IPL 2021: Story So-far And What’s Ahead

The second half of the Indian Premier League is all set to begin. We are just a few hours away from the resumption of this mega tournament. It was suspended midway in May this year, due to the sudden outbreak of COVID-19 cases in the bio-bubble of various teams.

The rest of the tournament is being conducted in the UAE, where the 2020 season took place. Moreover, crowds are also being allowed this time, making the proceedings more fun.

IPL 2021 started on April 09. The first match was held between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Mumbai Indians. It was suspended indefinitely on May 3rd when a couple of players tested positive for the coronavirus ahead of the scheduled match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bangalore.

What has happened so far?

So far, 29 matches were held. Every team played seven games each while Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings played eight matches each. Delhi is in the first position with six wins of eight games, claiming 12 points in total. CSK, RCB, MI are in second, third and fourth positions with 10,10 and 8 points respectively. Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings are in fifth and sixth positions respectively with 6 points each. KKR is in the seventh position with 4 points. Sunrisers Hyderabad is in the last position by scoring only 2 points off its seven games.

Who are leading run-scorers and wicket-takers?

Delhi Capitals opener Shikhar Dhawan is leading the orange cap race with 380 runs. He is followed by KL Rahul (331), Faf du Plessis (320) and Prithvi Shaw (308). On the bowling front, Harshal Patel is leading the pack by claiming 17 wickets in seven games. He is followed by Avesh Khan (14), Chris Morris (14) and Rahul Chahar (11).

Centuries and 5-fers of IPL 2021:

So far, three batsmen have made centuries in the 2021 season, who are Sanju Samson, Jos Buttler and Devdutt Padikkal. Andre Russell and Harshal Patel are the only bowlers to claim 5-fers so far in this season. KL Rahul has hit the most number of sixes so far (16) in the league.

Interesting moments in the first half of IPL 2021:

1. CSK’s Ravindra Jadeja smashed 37 runs off RCB bowler Harshal Patel’s over and broke the winning streak of Virat Kohli’s team.
2. Kieron Pollard’s one-man show (87* off 34 balls) helped Mumbai Indians in chasing a mammoth total of 219 against Chennai Super Kings.
3. Delhi’s opener Prithvi Shaw had hit six consecutive 4s in the very first over against Kolkata Knight Riders and became the first batsman in the history of IPL to smash six fours in the first over of an innings.

What about the second half?

The second half kickstarts on September 19th with the match between Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians. There are a lot of 31 matches left to be held in the league. The final will be held on October 15th in Dubai.

Many overseas players have withdrawn from the league due to personal and professional reasons. They are replaced by a few new signings.

Most probably, Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and RCB are favourites to qualify for the playoffs. But we cannot make conclusions right away because this is IPL. Things take a turn around within a gap of one or two matches in this league. Thus, we have to get ready for the adrenaline rush which will continue for the next 25 days and enjoy the madness.