With a plethora of T20 cricket going around, even the second leg of <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/t20/ipl-indian-premier-league/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IPL 2021</a> is all set to resume from September 19th. Much like the previous year, the franchises have already reached UAE earlier and are very much zestful for their remaining fixtures.

Perhaps the issue of the unavailability of certain overseas players has also got resolved as some teams have already fetched some captivating replacements. Overall, even the points table thus now indicates an electrifying second leg as supposedly the competition will become much more enigmatic as it advances.

Hence with the tournament now indulging itself in all-new eventualities and conditions, let’s check out each team’s

Strongest and weakest players from all teams in the UAE leg of IPL

1. Mumbai Indians

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-505218" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Suryakumar-Yadav.jpg" alt="Suryakumar Yadav" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-505218" class="wp-caption-text">Suryakumar Yadav. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

Strongest- Suryakumar Yadav

There’s no doubt that from 2018 onwards, Suryakumar Yadav has been MI’s biggest vital cog across three seasons. He is also currently the team’s highest run-scorer along with carrying a hot blazing form that can easily dwell MI into the playoffs. Recently while playing for team India against Sri Lanka, Sky had also bagged his maiden player of the series award in his debut ODI series.

Further, with regards to the changing UAE conditions, Sky seems to be the best well-equipped batter for MI in the second leg. He certainly has all sorts of gears whether to tackle a sluggish slow wicket or a flat deck regardless of any opponent or any bowling attack. Overall, with the cricketer also upholding an average of around 40 from his previous IPL season, surely he looks to be the best man for MI to make them win their potential sixth IPL title.

Weakest- Jimmy Neesham

Jimmy Neesham was bought by the MI management as a potential backup of the fibrous Kieron Pollard. The Kiwi all-rounder had also played a single IPL game in the first half but unfortunately, he now seems to be the weakest link of the side. At present, with regards to his current form, Neesham had merely averaged around 9.4 in the ‘The Hundred’ competition while playing for the Welsh Fire.

Apart from his fire-cracking 30* in his debut game, the all-rounder had dreadfully malfunctioned as only 17 runs were scored from his next six outings. Although, often Neesham was seen batting in the lower-middle order, not even once a double-digit score was registered by him barring his debut innings. Hence, by joining the team with a dingy form, certainly, Neesham’s batting looks to be one of the frail pieces of the side.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-506506" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Faf-du-Plessis.jpg" alt="Faf du Plessis" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-506506" class="wp-caption-text">Faf du Plessis. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

Strongest- Faf Du Plessis

Yet again the yellow army seems to be back with its normal services as captain <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ms-dhoni-shastri-kohli-and-rohit-form-a-potent-leadership-group-ex-bcci-treasurer/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dhoni</a> and his men are being hailed as hot favourites to clinch the IPL 2021 title. So far the team has been standing second in the points table and certainly requires a maximum of 4 wins to gently qualify for the playoffs. Even the availability issue of their overseas all-rounders has got resolved as both Moeen Ali and Sam Curran will be playing the complete second half.

However, to pick their strongest player amidst a hefty robust squad, someone like Faf Du Plessis still seems to be the biggest match-winner who often delivers even in crunch situations. So far in the IPL 2021, the South African has batted amazingly well as a massive pile of 320 runs has already been amassed from his blade. In fact, with regards to his current average and strike rate, Faf has been exhibiting his career-best figures for CSK. Overall, since the top-order batsman was also CSK’s highest run-scorer in IPL 2020, he definitely seems to be a vigorous force that can easily soar CSK into its another playoff appearance.

Weakest- Dwayne Bravo

Yet again unfortunately in the recent T20 games, Dwayne Bravo’s form has become topsy-turvy. While playing in the CPL, Bravo did had two impressive outings against the Barbados Royals (4/26) and Jamaica Tallawahs (3/25), but in his last game, he was whacked for a whopping economy of 15. Even during his initial appearances against the Guyana Amazon Warriors and Royals, Bravo had leaked runs at an economy of around 9 that too without fetching a wicket. Hence, with the West Indian also being captain Dhoni’s ace frontline bowler, surely Bravo needs to get back in excellent form to make CSK go the distance.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-509766" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Prithvi-Shaw-3.jpg" alt="Prithvi Shaw" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-509766" class="wp-caption-text">Prithvi Shaw. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

Strongest- Prithvi Shaw

For Delhi Capitals, the equation seems to be extremely simple as the team does need 2-3 wins to qualify for the playoffs. With currently being positioned as the table toppers, they also have an excellent opportunity to eventually dwell themselves in the top two. In fact with a minimum win requirement, even if they start slow in the second leg, the team will always be in strong contention to eventually finish in the top four.

