The Indian Premier League is finally here, getting underway nearly six months after initially intended and being hosted in neutral UAE behind closed doors.
IPL 13 will be a very different animal with no fans in attendance and players subjected to the mental strain of the bio-secure environment.
Photo Copyright – Steve Haag Sports
Saturday 19 September 2020 | Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi | 16:00
To Win Match
Mumbai Indians 72/100
Tie 25/1
Chennai Super Kings 23/20
The defending champions Mumbai Indians meet Chennai Super Kings in a rematch of the 2019 final. That match over a year ago ended in a 1-run victory for the Indians.
Mumbai have reinforced their batting, but skipper Rohit Sharma remains their dangerman with the willow in hand.
CSK will struggle to replace the experience of Suresh Raina, who pulled out of the tournament at the last minute. His absence puts additional pressure on experienced overseas professionals Shane Watson and Faf du Plessis as well as India batsman Ambati Rayudu.
Mumbai Indians had a late withdrawal of their own with Lasith Malinga being replaced in their squad by Aussie seamer James Pattinson. Malinga’s absence will leave Jasprit Bumrah to lead the attack while posing the question of who will partner him with the new ball and at the death.
CSK will have to wait to find out if Dwayne Bravo is fit enough to bowl to determine their plans but will be boosted by the presence of a match-fit Imran Tahir.
Verdict: Chennai Super Kings 23/20
CSK are traditionally strong starters while the opposite has been true of the men from Mumbai.
Sunday 20 September 2020 | Dubai International Stadium, Dubai | 16:00
To Win Match
Delhi Capitals 72/100
Tie 25/1
Kings XI Punjab 23/20
Both meetings between the Delhi Capitals and Kings XI Punjab last season were tight affairs, though the former enjoyed the better season.
India internationals Mayank Agarwal and KL Rahul will have to show that the Kings XI are not totally reliant on Chris Gayle to win matches with the bat.
The Capitals look like playoff contenders again with the only area of real concern being the finishing role which is likely to be shared between Rishabh Pant, Shimron Hetmyer and allrounder Axar Patel.
Afghan spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman could be the key man for the Kings XI who don’t have too many world-class spinners at their disposal.
Nepalese star Sandeep Lamichhane and skipper Ravi Ashwin ensure that the Kings XI have spinners capable of taking the ball away from left and right-handed batsman.
Verdict: Delhi Capitals 72/100
The balance of the Capitals should pip the big names in the Kings XI side.
Monday 21 September 2020 | Dubai International Stadium, Dubai | 16:00
To Win Match
Sunrisers Hyderabad 72/100
Tie 25/1
Royal Challengers Bangalore 23/20
The Sunrisers Hyderabad meet the Royal Challengers Bangalore in a clash between teams with ambitions of winning the trophy.
For the Sunrisers it remains unclear if David Warner, Jonny Bairstow and Mitchell Marsh will be available for their opening match having been involved in the England vs Australia series.
The Royal Challengers Bangalore themselves will sweat on the participation of Moeen Ali and Adam Zampa. Moeen could hold the key to giving RCB the balance needed to go all the way, and his absence could be felt most acutely.
The Sunrisers have been one of the best bowling sides in the IPL in recent seasons, but it remains to be seen if they are as good on the slower wickets in the UAE.
RCB have traditionally struggled with their bowling but hope that the addition of Dale Steyn and Chris Morris will reinforce their pace options. As the only Indian wrist-spinner in the team, much will be expected of Yuzvendra Chahal.
Verdict: Sunrisers Hyderabad 72/100
The Sunrisers should benefit from having a few more match-fit batsmen in their ranks.
