IPL 2021 has started on a brilliant 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 14 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: KKR vs CSK preview
Kolkata Knight Riders are languishing at the bottom half of the points table. They made a solid start to the tournament defeating SRH in their opening game. But since then KKR have flattered to deceive. They lost a match against MI from a winning position. KKR failed to score 31 runs in the last 5 overs with 7 wickets in hand. Their bizarre tactics cost them the game against RCB. They conceded 204 runs on the Chennai strip. The score eventually proved to be way above par. KKR will be happy to return to a flat wicket in Mumbai. Their power hitters will fancy this pitch more as compared to the one in Chennai. They will be up against CSK who are in some form.
CSK on the other hand 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 it will be difficult for KKR to stop them.
IPL 2021: Players to have in your StumpsandBails Fantasy Team
Nitish Rana:
Nitish Rana has been in prime form in IPL 2021. He has adapted well to the challenging conditions in Chennai. Rana was the key to KKR’s solo victory up until now. His knock of 80 against SRH laid down a template of how openers must go about their job at Chennai. Rana has amassed 155 runs at an average of 51.66 and a strike rate of 135.96. He will love the batting-friendly conditions at Wankhede in Mumbai. Rana will be a good addition to your fantasy team.
Ambati Rayudu:
Ambati Rayudu has played selfless innings for CSK in all the 3 matches until now. His knocks were crucial in the games against DC and RR. Rayudu has walked in at number 5 and has taken the game head-on. He is striking at 147.05 in 2021 that is 20 points higher than his IPL career average. Rayudu is one of the most underrated players in the IPL. He will be of great value to your fantasy team.
