CSK Vs KKR– IPL 2021 Match #15 Quick Review! The most exciting match of IPL 2021 thus far feat Andre Russell & Pat Cummins’ magic. Wickets & sixes galore.
First, congratulations to Dinesh Karthik for his 200th IPL match! Third player to get there after MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma.
The IPL is full of surprises and memorable moments. Here are my moments of today:
Faf Du Plessis-Ruturaj Gaikwad set the platform. Looks like Ruturaj Gaikwad gets in and out of form every three games. Last IPL, he was dropped after 3 no-shows and came back with 3 fifties. Credit to CSK for keeping faith with Gaikwad (5, 5, 10 prior to this match) – 64 (42) with some amazing pull shots. Also, Faf is class. That’s all. Knows how to play second fiddle in a 115 (77) run partnership and accelerate accordingly. Faf’s scoop has to be one of my favorite shots.
The Deepak Chahar show. Chahar might have become a T20 specialist, but swing his still his forte. Back into form again in IPL 2021. His 4/29 reduced KKR to 5-31 in 5.2 overs. His spell almost finished the game then and there for KKR.
Almost being the key phrase. Andre Russell-Dinesh Karthik-Pat Cummins show their worth. KKR’s last two season have been disappointing because their so-called strength, Morgan-Russell-Karthik-Cummins, have never performed together. Partnerships of 81 (39) Russell-DK & 34 (22) DK-Cummins partnership almost brought KKR brought into the game today, but the 30 run-over of Pat Cummins against Sam Curran sent shivers in the CSK dressing room. The hitting from Andre Russell & Pat Cummins. Brute force.
The KKR began to dream. Before it came crashing down in iconic KKR fashion—a silly bowled, nonsensical shot, and two run-outs.
Honorable Mention: Lungi Ngidi’s 4-0-28-3 the turning spell; MS Dhoni turns back the clock with 17 (8) including a six
Broken Cricket Dream of the Day: Discipline in the Field & Russell’s Bowled
Wides, No balls, 5 Wides, Dropped catch for six, Nagarkoti’s ill-timed shot, run-outs…the list goes on. Discipline in the field was lacking on both sides. KKR lost around 20-30 runs in the field, which probably cost KKR the game. Sam Curran conceded 51 in his first 3 overs (58 overall), while Thakur conceded 47. Have to be better than that.
We now know that 200 is probably par in Mumbai, and 220 is just about safe. KKR should think about bringing in Tim Seifert andLockie Ferguson for Mumbai. Will give them the edge they are missing thus far.
The broken cricket dream of the day goes to Andre Russell’s bowled.He left the ball, and Sam Curran’s bowl smashed the stumps behind his hip. He was so disappointed, he sat on the stairs for quite a while. With no expression. Had he stayed for a couple more overs, KKR might have just reached the target.
IPL 2021 Points Table, Orange Cap, & Purple Cap Leaders
No need to go elsewhere for the Points Table, Orange Cap, & Purple Cap. We will keep updating it in every article!
Shikhar Dhawan – 231 runs (DC, 4 matches)
Harshal Patel – 12 wickets (RCB, 4 matches)
Teams
Played
Won
Lost
Tied No-Result
Points
Net Run Rate
1. Royal Challengers Bangalore
4
4
0
0
8
+ 1.009
2. Chennai Super Kings
4
3
1
0
6
+1.142
3. Delhi Capitals
4
3
1
0
6
+0.426
4. Mumbai Indians
4
2
2
0
4
+0.187
5. Sunrisers Hyderabad
4
1
3
0
2
-0.228
6. Kolkata Knight Riders
4
1
3
0
2
-0.7
7. Punjab Kings
4
1
3
0
2
-0.824
8. Rajasthan Royals
4
1
3
0
2
-1.011
IPL 2021 Points Table
Tomorrow’s Preview
Tomorrow is the first double header!
MI takes on DC tomorrow. What are your thoughts?
Also, if you have not yet read our IPL Previews, here is a list of all of them! Check them out and share ahead:
PBKS Vs SRH– IPL 2021 Match #14 Quick Review! SRH are finally on the points table, while PBKS continue to disappoint. Khaleel-Rashid-Warner-Bairstow help SRH to first win.
