The circumstances surrounding the suspension, and the resumption of arguably the world’s biggest T20 league, are a sign of the time the world is currently living itself up, even if it is not by choice. Strict system limiting movement in and out of various IPL The franchise bi-bubble in India earlier this year only helped as much as it did earlier coronavirus Violated through airtight protection. The fear and uncertainty that followed the event’s sudden, dramatic suspension ended and normalcy was restored, but in the days leading up to the IPL 2021 resumption, troubling signs returned.
Kovid found a breach in the Indian camp during their tour of England last week, casting a hazy shadow over the UAE leg of the T20 league. However, as of now, those concerns can wait to be part of the circus with all Indian cricketers testing negative, and all eight teams gearing up to resume their respective campaigns.
The safe operation of the league is not only important to the BCCI, which devised a way to carry out its showpiece event, and thus protect itself from what could otherwise lead to significant financial losses. The T20 World Cup follows the league closely, and in the same place. Even a small hiccup during IPL can cause trouble.
So a lot is riding on the second phase of the IPL where 31 matches will be played from September 19 to October 15 across three venues – just like last year when the entire season was held without incident. Stakeholders will expect a repeat of 2020.
Apart from the fact that the league is being organized in two phases, one of the most important features of this particular phase is the return of the crowd even though there will be limited seats available due to strict COVID guidelines.
For the eight teams, this is a fresh start or they may even be looking at it as a new, shorter season.
The last time an IPL match was held this year was on May 2. So there has been a significant difference and thus a matter of form, and India’s pace is no longer valid. Nor do the teams have any room to take any match lightly, except perhaps the early fast bowlers.
Most of the teams will be fielding individual teams from the India leg as their hopes have been dashed with the return of several foreign stars. Rajasthan Royals were already without Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer but Jos Buttler is also no longer available. Kolkata Knight Riders do not have their fast bowler Pat Cummins. Delhi Capitals are without Chris Woakes. Sunrisers Hyderabad will not have a big hit from Jonny Bairstow. the list goes on.
Teams have swiftly announced replacements, but will they be able to make as much impact as the missing ones expected? only time will tell.
For teams at the top of the points table, DC, Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore are in a comfortable position and need to win only two or three matches to ensure a top-four berth.
Two-time defending champions Mumbai Indians, who are eyeing a record sixth title, can no longer slack off at the start as has been a feature of their previous campaigns. They haven’t been impressed by the comeback but need to edge a few areas (read middle-order batting) to keep alive their hopes of completing a hat-trick of the title.
For the bottom of the table, KKR (seventh) and SRH (eight) need a major change in fortunes to turn their season around. On the other hand, Punjab Kings and RR need to be more consistent. All the teams are aware of what the UAE has to offer, and with only 31 matches played, expect the pitches to be relatively fresh and friendly to the batsmen.
The big picture for India’s international and overseas recruits is the T20 World Cup as the IPL offers them the perfect launchpad to get used to. And more importantly relay any useful information to their respective national teams which they are able to spend side by side with their IPL teammates who will soon turn into opponents.
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