“Indian Premier League” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by Ashwin John
After a brief delay and a trip to the UAE last year, the 2021 edition of the Indian Premier League is set for a return to its rightful home and its regular slot on the calendar. With India proving that they are ready to host cricket again following the successful start to the test series with England, the IPL is coming home.
April is the scheduled start date for the 14th edition of the greatest T20 tournament on earth and there is much to look forward to. Mumbai Indians are the defending champions and favourites to retain their title but there will be many challenges from within the chasing pack.
Here, we’ll be taking a look at the up and coming players who can ultimately decide the destiny of this tournament for their respective sides.
Washington Sundar: Royal Buy Levitra Without Prescription Uk Challengers Bangalore
Primarily known for his leg spin, Washington Sundar made his IPL debut as a 17 year old back in 2017. His potential was widely known but, while his bowling remains a threat, Sundar’s batting has made a serious impression on the Indian national team. Still only 21, Sundar has made two half centuries in his first two tests and his Royal Challengers Bangalore franchise will be looking for him to become a genuine all rounder at this season’s IPL.
Can Washington Sundar help to change RCB’s fortunes? The side led by Virat Kohli is always among the favourites but they’ve yet to actually win the tournament. For 2021, bookmakers linking to asiabet list Bangalore as third favourites for success at IPL 14. Could this be their year?
With no previous history of success, it may be wise to seek out free bets rather than stake with real money. Asiabet provide access to offers and promotions while updating those odds as the 2021 IPL approaches.
Sanju Samson: Rajasthan Royals
With Steve Smith having been surprisingly released by Rajasthan after another disappointing tournament in 2020, Sanju Samson has some new responsibilities. The talented wicket keeper / batsman will now captain the Royals side in 2021 but how will that affect his game?
Like Washington Sundar, Samson broke onto the scene as a talented youngster but he’s 26 now and it’s time to mature. Having started the 2020 IPL in blistering form with the bat, he faded in the middle part of the tournament as Rajasthan finished at the bottom of the table. With the captaincy secured, Sanju Samson needs to be consistent and take responsibility right through the competition.
Jhye Richardson: Unattached
Australian left arm pace bowler Jhye Richardson has yet to find a franchise for 2021 but that will surely change after his exploits at the recent Big Bash. The 24 year old finished the tournament with the most wickets as his Perth Scorchers side made it all the way to the final.
Richardson has yet to play in the IPL and injury problems have been present for much of his career. However, his form and fitness were undeniable at BBL 10 and he seems certain to be picked up by a big side at the upcoming auction.
Shreyas Iyer: Delhi Capitals
If Sanju Samson needs proof that taking the captaincy can improve you as a player, he should look towards Shreyas Iyer. The Delhi Capitals batsman was made skipper in mid-season of a side who were widely known as the worst team in the tournament.
Since then, he’s helped to turn this Capitals squad into a competitive unit and they reached the final of IPL 13, only to lose out to Mumbai Indians at the last hurdle, Iyer’s captaincy is widely respected and he’s a relatively young skipper at just 26. His batting hasn’t suffered either and he’s continued to make important contributions in the Delhi cause.
Sam Curran: Chennai Super Kings
CSK fans will already know just what English left armer Sam Curran is capable of. He enjoyed a great debut season with the men in yellow but Chennai need to use him more wisely in 2021.
The Super Kings tried to promote Curran to open and to pinch hit but the experiment didn’t work. If left to bat in the death overs, his wicket taking can combine to make him one of the players of the tournament at IPL 14.