The IPL is full of surprises and memorable moments. Here are my moments of today:
Kane Williamson provides the balance– SRH always had the players but not the balance. Williamson’s calm 16 (19) made sure SRH cross the line. At the same spot in earlier games, Warner or Bairstow’s dismissal would cause a collapse. I like the look of this lineup—Warner-Bairstow-Williamson at the top followed by Kedar Jadhav-Vijay Shankar-Abhishek Sharma.
Jonny Bairstow is a star. Definitely one of the modern ODI greats, he has started IPL 2021 with scores of 55, 12, 43, and 63*. This knock would please Bairstow since he finished the game himself. A ton coming soon?
Khaleel Ahmed is back. In 2018-19, Khaleel was India’s pace spearhead. By late 2020, he had even dropped off from SRH’s pecking order. Natarajan’s injury is a concern, but the blessing in disguise is the return of Khaleel. Figures of 3/21 today.
Broken Cricket Dream of the Day: Pooran’s Poor Form Persists
Run out without facing a ball has to be the worst broken dream for a batsman. Pooran was on the receiving day today.
Poor Pooran – 0(1), 0(2), 0(0) – run (out). Shall I say anymore? With 9 as his highest score and Chris Gayle not doing too hot either, it is safe to say that, Dawid Malan, world’s #1 T20I batsman, needs to be back.
Why bench Ravi Bishnoi, one of the breakout stars of IPL 2020? Punjab Kings did well to take the game to the 19th over, but the bowling lineup does not aspire too much confidence. Why not play both Murugan Ashwin & Ravi Bishnoi?
IPL 2021 Points Table, Orange Cap, & Purple Cap Leaders
No need to go elsewhere for the Points Table, Orange Cap, & Purple Cap. We will keep updating it in every article!
Moments of The Day: Stalwarts Mishra, Shikhar Steal The Show
The IPL is full of surprises and memorable moments. Here are my moments of today:
Amit Mishrais the most successful spinner with 164 wickets in all of IPL (7 away from #1 spot- Malinga) and for good reason too. 38 years young, his guile, spin, and googly continues to puzzle people to this day. Although he did not play last year and was out of the XI in the first few games this IPL, Chennai was the ideal venue for him to exploit his leg spin. With Kuldeep-Chahal struggling in internationals & Ashwin out of contention in T20I, is there a small window for his comeback? (Although he has not been treated too well in his international career).
On paper, Shikhar Dhawan’s45 (42) flatters to deceive, but in context, this may have been just as important as his 85 and 92. At Chepauk, KKR & SRH has lost from winning position against MI, but the experience of Shikhar Dhawan & Steven Smith pushed DC across the line.
Emergence of Lalit Yadav– Along with the experience of Dhawan-Smith, 24-year-old Lalit Yadav stood up with an all-round performance of 4-0-17-1 & mature 22*(25).
Honorable Mentions: Rohit Sharma’s 44
Broken Cricket Dream of the Day: The Power Three of MI?
Kieron Pollard, Hardik Pandya, & Krunal Pandya has been the engine room for the Mumbai Indians, yet they have looked out of sorts this year. In the four innings, they have accumulated:
Hardik Pandya – 35 runs, best of 15
Kieron Pollard – 49 runs, best of 35*, 1 wicket (one match winning performance)
Krunal Pandya – 26 runs, best of 3*, 3 wickets (including match winning 1/13 spell Vs KKR)
RCB’s success in Chennai had been built on Glenn Maxwell & AB De Villiers, and that has been missing from MI’s #4-6.
IPL 2021 Points Table, Orange Cap, & Purple Cap Leaders
No need to go elsewhere for the Points Table, Orange Cap, & Purple Cap. We will keep updating it in every article!
