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#3 Chennai Super Kings
Back in IPL 2020, the Chennai Super Kings looked discernibly out of rhythm and sync. On flat UAE pitches, their batting approach was termed archaic and their propensity to consolidate before clicking into gear was cast under the scanner.
Hence, when CSK rocked up at IPL 2021 and unfurled a combination of attacking flair, often prioritizing creativity over calculation, plenty were taken aback. That, though, made CSK a force to be reckoned with, meaning that they were one of the more impressive teams in the first leg of IPL 2021.
However, as was the case in 2020, they now have to contend with an enormous gap – something that hampers CSK considerably, keeping in mind that Ambati Rayudu, Suresh Raina and of course, MS Dhoni don’t play any competitive cricket apart from the IPL.
Consequently, there could be a situation where CSK are slower off the blocks and that they don’t generate as much momentum as they did in the IPL in April/May.
Not just because their bowlers might struggle in slightly unhelpful conditions, but also because their experienced campaigners might feel the pinch of back-to-back games. The fixtures at Sharjah, in particular, could act as a banana skin, considering their bowling attack will be tested to the hilt.
Fortunately, they also have a core group of players who have been in action recently, meaning that they could form the crux of everything good CSK do. Ravindra Jadeja and Shardul Thakur distinguished themselves in England, whereas Dwayne Bravo, Faf du Plessis and Imran Tahir have been busy playing the CPL.
Moeen Ali and Sam Curran, despite not enjoying fruitful red-ball summers, are still vital cogs in CSK’s wheel and would be wanting to do well, especially with a T20 World Cup looming.
Furthermore, with 10 points (from 7 games) already in the bag and a play-off spot closer than it was during IPL 2020, one would not want to bet against them qualifying.
Dhoni’s Last Dance (potentially) warrants it anyway, doesn’t it?
#2 Royal Challengers Bangalore
Ever since the IPL began, the Royal Challengers Bangalore have managed to generate an enormous amount of hype. They’ve almost always had the players capable of springing spectators out of their seats. The presence of AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli hasn’t impeded that endeavor too.
Rather remarkably, though, they remain one of only three active sides to have not won the IPL, meaning that the pressure has firmly been amped up ahead of the resumption leg of the IPL. That it comes in a backdrop where people are discussing the credentials of Kohli and Rohit as white-ball captains has only added another layer of intrigue.
Akin to numerous other IPL outfits, RCB will also have to contend with the absence of a few of their overseas imports. However, like the Royals, RCB have done exceptionally to replace the departing players and have somehow managed to add more strings to their bow.
Wanindu Hasaranga, in particular, stands out because, well, he is perhaps one of the three best leg-spinners on the planet. Not only can the Sri Lankan contribute with the ball, he is also a dashing lower-order batter – something that might alleviate RCB’s fears of having a top-heavy unit.
Tim David is another magnificent acquisition, considering the value he brings to the fore as a hard-hitting all-rounder, whereas George Garton could provide RCB with an X-Factor, if Kohli can utilize him well during the IPL.
Can Kohli end his and RCB's IPL hoodoo?
As far as the existing players are concerned, both de Villiers and Kohli would want to end their IPL hoodoo. Maxwell would also want to illustrate that he can sustain his performances through an IPL season, whereas Yuzvendra Chahal, especially after his omission from India’s T20 World Cup squad, might have something to prove.
Thus, it seems that the stars are aligning in RCB’s favour. Not just from the personnel perspective, but also because they will be playing a lot of their IPL matches at Dubai (3) and Sharjah (2) – grounds that should suit their style of play.
Maybe then, it could be time to start whispering that four-word phrase, which roughly translates to “this year, the cup is ours”.
#1 Delhi Capitals
Before the 2021 edition of the IPL began, the Delhi Capitals were dealt a major blow when Shreyas Iyer was ruled out for the entirety of the season. Rishabh Pant assumed charge in his stead and performed admirably, meaning that the Capitals perched themselves atop the IPL points table.
From that viewpoint alone, it seems that the Capitals have tided over their tempestuous phase and with Shreyas back in the mix and Pant excelling as captain, they can be even better – rather scarily for the rest of the IPL pack.
The inclusion of Shreyas could have major implications for Steve Smith, who didn’t set the world ablaze but did a job during the first phase of the IPL. However, in Sam Billings and Shimron Hetmyer, the Capitals have enough T20 pedigree to replace the Australian.
Chris Woakes’ non-availability might’ve caused a furrowed brow or two within most camps. The Capitals, though, have the luxury of bringing in Anrich Nortje and reestablishing the Kagiso Rabada-Nortje nexus that served them fabulously during IPL 2020.
Apart from that, the Capitals also have two of India’s first-choice T20 spinners. While Ravichandran Ashwin might not have been a part of that discussion a week ago, he certainly is now. Axar Patel, too, has been efficient if not extravagant, whenever called upon.
Also Read: Ravichandran Ashwin, it's time to set the record straight
Avesh Khan, on the other hand, would be wanting to make up for lost time, having injured himself during India’s tour to England, whereas Ishant Sharma and Umesh Yadav would want to prove that there is plenty of fight left in the veteran warhorses.
Thus, there seems to be no glaring deficiency in the Capitals’ setup and if they play to their potential, they could prolong their spell at the top of the IPL points table.
However, as has been the case with so many IPL teams previously, they might want to guard against complacency, considering that could be their biggest foe in the resumption leg of the IPL.
Yet, there is no denying that the Capitals are the team to beat in the IPL and if things go to plan, they might even be quietly harboring ambitions of a maiden IPL triumph.
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