IPL 2021: Marco Jansen and Chris Lynn to make their debut for Mumbai Indians

IPL 2021: Marco Jansen and Chris Lynn to make their debut for Mumbai Indians

Marco Jansen

Mumbai Indians (MI) have handed a debut to Australian opener Chris Lynn who was acquired in 2019 and South African left-arm pacer Marco Jansen who was a surprise pick at this year’s auction. The two were handed their MI caps by skipper Rohit Sharma ahead of the opening game of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 against the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.

The match marks the return of the IPL to the country following the COVID-19 pandemic which put paid to the plans of the organizers of the tournament last year. It had to be moved out of India and held in the UAE and after being postponed at that. However, this year, with strict protocols and bio-bubble restrictions, the Indian Premier League is well and truly returning home in grand fashion.

Royal Challengers Bangalore bowl first

Chris Lynn
Chris Lynn

Meanwhile, at the toss, RCB chose to field first. Virat Kohli spoke at the toss and said, “It’s unbelievable, bit of a mini break helped me I guess to win a toss. Going to bowl first. They’re a side who likes chasing. Good chance for us to get onto the park and create some intensity. With the balance we have this year we can do both, but have to understand who you’re playing against. We understand with the depth they have they have never out of the game. Every year IPL has a different energy, a different vibe. It’s high intensity.”

Rohit Sharma said, “Nothing different for us. Bat well in the powerplay and set the game up for the big hitters. The entire square has been changed. Recently played a couple of Tests. Need to do what we do as a team, put our best foot forward. For us it’s a fresh year, don’t need to look at what’s happened in the past. Fresh year, new faces as well. Important for us to start well which we haven’t done in this tournament. Last game we played was a final in Dubai.“

RCB brought in four debutants in the form of Rajat Patidar, Kyle Jamieson, Dan Christian and Glenn Maxwell – all new signings.

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