Shikhar Dhawan – 231 runs (DC, 4 matches)
Harshal Patel – 12 wickets (RCB, 4 matches)
Teams
Played
Won
Lost
Tied No-Result
Points
Net Run Rate
1. Royal Challengers Bangalore
4
4
0
0
8
+ 1.009
2. Chennai Super Kings
4
3
1
0
6
+1.142
3. Delhi Capitals
4
3
1
0
6
+0.426
4. Mumbai Indians
4
2
2
0
4
+0.187
5. Sunrisers Hyderabad
4
1
3
0
2
-0.228
6. Kolkata Knight Riders
4
1
3
0
2
-0.7
7. Punjab Kings
4
1
3
0
2
-0.824
8. Rajasthan Royals
4
1
3
0
2
-1.011
IPL 2021 Points Table
Also, if you have not yet read our IPL Previews, here is a list of all of them! Check them out and share ahead:
Stars of The Day: CSK’s Left Arm All-Rounders – Sam, Moeen, Jadeja
The IPL is full of surprises and memorable moments. Here are my moments of today:
Chetan Sakariya with his second 3-fer in the IPL. He had a dream day with scalps of Ambati Rayudu, Suresh Raina, & MS Dhoni, India’s former middle order. Oh yeah and he also got the duo of Agarwal-KL Rahul in the first game. Happy for him, after he endured some tough days personally.
When Jos Buttler performs, RR qualifies. As easy as that. At 87-2 in 11 overs, things were looking in RR’s favor. With Jadeja’s wicket of Buttler & Moeen Ali in tandem, RR collapsed to 95-7.
Sam Curran & Moeen Ali again show their worth. Sam finished things off with 13 (6) before his 3-0-12-2 spell (taking Manan Vohra and Sanju Samson) put the initial breaks on RR. Moeen Ali – 26 (20) with 2 sixes and sealed the game with 3-0-7-3. Glad to see CSK utilizing these English talents better than the England cricket team themselves.
Sir Jadeja is Everywhere. 2 wickets, 4 catches (on different parts of the ground). Looks like IPL 2021 has only 5 contributors in the field:
In the 20th over, there was a Sam Curran & Shardul Thakur (stranded) run-outs, no-ball yorkers, Dwayne Bravo’s bat flying everywhere, and a huge six. It was all happening at the Wankhede. Comedy of errors at its finest.
IPL 2021 Points Table, Orange Cap, & Purple Cap Leaders
No need to go elsewhere for the Points Table, Orange Cap, & Purple Cap. We will keep updating it in every article!
Shikhar Dhawan – 186 runs (DC, 3 matches)
Harshal Patel – 9 wickets (RCB, 3 matches)
Teams
Played
Won
Lost
Tied No-Result
Points
Net Run Rate
1. Royal Challengers Bangalore
3
3
0
0
6
+ 0.75
2. Chennai Super Kings
3
2
1
0
4
+1.194
3. Delhi Capitals
3
2
1
0
4
+0.453
4. Mumbai Indians
3
2
1
0
4
+0.367
5. Kolkata Knight Riders
3
1
2
0
2
-0.633
6. Rajasthan Royals
3
1
2
0
2
-0.719
7. Punjab Kings
3
1
2
0
2
-0.967
8. Sunrisers Hyderabad
3
0
3
0
0
-0.483
IPL 2021 Points Table
Tomorrow’s Preview
Tomorrow is the first double header!
MI takes on DC tomorrow. What are your thoughts?
Also, if you have not yet read our IPL Previews, here is a list of all of them! Check them out and share ahead:
The IPL is full of surprises and memorable moments. Here are my moments of today:
Mayank impresses 69 (36), KL Rahul 61 (51) does not. In a 122 run partnership, Agarwal dominated. At one point, Agarwal – 66 (30) & KL Rahul 34 (30). In a high-scoring match at the Wankhede, the slow strike rate was the difference.
Deepak Hooda, Shahrukh Khan key to this Punjab lower order. After brief collapse to 179-4 in 18.5 overs, Hooda – 22* (13) & Shahrukh – 15* (6) carried PBKS to 195. They both have played 2 innings of note now. Gayle & Pooran’s form a major concern, especially with the likes of Dawid Malan & Moises Henriques on the sidelines.
Honorable Mentions: Prithvi Shaw’s blazing 32; Lukman Meriwala & Jalaj Saxena, domestic stars, get an IPL game; Steven Smith 9 (12) in comeback game.
T20 World Cup Spotlight: Has Dhawan Solidified His Spot?
Shikhar Dhawan is enjoying this phase of his career. He is taking catching galore and scoring runs galore. Brilliant strike rate as well.
Las year KL Rahul (670 runs) edged Shikhar Dhawan (618) for the orange cap, and this battle continues in IPL 2021. Dhawan currently holds the orange cap with 186 runs, with KL at #3 with 157 runs.
Dhawan’s golden run continues. 92 & 85 in the last 3 IPL matches and 98 & 67 in 2 ODIs against England earlier.
