IPL : Read the full story

IPL 2021 | Crowds to be back in reduced capacity in IPL UAE leg

The IPL 2021, the first half of which was played behind closed doors in India, before being postponed due to the covid-19 outbreak, is set to welcome crowds in a reduced capacity in its second leg in the UAE. The tournament resumed on September 19, with Mumbai Indians taking on Chennai Super Kings.

The current edition of the IPL had started on April 9, but was suspended after almost a month with the covid-19 pandemic gathering its pace in India, and several members from different franchises being tested positive.

The IPL second leg, beginning September 19 in the UAE, will have fans in a reduced capacity, as per the IPL’s official media release. The tickets can be availed from Thursday, September 16.

“The VIVO Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 resumes with the five-time champions and current title holders Mumbai Indians taking on three-time IPL champions Chennai Super Kings at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on September 19,” the statement read.

“This match will be a momentous occasion as IPL will welcome the fans back to the stadiums after a brief hiatus owing to Covid-19 situation.

“Matches will be played at Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi with limited seating available keeping in mind the Covid protocols and UAE government regulations.”

The statement added that fans can buy tickets on the official website www.iplt20.com and PlatinumList.net from September 16.

The primary reason in bringing back the crowds could be the fact that the majority of the UAE population has been fully vaccinated. The protocols for overseas fans haven’t been decided yet, but complete vaccination is likely to be a mandatory one.

The smooth conduct of the IPL with crowds allowed could mean that the T20 World Cup, which follows immediately after the tournament, would also open doors for the fans.

NEXT STORY :

IPL 2021: 3 Players Who Can Replace Faf du Plessis In CSK Playing XI

The South Africa veteran batsman and Chennai Super Kings opener Faf du Plessis has been suffering from a groin injury prior to the start of the second phase of IPL 2021. Du Plessis has been one of the key players at the top of the order for Chennai Super Kings as he amassed 320 runs in 7 games in the first phase of IPL 2021 in India at an average of 64. He formed an excellent opening pair alongside youngster Ruturaj Gaikwad.

However, the injury has left a big question mark on his availability for the rest of the IPL games in UAE and it will certainly be a big blow to the Chennai Super Kings side. They do have some options waiting in the wings to replace Faf Du Plessis in the squad and here are 3 players who can replace Faf Du Plessis in CSK playing XI.

1. Robin Uthappa:

Robin Uthappa has been one of the prolific run-scorers in IPL history at the top of the order and the veteran batsmen have immense experience in IPL to take Du Plessis’s place. Uthappa was transferred from the Rajasthan Royals to the Chennai Super Kings ahead of the IPL 2021 auction but he still is yet to make his debut for the men in yellow and this might be the right time for him.

Uthappa was in really good form in the Vijay Hazare Trophy this year and he was expected to take the CSK side higher after a poor season last year. However, the impressive youngster Gaikwad had kept Uthappa out of the playing XI so far and Uthappa certainly deserves a chance. Uthappa has played 189 IPL games having scored 4609 runs with an excellent strike rate of 130.

2. N Jagadeesan:

The Tamil Nadu batsman N Jagadeesan has been around the Chennai Super Kings circuit for a considerable period of time and so far he has got just 5 games under the belt with the CSK side. He has played just the two innings so far in which he scored a duck and a 33 and hasn’t been given a chance after that.

The wicket-keeper batsman was the highest run-scorer in the Syed Mushtaq Ali tournament this year playing for his stateside at the top of the order and his consistency in TNPL is also a trademark to his game. He does play a lot of classic shots and will be very useful at the top of the order. CSK should groom him as one of the future stars on the side and look to give him ample opportunities in place of the injured Faf Du Plessis.

3. Moeen Ali:

Moeen Ali is one of the finest all-rounders going around in world cricket at the moment and he is an excellent player in spin bowling. He bagged a heavy price in the auction after a lot of teams went for him and CSK managed to grab the services of the off-spin all-rounder. Moeen is an interesting replacement for Faf du Plessis at the top and it could open up different choices.

Ali had a terrific run in the first phase of IPL 2021 where he kept on picking up wickets at one end and played some sizzling knocks at number three for the CSK. He has been one of the key contributors to the side and he looks certainly like a T20 material for now. He has played at the top of the order before and he likes to open the batting as well. He could be an option for the CSK at the top with Raina coming back to his favored place at three.