After a four-and-a-half-month hiatus due to the COVID-19 second wave in India, the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 season will continue on Sunday, this time in the United Arab Emirates. On the first day of the UAE leg, the Rohit Sharma-led Mumbai Indians (MI), the tournament’s five-time winners and victors in the last two editions, will face MS Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. CSK were second in the IPL points standings with 10 points from seven games before the season was interrupted in May, while the title holders were a few points back in fourth.
MI, who have won four of their last seven games, will try to boost their playoff chances with a win on Sunday, which would tie them with CSK in points.
The side has received a timely boost ahead of the UAE leg opener, with skipper Rohit resuming MI’s training after completing a statutory six-day quarantine following his return from the cancelled Manchester Test against England.
Hardik and Krunal Pandya could be crucial to MI’s chances for the rest of the season, while Jasprit Bumrah and Trent Boult will be expected to lead the assault.
The team’s batting ambitions will be carried by Rohit, Quinton de Kock, Suryakumar Yadav, and Kieron Pollard, among others.
CSK’s goal would be to maintain their position from the first half of the season. In the batting order, veterans MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina provide a wealth of experience, while Lungi Ngidi will look to shine with the ball.
Ruturaj Gaikwad had a strong first half of the season, and the 24-year-old batsman will face high expectations. Ravindra Jadeja and Shardul Thakur are anticipated to contribute both with the bat and with the ball.
While the outcome on Sunday may not have a huge impact on either team’s playoff chances, it may provide insight into what lies ahead for the rest of the season.
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