With 23-member squad possible for the T20 World Cup, has Dhawan solidified his spot? KL Rahul, despite the critics, will most likely make the squad, but as of now, Dhawan will be in the XI. Mayank Agarwal could be a wildcard entry as well.
Broken Cricket Dream of the Day: PBKS’ Death Bowling
Another day, another unsuccessful defense by Punjab. Seasoned Mohammad Shami, Jhye Richardson, & Riley Meredith had economies of 13.25, 10.25, & 15.00 respectively. The young Arshdeep? 3-0-22-0 (7.33 economy). Chris Jordan needs to come back to this side if PBKS have any hope. Urgently.
IPL 2021 Points Table, Orange Cap, & Purple Cap Leaders
No need to go elsewhere for the Points Table, Orange Cap, & Purple Cap. We will keep updating it in every article!
Shikhar Dhawan – 186 runs (DC, 3 matches) [Earlier in the day, Glenn Maxwell (176) briefly overtook Rana (155)]
Harshal Patel – 9 wickets (RCB, 3 matches)
Teams
Played
Won
Lost
Tied No-Result
Points
Net Run Rate
1. Royal Challengers Bangalore
3
3
0
0
6
+ 0.75
2. Delhi Capitals
3
2
1
0
4
+0.453
3. Mumbai Indians
3
2
1
0
4
+0.367
4. Chennai Super Kings
2
1
1
0
2
+0.616
5. Rajasthan Royals
2
1
1
0
2
+0.052
6. Kolkata Knight Riders
3
1
2
0
2
-0.633
7. Punjab Kings
3
1
2
0
2
-0.967
8. Sunrisers Hyderabad
3
0
3
0
0
-0.483
IPL 2021 Points Table
Also, if you have not yet read our IPL Previews, here is a list of all of them! Check them out and share ahead:
Winner: Royal Challengers Bangalore won by 38 runs
Scores:RCB 204/4 – KKR 166/8
Player of the Match: AB De Villiers 76* (34)
Best Figures
Varun Chakravarthy – 2/39
Kyle Jamieson – 3/41
Most Runs
Glenn Maxwell – 78 (49)
Andre Russell – 31 (20)
Moments of The Day:
The IPL is full of surprises and memorable moments. Here are my moments of today:
Varun Chakravarthy’s Start – KKR has developed a strategy of bowling 4-5 overs of spin in the powerplay at Chennai, courtesy Harbhajan, Shakib, & Varun. Varun took out Virat Kohli & Rajat Patidar. RCB 9-2 in 2 overs. Dream start.
Eoin Morgan’s captaincy – In order to ‘save’ X-factor Varun for AB De Villiers, Varun was immediately switched out for Shakib Al Hasan. Glenn Maxwell capitalized, momentum shifted, and Bangalore never looked back. Morgan is an All-Time great captain, but certain decisions about England (Woakes, Moeen Ali, Alex Hales) & KKR (batting order, bowling match-ups) have been 50-50 recently.
Glenn Maxwell & Virat Kohli’s reactions – Maxwell is having as great of an IPL year as the 2014 season with a couple of game changing 50s in the slow pitch of Chennai. Theswitch hit six to Chakravarthy was definitely my moment of the game yesterday.
Honorable Mentions: Brilliant catch by Rahul Tripathi; Harshal Patel & Mohammad Siraj at the death (combined figures of 7-0-34-2 in a chase of 205)
World T20 Spotlight: Time For AB De Villiers’ South Africa Comeback?
ABD eclipsed Maxwell’s show with a masterclass – 76* (34) with 3 sixes. RCB finished with 70 runs in the last 5 overs, with the death overs specialist, Andre Russell, conceding 38 in his two.
Broken Cricket Dream of the Day: Shakib Al Hasan & Andre Russell
Andre Russell brought KKR close with overs worth 20 & 15 runs respectively, but it was his lack of fitness (missed several ones & twos) that could have brought KKR closer. The 1-run 19th over against Siraj was extremely painful to watch from a KKR point of view (great wide yorkers by Siraj by the way). Is it time to rest Russell & play Ben Cutting?
