IPL 2021: Five first-leg flops who can be hits in UAE leg

The Indian Premier League is a tournament that always keeps the fan intrigued. Ahead of the tournament, the cricket on-lookers are all excited to support their teams and watch the action unfold. The IPL 2021 had to be paused as Covid cases hit the camps. With the tournament all set to resume from September 19, the excitement of the fans has already reached the crescendo. 

Every year, one witness players coming forward and displaying their sheer flair in the IPL. With their exceptional knocks and spells, they not only help their team reach the finish line but also make a name for themselves. The first leg of the IPL unveiled some enthralling contests. Many young talents exuded their prowess and impressed everybody.

However, there were a few key names that did not perform to the expectations. Having said that, there is no doubt that the players will be aiming to punch above their weights and turn the tables this time around. 

Here are the five first leg flops who can be hits in the second leg of IPL 2021:

1. Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya is the name that has gone on to shine after making a larger impact in the domestic circuit and the IPL. The all-rounder has proved his excellence over the years, performing for both India and the Mumbai Indians. He has helped the team to win matches from crunch moments with his innate abilities with both the bat and the ball. Thus, he has been the strongest link in Mumbai Indians’ chain.

He has featured in 87 IPL matches and has scored 1401 runs and also scalped 42 wickets so far. His all-rounder heroics is known to all. Pandya has been crucial in changing the fate of the game upside down and has clinched victory from the jaws of defeat for Mumbai Indians on many occasions. But this year, the story hasn’t been the same.

Hardik Pandya scored only 52 runs from seven matches in the first half of the tournament. Heading into the remainder of the tournament, MI will need their power hitters in form. In the lower middle-order, Pandya is a pivotal name that has the mantle of finishing the games. Though he wasn’t at his absolute best in the initial part of IPL, given his repertoire, he is expected to come back stronger. The T20 World Cup is on cards, and Pandya’s comeback with his form will be important for both his IPL franchise and the Indian team.