Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, people around the world kept themselves shut for about six months. Sporting events around the world have either been postponed or cancelled. now, the situation is easing and the games are slowly gaining momentum. Finally, the much-awaited Indian Premier League (IPL) matches are just round the corner and the UAE is all set to host the 13th season of the biggest T20 league.
In this short format of white ball cricket, it will be important how the opening pair starts the innings. One cannot expect a high scoring match due to the scorching heat; 150-165 will be a competitive total on slow wicket. Here is our analysis on the opening batsmen of all the teams who are going to start the innings for their respective franchise.
Mumbai Indians
Mumbai Indians, the most successful franchise of the league, can go with Chris Lynn and south african star Quinton de Kock who made solid contributions for defending champions Mumbai Indians in last season.
Chris Lynn, a global t20 guy who has a tremendous ability to hit the ball, can bat with good strike rate. But in CPL he was totally off-color.
It is also possible that the captain himself can open the innings, which he has been doing successfully for team India for a long time and has done for Mumbai Indians as well. Rohit Sharma can make good use of power play.
Chennai Super Kings
This time there is no chill for ‘captain cool’ as Suresh Raina has pulled himself out of the tournament. It will be interesting how the former Indian captain will decide for the number two and number three batsmen. It is obvious that Kangroo all-rounder shane Watson will open the innings, who has been playing a heroic role for CSK in the last few seasons. here too, two possible pairings are either Watson and Faf du Plessis or Watson and Ambati Rayudu. However, Dhoni knows how to solve puzzles and certainly he would do it in his style.
Royal Challengers Bangalore
With RCB awaiting their first trophy, Virat Kohli’s brigade will try their best to become champions. Most likely, Australian captain Aaron Finch will open the innings with captain Kohli. With left and right combinations, Kohli and Parthiv Patel can open the innings. the team is full of power hitters so there will be less pressure on the opener.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
In this shorter format of the game, King Khan’s team will feature occasional opener Sunil Narine along- side Rahul Tripathi. Using Shubman Gill as an opener would not be bad for a two-time champion. But Shubman Gill can play a big inning rather than his power hitting ability. Indian wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik is leading the team under the guidance of former Kiwi star Bradon McMaculum.
Rajasthan Royals
Jos Buttler and veteran robin Uthappa can be seen as openers for the Rajasthan royals, which were champions in the first edition of IPL. We all know how devastating the english wicket-keeper can be by hitting the ball 360 degrees around the stadium. Young sensation Yahasvi Jaiswal can also be a good choice for the opener. the left- handed batsman had a good World cup U-19 tournament last year.
Sunrisers Hyderabad
The Kangaroo opener will lead the Orange army this season. It was a great season last year for this Australian opener who re- turned to cricket after two years. English cricketer Jonny Bairstow can be seen as the opening pair with Warner, both having a superb ability to hit the ball and can thrash any bowler. Last year, both have done exceedingly well in the initial stage of the innings.
Kings Xi Punjab
Big man Chris Gayle will start the innings with skipper K.L. Rahul. We all know “Universe Boss” deals in six and fours only; also, the captain himself plays with good strike rate. If you do not get out these in powerplay, they will create huge runs. however, Punjab will put all effort to be champion.
Delhi Capitals
For Delhi capitals, experienced Shikhar Dhawan and young Prithvi shaw will start the innings. However, the previous season was not much special for both the batsmen. But this time both of them would like to improve their performance. the Delhi team, including coach Ricky Ponting, will expect a solid and quick start in the powerplay from both batsmen.