While Russell has been a hit-or-miss for KKR, Shakib has been missing in action altogether. Giving away 24 runs in his two overs & 26 (25) when big hitting was required. Looks low on confidence. Not good signs for KKR, especially with Morgan-DK struggling in the middle and Harbhajan-Cummins holding places that are better off for Pawan Negi-Lockie Ferguson. Maybe even a Tim Seifert could do wonders.
Also, we got featured on the #GoodBadRidiculous again with Melinda Farrell & Bharat Sundaresan! Have a listen below (discussion around our nomination starts around 16 minutes).
Umpires: Chris Gaffaney & Krishnamachari Srinivasan
What Actually Happened
Winner: Mumbai Indians won by 13 runs
Scores:MI150/5 – SRH 137/10
Player of the Match: Kieron Pollard
Best Figures
Vijay Shankar – 2/19
Rahul Chahar – 3/19
Most Runs
Quinton de Kock – 40 (39)
Jonny Bairstow – 43 (22)
Moments of The Day: Pollard, Bowling the Difference Between the Sides
The IPL is full of surprises and memorable moments. Here are my moments of today:
Vijay Shankar‘s fortunes have seen varied highs & lows in his short career. Struggling at Nidahas Trophy final, becoming India’s #4 batsman for the 2019 World Cup, aura around the ‘three-dimensional player,’ and finally in-and-out of IPL sides due to injuries. He is finally coming back to his own—wickets of Rohit Sharma & Suryakumar Yadav halted MI’s march, while his 28 (25) with 2 sixes kept SRH in the hunt. And a lovely catch in the last match as well.
Kieron Pollard is probably the greatest T20 finisher of all time, and he showed his worth in the slow Chennai pitch. 35 * (22) with 3 sixes, including a monstrous 105 meter hit. The two sixes off the last two balls might just have been the difference between the two sides, carrying MI from 138 to 150. Oh and handy spell of 2-0-10-0 in a small run chase.
Mumbai Indians’ all round bowling display.Trent Boult’s thunderbolts, Bumrah’s miserly figures of 4-0-14-1, and Chahar’s 4-0-19-3 sealed the deal after the Warner-Bairstow partnership. Bumrah’s 17th & 19th overs were crucial, and Boult’s improving death bowling skill is a good sign. If one of Adam Milne, Hardik Pandya, or Marco Jansen comes up, this Mumbai side has all the ingredients for the hat-trick of titles.
Honorable Mentions: Afghan duo, Rashid Khan & Mujeeb-ur-Rahman end up with 8-0-51-2; QDK struggles – 40 (39); Rohit Sharma’s sixes (goes past Dhoni for most sixes by an Indian), Boult’s fielding effort
Broken Cricket Dream of the Day: Hit Wicket & Run-outs
Hit Wicket & Run-outs. Bairstow was running away with the game, before he ran too far and hit his stumps on an innocuous Krunal Pandya delivery. 67-0 in 7.1 overs at one stage, this was the catalyst that was needed for the collapse. Not the first SRH hit-wicket either. Warner & Rashid have been hit wicket before as well. In a small chase, a hit wicket is bad enough. How about 2 more run-outs? Brilliant work by Hardik Pandya to get out dependable David Warner & Abdul Samad.
Ishan Kishan’s natural game was stalled today courtesy Rashid Khan’s googlies. Ended with 12 (21). With 28 & 1 earlier, he is a due a big innings soon.
IPL 2021 Points Table, Orange Cap, & Purple Cap Leaders
No need to go elsewhere for the Points Table, Orange Cap, & Purple Cap. We will keep updating it in every article!
Nitish Rana – 137 runs (KKR, 2 matches)
Harshal Patel – 7 wickets (RCB, 2 matches)
Teams
Played
Won
Lost
Tied No-Result
Points
Net Run Rate
1. Mumbai Indians
3
2
1
0
4
+0.367
1. Royal Challengers Bangalore
2
2
0
0
4
+0.175
2. Chennai Super Kings
2
1
1
0
2
+0.616
4. Delhi Capitals
2
1
1
0
2
+0.195
5. Rajasthan Royals
2
1
1
0
2
+0.052
6. Kolkata Knight Riders
2
1
1
0
2
0.00
7. Punjab Kings
2
1
0
0
2
-0.909
8. Sunrisers Hyderabad
3
0
3
0
0
-0.483
IPL 2021 Points Table
Tomorrow’s Preview
Tomorrow is the first double header!
