IPL 2021: Virender Sehwag predicts tournament winners ahead of the second phase

IPL 2021: Virender Sehwag predicts tournament winners ahead of the second phase

Virender Sehwag

The 14th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is all set to begin with its second phase on September 19, 2021, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The two heavyweights of the tournament – Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI) will lock horns in match 30 from 7:30 PM (onwards) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai.

Meanwhile, former India skipper Virender Sehwag has picked the side that will clinch the trophy in the playing conditions of the UAE. The cricketer-turned-commentator stated that last year’s finalists MI and Delhi Capitals (DC) are expected to do well in the upcoming games as well. However, he added that the Mumbai-based franchise might edge out DC. 

“Since the second half has been shifted to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, I think Delhi and Mumbai will again be favourites and the five-time champions are slightly ahead. Chennai’s average score in India was 201 during the first phase but I think when it comes to UAE tracks, they would be lacking a bit in batting firepower. If I have to pick one team, that will be Mumbai,” said Sehwag as quoted by PTI.

“100%” – Sehwag on the effect of IPL performances on India’s T20 WC squad

T20 World Cup squad Team India
India’s T20 WC squad members

The 42-year-old reckoned that the remaining phase of the cash-rich league still has plenty of matches left for each side. So, the individual performances of every player can result on their spots in the recently-picked India’s squad of the much-awaited 2021 ICC T20 World Cup at the same venues. 

“100%. We have around seven matches minimum left for the teams. That means you still have a platform to perform and those who are on the fringes could still impress the Indian selectors who would be watching the tournament closely. Since ICC allows a window to change teams, I will not be surprised if there are some changes in the original squad,” concluded Sehwag.

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