IPL 2021 returns; all set to resume rivalry from today onwards

NEW DELHI: The second phase of the world’s biggest T20 tournament is all set to resume on September 19th with a high voltage clash between the arch-rivals Rohit Sharma’s Mumbai Indians and Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings.

The Fourteenth Edition of Vivo IPL which started in April was suspended mid-way due to the rise in the COVID-19 cases within the players as well as the management.

Concerning the well being of its players and management staff, BCCI suspended the tournament mid-way after 29 games were played.

Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi will host phase 2 of the tournament where 31 games will be played from September 19 to October 15.

At the time of suspension, Delhi Capitals were at top of the table with wins in six out of eight games played.

Team Delhi Capital is gradually rising to the top from going to the semi-finals for the first time in 2019 to becoming the runner’s up in the 2020 edition, Rishab Pant, the young dynamic captain of the side will be hoping to lift the trophy this time.

Chennai Super Kings, who are a major dominating force in the IPL is at the second position in the table, with Captain Cool MS Dhoni leading the side, the three-time title holders will be hoping to continue their dominance in this edition as well.

At the third position in the table there is the most popular team with two of the modern greats Virat Kohli and AB De Villiers in their contingent, Royals Challenger Bangalore, Virat Kohli led side didn’t win any IPL trophy but are always the favorite and tough opposition to beat.

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Mumbai Indians, the defending champion are in the fourth position with four wins out of seven games. Rohit Sharma led five time title holder who lifted the trophy in 2019 and 2020 will be hoping to score a hattrick of winning the tournament.

The winner of the very first edition of IPL, Rajasthan Royals is at number five on the points table. The team will miss their leading bowler Jofra Archer and Andrew Tyre although are replaced with Glenn Phillips and Tabraiz Shamsi.

Known for backing the local talent, the team is filled with powerful domestic and international players.

Punjab Kings is at the sixth spot in the IPL 2021 points table. Led by K L Rahul, the team had a bittersweet experience in the first half of the league.

Skipper K L Rahul is one of the leading run-scorers in the series so far and would certainly bank on his in-form. With 'Universal Boss' Chris Gayle in the squad, cricket fans are yet to witness Gayle Storm.

Eion Morgan's KKR is another team that had an unpleasant first half. With two wins of seven games, the Kolkata team is at the seventh spot and has minimal possibility of qualifying for the playoffs.

Sunrisers Hyderabad is at the bottom of the leaderboard with just one win out of seven games they played. Kane Williamson led side must win six out of the next seven games to qualify but that seems impossible. However, in a game of uncertainty, there's everything possible till the end.

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