The second phase of the Indian Premier League 2021 season is all set to kickstart from September 19 in the United Arab Emirates. Earlier this year the tournament was suspended mid-way owing to the covid-19 virus outbreak in team bubbles.
The first phase of the league witnessed some enthralling cricketing action. Many youngsters made an impact and showcased their talent to the world. However, there were a few players who could not live up to the expectations and will be keen to put up a good show in the second phase of the league.
In this article, we will take a look at the five cricketers who failed to make an impact in the first phase of the Indian Premier League but can do well in the UAE leg of the tournament.
David Warner
David Warner had a disastrous outing in the first phase of the Indian Premier League 2021 season. Owing to Sunrisers Hyderabad’s poor run, he was scrapped as the captain of the team mid-way.
Even with the bat, David Warner could not contribute much. He has scored 193 runs in six matches at an average of 32.16. Though these stats seem decent, his strike rate of 110.28 this season has been the biggest worry. The left-hander was even dropped from the playing XI in the match against Rajasthan Royals.
However, the Aussie batsman had a brilliant run last season in the UAE. He averaged nearly 40 in 16 matches. The former Sunrisers Hyderabad skipper will back himself to make a strong comeback in the second phase of the Indian Premier League 2021.
Ishan Kishan
Mumbai Indians’ batsman Ishan Kishan averaged just 14 in the first phase of the Indian Premier League 2021. He scored 73 runs in five innings, before getting dropped from the playing XI.
Ishan Kishan’s slump was very surprising as he was the highest run-getter for Mumbai Indians last season, just a few months back before the 2021 season started. He scored 516 runs in 14 matches at an average of 57.33 and played a key role in Mumbai Indian’s winning campaign.
Ishan Kishan will be keen to replicate his performance for the Mumbai Indians in the UAE in the second phase of the Indian Premier League 2021 season.
Yuzvendra Chahal
Yuzvendra Chahal has over the years won many games for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League. However, the leg-spinner has looked slightly off-color this season.
Chahal started off the season on a bad note. In the match against Mumbai Indians, he gave away 41 runs in his quota of four overs. In seven matches this season, Yuzvendra Chahal has taken just four wickets and has conceded 190 runs at an economy rate of 8.26.
Last season, Chahal was in the top five-wicket taker list and was leading the bowling charts for the Royal Challengers Bangalore. He took 21 wickets in 15 matches at an average of 19.28. Given his record in the UAE, the leg-spinner will be confident of making a comeback in the second phase of the Indian Premier League 2021.
Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill underperformed in the first phase of the Indian Premier League 2021. He averaged just 18.85 in seven matches, scoring 132 runs at a strike rate of 117.85.
The Kolkata Knight Riders batsman has been one of the mainstays of their batting line-up over the last few years. He has scored over 1000 runs in 48 matches in the India Premier League.
Recently, Shubman Gill got injured while being with the Indian team in England. Fortunately, he has recovered and will be keen to turn the tide in his favor during the second phase of the Indian Premeir League 2021.
Kagiso Rabada
Kagiso Rabada has been a match-winner for the Delhi Capitals franchise over the last few years. Last season, he played a key role in taking his team to the finals of the Indian Premier League. Rabada was the purple cap winner with 30 wickets in 17 matches, with 4/24 being his best.
This season, however, he hasn’t been able to replicate his performance for the Delhi Capitals. In seven matches, he has taken just 8 wickets and has conceded 228 runs at an economy rate of 8.76.
With the Delhi Capitals being the table-toppers currently and one of the favorites to win the championship, they will be hoping that the Proteas pacer storms back in the second phase of the Indian Premier League 2021.
