New format, new teams, new squads, new captains. The IPL is all set to commence with the Chennai Super Kings facing the Kolkata Knight Riders. This season will be different because of the two new teams and team combinations. It means more entertainment and more importantly further broadening of India’s immense talent pool.
Let’s have a look at the strengths and weaknesses of the teams.
Chennai Super Kings:
Defending champions are now led by Ravindra Jadeja, who in my opinion is the most complete player in the world in this format. They have a good balance of left handers and right handers with Moeen Ali, skipper Jadeja and Ambati Rayudu to boss the middle overs. They also have lots of proven bowling options. Keep an eye out for Theekshana who can be effective in powerplay overs.
In terms of weaknesses, Chennai now don’t have the luxury of Faf du Plessis at the top. Shardul Thakur moving on and availability of Deepak Chahar may have consequences, but also an opportunity for young bowlers to impress in their absence.
Mumbai Indians:
Awesome skill and power with bat, Tim David is a fine acquisition. I personally love watching Ishan Kishan bat especially against new the ball. It will be interesting to see the South African Dewald Brevis bat if gets any game time. Mumbai’s bowling is their strength. They have exceptional death bowlers in Bumrah and Mills, who will enjoy home support.
Mumbai’s spin department and their ability to control middle overs in the powerplay with the ball is somewhat concerning. They will have to be flexible in batting line up and accommodate enough overs for David and Pollard to make impact, which is not easy to do sometimes.
Kolkata Night Riders:
KKR’s Chakaravathy and Narine pose huge spin threat. They were the most effective spin duo last year. Venkatesh Iyer’s stunning season, alongside shreyas Iyer is a hugely exciting top order. Shreyas has a strike rate of 172 this year in T20Is. A big opportunity for Sam Billings as well who might be peaking this year.
Death bowling in the last couple of years is their biggest weakness. They will have to possibly save overs from Varun Chakaravathy and Sunil Narine to bowl the last-five. Andre Russell will hope for a return to his best with the bat.
Gujarat Titans:
A team full of bowling options has irrepressible Rashid Khan teaming up with Mohammed Shami and Lockie Ferguson. They also have young Noor Ahmad the left arm wrist spinner.
Their top-order needs to fire big. They have Shubman Gill – one of the games future superstars – at the top but with young batters around him and Hardik Pandya leading for the first time, this season is going to be challenging for them.
Punjab Kings:
Punjab has a hugely gifted opening pair of Mayank Aggarwal and Shikhar Dhawan. Their strong middle order with Liam Livingstone is adding the x-factor that all top sides need. Best opening bowler in IPL over last few years has been Rabada who will combine well with Arshdeep Singh.
Their reliance on the spin of Rahul Chahar is a cause of concern. They can hope for useful overs from Livingstone. The inexperience of Aggarwal as a caption and squad depth will pose further challenges.
Lucknow Super Giants:
Potentially the best opening partnership in competition with KL Rahul and Quinton de Koch combining. Ravi Bishnoi emerging as real strength. Jason Holder improvement as a bowler makes him a formidable threat.
Lucknow has some obvious weaknesses like one batter light in their eleven with so many all-rounders. Top order need to accelerate more against spin. K Pandya hoping to return to his best form after lean couple of years. They are likely to all round skills of Marcus Stoinis for a few games.
Sunrisers Hyderabad
Good depth to batting line up, high expectations on Rahul Tripathi after decent last year. For me Nicholas Pooran is one of the most talented Batsman in this format and needs to transfer talent into significant runs if Sunrisers are to be competitive. Can’t wait to watch Umran Malik bowl. A hugely gifted bowler, adds excitement and pace.
Inexperienced spin department led by Washington Sundar is their major weakness. Let’s hope Kane Williamson’s elbow injury is fully recovered as he will naturally play an integral part.
Royal Challengers Bangalore:
Experience and class at top with Faf and Virat Kohli. Maxwell so good in middle particularly against spin, most 6’s against spin in IPL 2021. They have good pace attach in Mohammad Siraj, Josh Hazelwood and Harshal Patel. Last year Siraj had an amazing economy rate of less than 7.FAF brings captaincy experience.
Spin attack without Yuzi Chahal, Unimpressive run rate in middle overs with bat needs work. Great chance for Rawat and Mahipal Lomror to impress with bat.
Rajasthan Royals:
Amazing top 4 with bat, Quality spin attack in Yuzi Chahal and Ravi Ashwin, and the accuracy of Trent Boult are some of their strengths.
Meanwhile, lack of depth in both batting and bowling, finding a 6th bowler may be a challenge depending on the playing XI. They may be playing on wickets that don’t spin as much as they like, which will put them at disadvantage.
Delhi Capitals:
Opening pair will combine well with Prithivi Shaw explosive in early overs and Warner looking to bat the innings. Rovman Powell is in great form too. Axar Patel economy rate has been outstanding in last few years and build pressure for other bowlers to succeed. Great record in group stages. Expect the match winner in Rishabh Pant to return to his best.
Absence of Kagiso Rabada and Avesh Khan who combined so well with Nortje, may add pressure to the Delhi’s bowling attack.
When the tournament is up and running there are sure to be twists and turns, injuries and absentees. all that considered I’m going for David Warner as MVP for this year’s IPL.