The KKR take on the RCB in Chennai in the afternoon, & DC take on PBKS in Mumbai later that night.
Also, if you have not yet read our IPL Previews, here is a list of all of them! Check them out and share ahead:
CSK Vs PBKS– IPL 2021 Match #8 Quick Review! Deepak Chahar’s magical opening spell & Ravindra Jadeja’s fielding seal the deal for CSK. Big net run-rate gain as well.
The IPL is full of surprises and memorable moments. Here are my moments of today:
Before the pandemic, Deepak Chahar almost solidified his T20I spot, especially with Bhuvneshwar Kumar injured. Since IPL 2020, though, he has not been the same, with even Shardul Thakur overtaking him in the India XI. Today, he answered his critics with a 4-1-13-4. That out-swinging ball to Mayank Agarwal was the ball of the tournament so far.
Ravindra Jadeja had been MIA in the India-England series due to injury. He showed no fitness issues with a diving catch and iconic run-out to get rid of the dangerous KL Rahul. PBKS never recovered after Jadeja’s strikes.
Shahrukh Khan has been highly talked about after his finishing exploits in the Syed Mushtaq Ali trophy. Today he made full use of his golden opportunity. From 26-5 in 6.2 overs, he dragged them to a respectable score of 106. He is a proper batter, not just a hitter.
Honorable Mentions:Mohammad Shami’s spell, Faf du Plessis’ fluent 36*
T20 World Cup Spotlight: Let Us Talk About Moeen Ali
Given that the T20I World Cup is around the corner, and pandemic induced rules has changed the rules to 23-player squad, we will be analyzing the impact of each match on the various T20I World Cup squads.
Just like Chris Woakes yesterday, another English player has been mistreated recently—Moeen Ali. Traveling with England since the South Africa tour (and committing to all formats), he had been on the sidelines. Flights, quarantines, more flights (to Sri Lanka), positive COVID result, double quarantine, 1 Test (against India), flew home, communication misunderstandings, back to India, 3 ODIs, & finally, the IPL.
He is getting the run in CSK that he did not get with England. In a low-scoring match today, he came in at 24-1 in 5 overs and destroyed the chase with a quickfire 46 (31), including 7 fours & 1 six.
Who is Ali? An opener, a #3, premier all-rounder, a spinner? Well, regardless of the role he is given, Mooen Ali is a must in the squad of 23.
Broken Cricket Dream of the Day: Punjab’s Star Power Disappoints
With a top order of KL Rahul (5), Mayank Agarwal (0), Chris Gayle (10), & Nicholas Pooran (0), one expects at least one to come to the party every game. Pooran with consecutive ducks now (although he bettered his golden duck with a 2-ball duck this time). Batting is Punjab’s strong suit, so this result was disappointing. Hope this is only a one-off.
IPL 2021 Points Table, Orange Cap, & Purple Cap Leaders
No need to go elsewhere for the Points Table, Orange Cap, & Purple Cap. We will keep updating it in every article!
Nitish Rana – 137 runs (KKR, 2 matches)
Harshal Patel – 7 wickets (RCB, 2 matches)
Teams
Played
Won
Lost
Tied No-Result
Points
Net Run Rate
1. Royal Challengers Bangalore
2
2
0
0
4
+0.175
2. Chennai Super Kings
2
1
1
0
2
+0.616
3. Mumbai Indians
2
1
1
0
2
+0.225
4. Delhi Capitals
2
1
1
0
2
+0.195
5. Rajasthan Royals
2
1
1
0
2
+0.052
6. Kolkata Knight Riders
2
1
1
0
2
0.00
7. Punjab Kings
2
1
0
0
2
-0.909
8. Sunrisers Hyderabad
2
0
2
0
0
-0.4
IPL 2021 Points Table
Tomorrow’s Preview
The MI take on the SRHin Mumbai. Who do you think will win this one?
Also, if you have not yet read our IPL Previews, here is a list of all of them! Check them out and share ahead:
Moments of The Day: Unadkat, Miller, & Morris Come Back In Style
The IPL is full of surprises and memorable moments. Here are my moments of today:
Rajasthan Royals have had two major purchases in the last few years—Jaydev Unadkat & Chris Morris. While Chris Morris has not had a major IPL season since the 2015 season with Delhi (Daredevils), Unadkat has been bitterly disappointing at RR. Today Unadkat ended up with 4-0-15-3, devouring the entire DC top order. Morris, who had been denied a run by Samson in the first game, came back with 36 (18) with 4 sixes.
