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IPL 2021 | Shreyas Iyer’s return will be the biggest plus for Delhi Capitals, states Mohammad Kaif

Mohammad Kaif is of the belief that Shreyas Iyer’s return to the Delhi Capitals will be the biggest positive for the team ahead of the second leg of the IPL 2021, beginning September 19. Iyer had missed the first leg of the tournament, after having sustained a shoulder injury earlier this year.



The second leg of the IPL 2021 is set to start from September 19 in UAE, with the Delhi Capitals currently occupying the top position in the points table with six wins from eight games.

The return of Shreyas Iyer will strengthen them even more, after their star batsman had missed the India leg due to a shoulder injury he had sustained during India’s limited-overs series against England earlier this year.



Mohammad Kaif, the team’s assistant coach, stated that Iyer’s comeback is the biggest plus ahead of the season.

"There are not many changes to the squad as compared to the first half of the tournament, however the biggest plus for us is that Shreyas Iyer is back in the squad,” Kaif stated in a media release. "He is a fantastic player and he's been playing well for us in the last couple of seasons. We are looking forward to seeing him play this season.”



Reflecting on how Capitals will approach the remaining phase of the competition, Kaif said that the first match will be crucial for the team, while also hinting that the role of some players might change according to playing conditions.



"We have a well-balanced side as there are players with international cricket experience and domestic players, who have been putting in good performances. The first match is going to be crucial for us,” he said.



“Our performance in the first match will set the momentum for us. We played well in India and now we have to carry forward our performance here in the UAE. The roles for some of the players compared to the first half of the IPL may change because the conditions are different here. We have to start afresh in the second half of the tournament. We are looking to get used to the conditions here in the next few days and also play a couple of practice matches.

"There has been a big break after the first half of the IPL, but we are fortunate that most of the players have been playing international cricket regularly."

The Capitals will resume their campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad on September 22 in Dubai.

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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 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.