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

3. Kolkata Knight Riders: Shubman Gill & Pat Cummins

Last year before the 2020 IPL, the KKR team was highly anticipated to seamlessly qualify for playoffs mainly because of its class-leading overseas players along with some talented pool of uncapped cricketers. But as we all know, the team faced some vulnerable leadership crises wherein Eoin Morgan was then eventually given the reins. Despite being in the top four until the mid-way of the IPL, KKR was peculiarly unable to make it for the playoffs. But now by adding some prolific stock of cricketers, the team will yet again start as favourites to grab a place in the top for IPL 2021.

To pick their top run-scorer, although the team does have the hefty presence of Morgan, DK, and Andre Russell in the middle-order, at the top, someone like Shubman Gill should be able to produce some consistent big scores. A stable opening combination along with the uncertain batting combination was KKR’s biggest flaws in the last IPL which under captain Morgan should be resolved. Last year, while opening, Gill scored a total of 440 runs at an average of around 33. But despite scoring consistently, Gill only notched three fifties with a menial strike rate of 117.96. However, now with his elongated run in international cricket, Shubman Gill will be expected to turn out as a 500 run bank for KKR. Overall, he does have the caliber to play attacking cricket and can be KKR’s man with breakthrough scores at the top.

In the bowling department once again the onus will be on the overseas star Pat Cummins to grasp most wickets mainly because of his robust proposition. Last year, Pat Cummins had a disheartening season wherein in his 14 games he only managed to scalp 12 wickets. Also, it was one of those elusive years where Cummins had played his entire IPL season. Hence, a bleak last season would have been the biggest learning curve for this champion bowler and can be banked to be KKR’s leading wicket-taker.