Indian Premier League (IPL) is a great asset for Indian cricket. Leaving aside the controversies and complaints aside, every cricket follower will agree that IPL is a boon for talented young cricketers to showcase their talent in international arena. IPL is also known for it's entertainment value. Last year amidst pandemic, BCCI successfully conducted the tournament in UAE. As in the initail part of this year the COVID cases got reduced, BCCI decided to conduct IPL in India, closed doors. But exactly halfway through IPL was suspended after COVID scare in bubble.
Now the biggest cricketing festival is reviving again after an abrupt halt due to the COVID scare with a change of venue. Yes, the second phase of IPL, 2021 is happenning in UAE.
This second phase is different in many aspects. This is almost like a fresh start not only due to the time in between but also due to the venue change. Additional info is that crowd will be allowed in this second phase. And starting with the epic rivalry is an icing on the cake.
CSK and MI is locking horns in the first match of the second phase of IPL.
Chennai Super Kings
In the first phase, CSK played true to their name with consecutive wins and they are in a comfortable position to reach the playoffs. They require only two wins to storm in the playoffs and we all know CSK's supremacy in playoffs.
But the second phase is happenning in UAE. Being a spin heavy side, CSK struggled last year and ended up in a worst position. But this won't affect them much as their confidence is on a different level this year as they won many matches in Wankade stadium which is pace friendly.
Josh Hazlewood is expected to make a mark in second phase. Sam curren's bowling form is a big question mark considering his recent performance. But this is CSK which is a team where all the players that we might think won't perform will perform.
Focusing on this match, CSK will look for a win not only to have a good start to this phase but also to repay what they earned in their last confrontation with the defendind champions MI. Will they? Let's wait and see.
Players to watch out for
- Faf Du Plessis - Faf is in red hot form which is evident from the CPL. Along with Ruturaj, he will be key to propel CSK's score and along with that he is a magnificant fielder (Leave aside that polly catch drop).
- Josh Hazlewood - We can be sure that UAE pitches will have a green top considering the long season of cricket going to be played there.So, Josh will be key along with Deepak Chahar to get initial breakthroughs.
Mumbai Indians
The defending champions will face CSK more confidently after their stupendous win them in the last match of phase 1. And we all agree that Mumbai Indians team is the most balanced side this IPL.
Fierce top order led by Rohit and might middle order led by Pollard makes their batting lineup looking unbeatable. And they have brilliant pace attack led by Bumrah. And it is expected that Adam Milne will get a chance in this phase considering his brilliant performnace in the recently finished The Hundred tournament.
Only thing missing is that they are lacking a solid off spinner especially against CSK who have many lefties. Considering the latter fact, will Jayant yadav get a chance tonight? We have to wait till 7.00 PM IST. And one more thing will MI break the stereotype of being a slow starter? Let see.
Players to watch out for
- Rohit Sharma- Rohit is always a dangerous player in white ball format. When he gets going, no one will stop him. But in recent years in IPL, he was not so consistent. But considering his latest success in red ball cricket and taking National side T20 captaincy soon, his confidence level will be much higher and this is expected to reflect on his performance. Rohit is not playing today but how.
- Kieron Pollard- Big man Pollard mercilessly destructed CSK last time. He is 3D player who is also in red hot form. Expecting some crackers tonight in Dubai.
Match ups
- QDK - Josh Hazlewood
Possible advantage- QDK
- Ishan Kishan - Moeen Ali
"Possible advantage- Moeen Ali"
- Surya Kumar Yadav - Shardul Thakur
"Possible advantage- Surya Kumar Yadav"
Our "dream" 11
- Quinton Dr Cock
- Faf Du Plessis (VC)
- Ambati Rayudu
- Surya Kumar Yadav
- Moeen Ali
- Ishan Kishan (WK)
- Kieron Pollard (C)
- Shardul Thakur
- Rahul Chahar
- Trent Boult
- Josh Hazlewood
Leaving aside who will win and all, a blockbuster clash is awaiting tonight. Let's enjoy cricket.
Vocabulary
Exaspertated
This means intensely irritated and frustated.
Sentence Usage
CSK was exasperated by their defeat against MI in phase 1.
Thank you.
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