IPL 2021: Points table prediction for the upcoming edition
The Indian Premier League has been one of the most coveted tournaments in cricket history. The 2021 edition is expected to be another banger.
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2023
The 14th edition of the annual sporting extravaganza – the Indian Premier League is not far away now. The tournament will return to India after the COVID-19 pandemic meant the previous edition had to be played in UAE. All teams are now set with their squads following the auction which was held on the 18th of February in Chennai. There were various big money buys that were made by sides as they sought to plug the holes in their squads.
Mumbai Indians (MI) are the defending champions and they will once again be the team to beat. The side looks perfect as ever, without any weakness whatsoever to pinpoint. All the other franchises’ focus will thus be on giving a tough fight to MI and ensuring they don’t win another title. In that vein, we predict how the IPL table could look at the end of the group stages.
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8. Punjab Kings
The newly named Punjab Kings went into the auction with the highest purse but none of their buys seemed elite. They went for pacers like Jhye Richardson and Riley Meredith to solve their death bowling issues and the likes of Shah Rukh Khan and Moises Henriques to solve the void left by Glenn Maxwell‘s release. Despite the obvious talent of the aforesaid players, the lack of experience could come to hurt the side. Being too top-heavy could thus be a big problem that could see Punjab struggle.
7. Rajasthan Royals
Rajasthan Royals (RR) went for big changes ahead of the auction for the IPL as they released their captain Steve Smith and elevated Sanju Samson as their captain. They also signed Chris Morris for an IPL record fee in order to solve both their lower order batting woes and their death bowling problems. However, the Indian bowling department still looks weak and might prove to be a big problem.
6. Kolkata Knight Riders
Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) problem ahead of the next season would be the form of their overseas players. While Eoin Morgan is a top performer who can be relied upon, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine and Pat Cummins did not impress last year. With a fairly inexperienced Indian batting department, if the overseas stars fail to deliver once again, KKR would miss out on a playoff spot once again, like it happened the previous year.
5. Chennai Super Kings
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) had a below-par IPL season last year as they finished outside the playoff spots for the first time in their history. This year, they have made some smart buys at the auction like Moeen Ali and K Gowtham, but their side still does not inspire confidence that it can go all the way. The form of their Indian middle order batsmen would play a crucial role and might as well decide their fate.
4. Royal Challengers Bangalore
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) were quite active at the auction as well and came up with the big buy of Glenn Maxwell who will shore up their middle-order. They also went for Kyle Jamieson to replace the released Chris Morris. Like with last year, they seem to have all bases covered now. Their Indian pace bowling attack could however, be a cause for concern and teams might look to exploit the same.
3. Sunrisers Hyderabad
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) are a team that have always punched above their weight and in the upcoming edition as well, it would be no surprise to see them challenging for the title. They have a near-impeccable bowling attack and with the likes of David Warner, Kane Williamson and Jonny Bairstow in their batting line-up, they would fancy their chances of making the playoff and potentially lifting the title.
2. Delhi Capitals
Delhi Capitals (DC) are a team that have an exciting mix of young and experienced talent in both the Indian and overseas departments. They narrowly missed out on the IPL title last season as they fell short in the final but this year, thanks to some more excellent buys at the auction like that of Steve Smith, they would want to make a statement and claim their elusive first ever IPL trophy.
1. Mumbai Indians
Mumbai Indians (MI) are the team to beat and will once again, be favorites to go on and lift the title for a record 6th time. Their batting line-up led by an ever-dependable Indian core and explosive finishers will once again pose a huge threat to opponents. The bowling attack spearheaded by Trent Boult and Jasprit Bumrah, which has now been strengthened with buys at the auction will be a cause for havoc as well. In short, this might as well be MI’s year again.
Also Read: IPL: 4 players who went unsold in the auction but teams hired them later
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Nevin Clinton
(2399 Articles Published)