There is something distinct that befalls in every IPL. This is one of the foremost reasons why the tournament has been so triumphant. While the novelty normally boils down to the crafts and tactics of the franchises, a few innovative things arise forcibly. In most cases, all of it is due to what happens in the 365 days which prevail amid two IPL seasons.
Being the Indian Premier League, obviously, a lot of affairs in IPL are linked to the cricket that Indians play in the lead up to the tournament. Be it the manoeuvrings employed by Indian coaches or the solid form of a player, numerous occasions, we see this begetting an impression on the franchise the athlete represents in IPL. In this article, we take a peek at five drastic changes that could happen in IPL post the India England series.
1. Washington Sundar opening the batting for RCB
Aaron Finch is no more at RCB while Parthiv Patel doesn’t play the game anymore. Yes, Josh Philippe is the likely man to walk alongside Devdutt Padikkal, but the Aussie is inexperienced and unproven on Indian pitches. The kind of batting form that he is in, RCB could as well make Washington Sundar open the batting next season. Washi has done this in the past, and that could make Mike Hesson give a thought to this proposition. If that happens, RCB can also open up a spot for an extra batsman or bowler in the XI. This way, RCB can play a foreigner in the middle-order.
2. Cheteshwar Pujara playing in IPL
It has been a while but India’s Test No.3 Cheteshwar Pujara could finally find an IPL franchise. He is in top form and has also built an image as one of the pillars of Indian Cricket at the moment. Coming to his credentials in the T20 format, Pujara might not be best suited, but he has got the technique. The Saurashtra player can easily hold up one end of the crease while rotating the strike and picking up the odd boundary. This can release the men at the opposite end to play their natural attacking game.
3. Rishabh Pant playing at No.4 for Delhi Capitals
Form was the reason behind Rishabh Pant’s inconsistent batting positions in IPL last seasons. However, he is on top of his game right now and will be one player to watch out for at IPL 2021. Delhi Capitals must utilise him well, and that can happen only by having him take up the No.4 position. Now, DC also has Rahane in the XI and hence, Pant at No.4 can be hard to achieve. However, the management must take a brave decision and push the Indian wicket-keeper up the order. As things stand, this is very much likely to happen.
4. Mohammed Siraj becoming the new ball bowler for RCB
He did take the new ball last season but come IPL 2021, Mohammed Siraj is a sureshot candidate to bowl in the powerplay for RCB. The pacer is in red-hot touch, and this confidence can help him in the T20 format. His test-match lines will still be a force at the start of the innings when batsmen will be studying the track. Also, considering his ability to exploit the newness of the ball, Siraj must take the new cherry for RCB.
5. Ravichandran Ashwin becoming a floater for Delhi Capitals
Ravichandran Ashwin’s batting form has improved in recent weeks. Starting from the Sydney Test, Ash has looked more comfortable with the bat. This could prompt the Delhi Capitals to use him in an unconventional way in the XI. Like Sunil Narine, Ashwin can be used as a floater who can accelerate the scoring rate when there is a dry patch. Although Delhi Capitals used orthodox strategies last season, they might experiment in the upcoming campaign. A move to use Ashwin as a floater could as well materialize in this process.
