IPL 2021: Strongest Predicted Playing XIs of all teams

With the Indian Premier League (IPL) set to start in a few days, teams are busy with their last-minute preparations and training. RCB and MI will play the first game of the 14th edition in Chennai and with some of the world’s best cricketers in action, it promises to be a cracking affair.

As usual, several world-class players will be in action this season and some quality players like Jhye Richardson, Kyle Jamieson, Dawid Malan, and Riley Meredith will be participating in the IPL for the very first time. These players are only going to enhance the quality of the grand event.

The team managements are constantly analyzing various stats and parameters in order to find out the best possible XI they can field. Selecting an XI when there are so many options available is quite a difficult task and even the smallest of errors can cost a team in a massive way.

On that note, here’s a look at the predicted XIs for all eight IPL teams:

1. Delhi Capitals

After reaching the final last year, Delhi Capitals would be looking to go one step further this time around and they certainly have the squad to do so. Shikhar Dhawan was in sublime form last season and looked in good touch during the ODI series against England as well. He will be accompanied by Prithvi Shaw who has been in good form in domestic cricket.

Shreyas Iyer’s absence opens up a place for Ajinkya Rahane at No.3 as the anchor. Steve Smith is likely to get the nod over Shimron Hetmyer at No.4, while captain Rishabh Pant will come in at No.5 and also take care of wicket-keeping duties. Marcus Stoinis was one of the top all-rounders last season and along with Pant, he will provide the team with firepower during the second half of the innings.

Axar Patel and Ravi Ashwin will be the spin-bowling all-rounders in the team and along with scoring a few runs at the end of an innings, they will need to control the flow of runs during the middle overs. Ishant Sharma and Amit Mishra will be fighting for the same spot, but the former is likely to start due to the fact that their initial games are at the Wankhede. Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje will take up the remaining places, and the pace duo will quite obviously be vital to their chances.

Predicted Playing XI: Shikhar Dhawan, Prithvi Shaw, Ajinkya Rahane, Steve Smith, Rishabh Pant (C and WK), Marcus Stoinis, Axar Patel, Ravi Ashwin, Ishant Sharma, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje