted to Delhi with CSK vs SRH game yesterday. Mumbai has witnessed high-scoring matches while Chennai has produced low-scoring thrillers. Delhi’s wicket too felt like a belter, it will be interesting to see how it pans out for other games.
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 RCB preview
Punjab Kings: Name changed but their fortunes haven’t yet changed
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.
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 have just 2 wins to show from 6 games now. They will be desperate tp fetch 2 points against a rampant RCB.
RCB: The makings of something special
Royal Challengers Bangalore started the tournament in the best possible way. They were the only team who their first 4 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 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 found new heroes in both their wins. Shahbaz Ahmed’s game-changing over against SRH was 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. But it all came unstuck against CSK. Ravindra Jadeja’s all-round brilliance toppled RCB. RCB put on a stellar show and notched a thrilling win over DC to reclaim the number 1 spot (now currently with CSK). They will be keen to build on this momentum.
IPL 2021: Players to have in your StumpsandBails Fantasy Team
Mayank Agarwal:
Mayank Agarwal has blown hot and cold this IPL season. Agarwal had a stellar IPL 2020 wherein he amassed 424 runs at an average of 38.54. Agarwal’s strike rate of 156.45 was next to just AB die Villiers for players who scored more than 400 runs. As compared to his last season exploits, Agarwal is nowhere near his best. He has scored 161 runs at an average of 26.8 and his strike rate of 127.77 is nothing much to rave about. Agarwal will be eager to put in a show against RCB and prove his worth to the side. He can be included in your StumpsandBails fantasy team.
Rajat Patidar:
Rajat Patidar put in an impressive show for RCB in the last game against DC. He looked at ease in playing both spin and pace. Patidar was one of the unsung heroes of RCB’s win thrilling win over DC. He will look to cement his spot in the side with consistent showing in the coming few games. Patidar averages 32 and strikes at 142.4 in the List-A format. IPL 2021 might just be his breakthrough season. He can be added to your fantasy team for today’s game.
