IPL 2021 returns for second leg with T20 World Cup in focus

The second leg of the Indian Premier League (IPL) returns Sunday as Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) take on each other to kick off the lucrative T20 league.

The IPL was suspended just after 29 games after a bio-bubble breach that happened due to the second wave of COVID-19 in April and May in India. After the league was suspended, there was little doubt as to how would the remaining games be completed given the packed calendar.

However, with a few alterations in the franchise cricket and international calendar, the IPL was slated to be held just before the T20 World Cup.

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Though the squads have already been announced for the World Cup, an IPL performance seldom gets unnoticed and there could be some players, including Indians, who make the squad in the 11th hour in case of injury with the ICC allowing changes until October 10.

As for the IPL, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) captain Virat Kohli will be hoping to get his hands on the elusive trophy as they were in a red hot form before the tournament was postponed.

Delhi Capitals, who finished runners-up in 2020, are leading the points tally and are primed to win their maiden title.

The other teams in the top four are CSK, RCB and MI, the winner of a record five titles.

In the UAE, there are a total of 31 games to be played instead of the usual 60. With the conditions different from India and pitches expected to be slower, all teams have emphasised starting from scratch.

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Having already played half of their 14 league games, MI, who have three wins from seven games, can’t afford another slow start.

After a poor 2020 edition, CSK have managed to revive their campaign with youngsters firing for them.

MI, on the other hand, will be aiming to do what they do best – win. While the middle-order is yet to fire. The openers have done a pretty good job for the Mumbai-based franchise.

The teams which have been affected by withdrawals of key players include Punjab Kings, Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders, who all are struggling to survive in the competition.