The Fizz (Mustafizur Rahman) was the big positive for today. Post-injuries, his impact had dramatically reduced from the heights of his dream debut year. He was finally hitting speeds of 135 kph+ and putting revolutions on the ball. The dismissals of Stoinis & Curran were especially satisfying. With Unadkat-Fizz occupying the ‘specialist off-cutter’ position, & Sakariya/Morris for support, this is turning out pretty nicely for RR.
The fielding is finally doing justice to the standard of the IPL. After a horrendous few days, RCB-SRH brought things back on track. Today, it got even better—Samson’s flying screamer, Parag’s run out of Pant, Tewatia’s running back catch, Miller’s run out of Ashwin, & Dhawan’s 3 catches (6 in total this IPL).
Honorable Mentions:Lalit Yadav impresses; Rishabh Pant almost bails out DC with a 50; Avesh Khan’s 3 wickets
T20 World Cup Spotlight: South Africa, the Dark Horse?
Given that the T20I World Cup is around the corner, and pandemic induced rules has changed the rules to 23-player squad, we will be analyzing the impact of each match on the various T20I World Cup squads.
There was a point today where Miller & Morris partnership were facing Kagiso Rabada. Miller’s career can be divided into three phases:
Killer Miller (Pre-2016)
Where Is Miller? (2016-2020)
Accumulator Miller (Post-2020)
Frankly, if this third phase is anywhere close to ‘Killer Miller’ phase, South Africa might just have a chance for the T20I World Cup. With AB De Villiers’ return possible, the young SA squad impressing against Pakistan(Janneman Malan, Aiden Markram, Russie Van der Dussen, Klassen, Linde, Shamsi), & the IPL experience of Faf-ABD, QDK, Miller, Morris, Rabada-Nortje-Ngidi, count this Protea team out at your own peril.
The Chris Woakes & Tom Curran Conundrum – Woakes ended up with 15* & 4-0-22-2 today & 2/18 in the first game, while Curran had figures of 21 & 3.4-0-35-0 & 1/40 in the last game. Curran has played 28 T20I for England, while Woakes only has 8, last of which came in 2015. Time for a straight switch.
Broken Cricket Dream of the Day: Delhi’s Team Selection
Although the Capitals made a game out of a 148 score, their tactics should still be questioned. Why was Amit Mishra dropped? What is Rahane’s role in the team? Smith-Hetmyer? Frankly, DC’s depth is so good, but I am just afraid the constant changing & chopping will not help in the stability.
RR already dealing with Jofra Archer’s injury have been dealt with Ben Stokes being ruled out of the tournament. Hopefully he recovers well, but maybe blessing in disguise given David Miller & Liam Livingstone’s form.
IPL 2021 Points Table
No need to go elsewhere for the Points Table. We will keep updating it in every article!
Teams
Played
Won
Lost
Tied No-Result
Points
Net Run Rate
1. Royal Challengers Bangalore
2
2
0
0
4
+0.175
2. Mumbai Indians
2
1
1
0
2
+0.225
3. Punjab Kings
1
1
0
0
2
+0.2
4. Delhi Capitals
2
1
1
0
2
+0.195
5. Rajasthan Royals
2
1
1
0
2
+0.052
6. Kolkata Knight Riders
2
1
1
0
0
0.00
7. Sunrisers Hyderabad
2
0
2
0
0
-0.4
8.. Chennai Super Kings
1
0
1
0
0
-0.779
IPL 2021 Points Table
Tomorrow’s Preview
The PBKS take on the CSKin Mumbai. Who do you think will win this one?
Also, if you have not yet read our IPL Previews, here is a list of all of them! Check them out and share ahead:
While the IPL is in full swing in India, the Pakistan-South Africa series is catching the attention of many.
In the 3rd T20I, Pakistan chased down 204 runs with 9 wickets & 2 overs to spare, courtesy a 197-run partnership from Mohammad Rizwan & Babar Azam, who scored 122 (59). Earlier in the day, news broke that Azam also dethroned Virat Kohli as the #1 ICC ODI batsman after a mammoth 1258 days.
