The IPL Governing Council and BCCI decided to host VIVO Indian Premier League 2021 season in India and they have released the official schedule of the tournament on March 7th.
After hosting the tournament safely and successfully in the UAE last year with all safety protocols in place, the BCCI is confident of hosting the IPL at home with health and safety of players and all people involved being paramount. Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai & Kolkata hosting the marquee event.
Chennai set to host The season opener on 9th April, 2021 with a high octane clash between defending champions Mumbai Indians and rejuvenated Royal Challengers Bangalore.
IPL 2021 Schedule. Image courtesy of IPL & BCCI. 
IPL 2021 Schedule. Image courtesy of IPL & BCCI. 
IPL 2021 Schedule. Image courtesy of IPL & BCCI. 
IPL 2021 Schedule. Image courtesy of IPL & BCCI.
The World’s Largest Cricket Stadium – Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad will host the Playoffs as well as the final on 30th May, 2021 which promises to be a visual spectacle. The newly-built stadium that hosted India’s second Pink Ball fixture at home with great grandeur will host its first ever IPL.
Which Team looks strong on the paper?
Let’s take a look at the team squad for all eight teams and conclude who looks strong on paper after a mini auction in February.
Punjab Kings Squad:
Punjab Kings not only changed the team name, they have overhauled team squad after a disappointing 2020 season. Punjab were among big spenders during mini auction, but only time will tell whether the money is well spent or not.
Sunrisers Hyderabad Squad:
Sunrisers Hyderabad were exceptional in 2020 season, they have exceeded everyone’s expectations by reaching knock-outs with a depleted squad. But they were least active team during February mini auction.
Team management kept very good faith on their squad by retaining most of them for 2021 season, but on paper they are not up to Mumbai Indians level.
Sunrisers Hyderabad have signed up England batsman Jason Roy as replacement for Mitchell Marsh, who has made himself unavailable for the entire season owing to personal reasons. They have acquired Roy at his base price of INR 2 Crore.
Rajasthan Royals squad:
Just like Punjab, Rajasthan also let go some key overseas players after a unsuccessful 2020 season. But they acquired South African all-rounder Chris Morris for a record breaking 16.25 Crores in the February mini auction.
Though they overpaid for Morris services, he is a good addition to English star trio in the overseas category.
Royals depending on overseas talent too much, lack of local grown talent is gonna cost them big way under young captain in Sanju Samson. They will definitely miss Steve Smith presence both in the batting order and in the dressing room.
Royal Challengers Bangalore Squad:
Royal Challengers Bangalore have signed up New Zealand wicketkeeper batsman Finn Allen as replacement for Josh Philippe who will be unavailable for the entire season.
Philippe, who made his debut in 2020, played five games and scored 78 runs for the franchise. His replacement Finn has featured in 12 First-class games for New Zealand and scored three half centuries.
Finn had a base price of INR 20L equivalent to that of Josh Philippe. It will be Finn’s debut VIVO IPL season this year when he plays for Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Kolkata Knight Riders Squad:
Kolkata Knight Riders have signed up Gurkeerat Singh Mann as replacement for batsman Rinku Singh, who will be unavailable for the entire season due to a knee injury.
Rinku, who made his IPL debut in 2017 has played a total of 11 IPL games. His replacement, Gurkeerat, last played for Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL 2020 before being released ahead of the VIVO IPL 2021 auction.
Kolkata Knight Riders have acquired Gurkeerat at his base price of INR 50L. The VIVO IPL 2021 will be Gurkeerat’s eighth IPL season.
Delhi Capitals Squad:
Chennai Super Kings Squad:
Mumbai Indians Squad:
