IPL 2021: Predicting team-wise top run-scorer and wicket-taker

2. Punjab Kings: KL Rahul & Jhye Richardson

Last year this franchise under the leadership of KL Rahul had gone through a seesaw ride. In the first half of the tournament, the team had disappointingly placed themselves towards the rear end of the points table. But in their last seven games, the franchise with their fearless gameplay almost had made it for the playoffs. However, with a small revamp in their organizational name along with some refurbishment in their squad, Punjab Kings now does looks like an attractive team that can fix their playoffs spot if continued with the fearless gameplay of their last season.

To pick their leading run-scorer for the IPL 2021, the team does have some exuberant names like Chris Gayle, KL Rahul & Nicholas Pooran. But, with KL Rahul being a rhythm player who finally notched some husky runs against England in ODIs, one might yet again expect him to grab an orange cap. Last year, with his blistering form, Rahul was the orange cap holder of the tournament and has amassed a total of 670 runs at an average of almost 45. Hence, by finding his rhythm back, the PBKS squad can expect similar fireworks from KL Rahul’s bat.

In terms of being the top wicket-taker, already the franchise has been enduring the absence of Mohammad Shami whose availability regarding the IPL is unclear. Therefore someone like Jhye Richardson will be seen at the helm. The IPL newbie had an exceptional BBL season wherein he scalped 29 wickets from his 17 games. Also being a genuine wicket-taker like Mohammad Shami, Richardson possesses an alluring variety of cutters and fast deliveries. Hence, by being in the company of a reasonable bowling attack, Richardson will be expected to become their chief bowler scalping many wickets.