Add Fakhar Zaman’s brilliant 193 in the ODI series, Hafeez’s second coming, & the fast bowling line up, the question should be asked—Is the IPL really the best T20 tournament without Pakistani players?
The Fall of Pakistan Cricket
Pakistan dominated the Indo-Pak cricket rivalry in the 1990s, while India has crushed it in the 2010s. Only in the 2000s, did we have battle of equals.
For India’s tenacious Rahul Dravid, Pakistan had Younis Khan. Similarly, the elegance of Yousuf & Tendulkar, stability of Inzamam & Laxman/Ganguly, & exuberance of Afridi & Sehwag were on par with each other. The destructiveness of Shoaib Akhtar-Asif-Sami on one side matched the abilities of Irfan Pathan-Zaheer Khan-Kumble-Harbhajan on the other.
India narrowly won the 2004 Test series 2-1 & ODI series 3-2 held in Pakistan. Pakistan returned the favor next year with a 1-1 drawn Test series & 4-2 ODI victory held in India. Both memorable events.
Hence, the struggle of Pakistan cricket team over the last decade & lack of competitiveness in recent ICC tournaments has been disheartening. The new generation of Pakistan cricket is slowly making this a battle of equals again.
The New Generation of Pakistan Cricket Rises
Mohammad Rizwan is currently the best T20I batsman in the world (sorry Dawid Malan). Shaheen Shah Afridi can compete with the Rabadas & Bumrahs of the world. The leg spin of Shadab Khan & Usman Qadir with a line up of Afridi-Naseem Shah-Hasan Ali-Haris Rauf can send shivers down the opposition camp.
Babar Azam is the best player in the world. Period.
Each IPL team can benefit from Haider Ali & Faheem Ashraf’s power, experience of Mohammad Hafeez & Shoaib Malik, and the pace of discarded Mohammad Amir & Mohammad Hasnain.
“Imagine Babar-Kohli opening for RCB, Fakhar-Rohit hitting double centuries, & Bumrah-Shaheen bowling together at the death.”
With South African, Sri Lankan, & West Indian foreign contingent in the prime of their careers from 2007-2017, absence of Pakistani players in the IPL made sense.
It no longer does.
South Africa & Sri Lanka’s Eternal Transition Period
Kumar Sangakkara & Mahela Jayawardene once used to captain IPL teams. They are now the only Sri Lankan representation in IPL 2021 (as coaches) as no SL players were picked in the auction. Gone is the era of Malinga-Murali-Dilshan.
With an eternal transition process in South Africa, only Rabada-Nortje (and Ngidi to a certain extent) have risen to the occasion. Otherwise, AB De Villiers & Faf Du Plessis from an earlier generation are still carrying the South Africa baton. Similarly, lots of West Indians in the IPL are from the World Cup winning generation (Gayle, Narine, Pollard, Russell).
The lack of variety in foreign talent is hitting the brand of the IPL. It seems that only India & England are producing new talent year in & year out, with Australia & New Zealand close behind.
It is time for some more talent to flow in—Pakistani talent that is. On the flip side, BCCI’s reluctance to let Indians play abroad should also be reconsidered, but that is a story for another day.
Looking Back to IPL 2008
The inception of the tournament in 2008 is the perfect template to follow.
Rajasthan Royals benefitted from having Pakistan talent in their squad with Kamral Akmal, Younis Khan, & most importantly Sohail Tanvir, the maiden purple cap winner. The Knight Riders enjoyed the pace duo of Shoaib Akhtar & Umar Gul, who took a match-winning 4-fer. KKR also had Salman Butt & the ageless Mohammad Hafeez in their ranks.
Few others participated in the IPL as well—Shahid Afridi (Deccan Chargers), Shoaib Malik & Mohammad Asif (Delhi Daredevils), & Misbah-ul-Haq (Royal Challengers Bangalore).
IPL 2020 Was Ideal But There Is Still Time
IPL 2020 was the best opportunity for adding Pakistani players to the IPL auctions. The world was struggling from a pandemic, and the tournament was taking place at Pakistan’s adopted home ground, the UAE.
What better time to get Pakistan players in? Unfortunately, that did not happen.
There is still time.
Babar is 26, Rizwan 28, & Amir 29. It would be great to watch Mohammad Amir versus Virat Kohli once again, and there is enough love across the border to make it happen.