However, with regards to picking their strongest player, someone like Prithvi Shaw seems to be the one who will continue from where he had left. In fact, after having a fine Sri Lankan tour, the cricketer will be further reinvigorated to now fetch his spot in team India’s limited-overs proceedings. Overall, so far in the 2021 IPL, the Mumbai batter had amassed 308 runs at an average of 38.50 along with a towering strike rate of 166.48. Hence, his ballistic batting form is one of the strongest boons for DC to overall triumph well in the second UAE leg.

Weakest- Ajinkya Rahane

Unfortunately, by enduring an unending struggle with his current form, it looks like <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/if-ajinkya-rahane-gets-another-game-he-is-a-very-lucky-batsman-sanjay-manjrekar/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ajinkya Rahane</a> will join the DC team as their weakest link. Regardless of playing any format, the cricketer seems to have lost his batting zeal and is in dire need of some adequate runs. Although, he will join the franchise as a backup opener, maybe the slow UAE conditions might call up for his need in the playing XI. Hence, maybe the shortest format can instill a fresh vitality to his batting, otherwise, even the IPL can become an ordeal for Rahane to endure.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-511739" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/KL-Rahul-4.jpg" alt="KL Rahul" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-511739" class="wp-caption-text">KL Rahul. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCCI)</figcaption>

Strongest- KL Rahul

Right now the PBKS franchise has been standing at the number 6th position in the points table. Out of their first 8 games, they have merely managed to win three of them and perhaps might be required to win a majority of their remaining games to seal a playoffs spot. Hence in order to make that happen, skipper <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/kl-rahul-fined-for-showing-dissent-at-the-oval/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">KL Rahul’s</a> fabulous batting form seems to be the right key to elevate themselves in the second leg.

So far in the first leg, Rahul had produced runs at a lofty average of around 66 but a malfunction from the lower middle-order had eventually brought a vacuum in the PBKS’s overall batting. Earlier Nicholas Pooran’s dreadful form had also propelled the skipper to bat deep rather than playing his natural game but in the second leg, Rahul shall bat more freely. And in terms of the UAE conditions, the PBKS captain was already the orange cap winner of the last season, hence a sense of familiarity can also help Rahul to bring out his utter best.

Weakest- Chris Gayle

Although Chris Gayle’s average while playing for PBKS has never dropped below 40 after every IPL season, his current mediocre run with the bat seems to be a massive problem. At present from his last 10 T20 games (international + CPL), the Universal Boss has not even scored a single fifty and so far has an average of 16.12. Only a total of 129 runs have been scored in these appearances wherein a best of 42 has been registered. Perhaps in a batting lineup where Gayle’s importance seems to be very significant for PBKS, definitely the T20 legend has to come up with a flavorful batting form if the franchise has to go the distance.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-507181" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/AB-de-Villiers-4.jpg" alt="AB de Villiers" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-507181" class="wp-caption-text">AB de Villiers. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

Strongest- AB de Villiers

Fortunately, for the RCB fans, the first half of IPL 2021 was utter bliss to relish. The signing of Glenn Maxwell had brought in a new vitality to the side and eventually they are now placed third in the points table. A certain 3-4 wins will also seal their spot in the playoffs and to materialize that, the batting of ABD will be the key.

So far the South African legend has batted exceedingly well as a pile of 207 runs has already been scored from his blade. Also in his seven outings, ABD has been averaging above 51 and more importantly has been smashing the ball at a strike rate of 164.28. Perhaps in many of the instances, the cricketer has also single-handedly bailed out the grim lower middle-order batting, something which has been the only weak link of RCB. Hence, to give themselves the strongest chance to soar through the distance, AB de Villiers definitely needs to continue from where he had left.

Weakest- Navdeep Saini

Although the tall right-arm pacer now has been the reserve option for the skipper, his current bowling form surely is a matter of big concern for the<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/t20/ipl-indian-premier-league/rcb-royal-challengers-bangalore/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> RCB</a>. Ever since his malfunction in the last IPL, Saini has merely played a few limited-overs games wherein he has faced despair. Perhaps even in his mere IPL game in the 2021 season, the pacer had dreadfully leaked runs at an economy of over 13. Even in the recently concluded Sri Lankan series, Saini did receive some minimal opportunities and so far has been looked short of both game time and confidence. Hence in the upcoming second leg, the pacer does get viewed to be the weakest link of the red army.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-459857" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Rashid-Khan-4.jpg" alt="Rashid Khan" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-459857" class="wp-caption-text">Rashid Khan. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

Strongest- Rashid Khan

The first half of IPL 2021 was certainly havoc for the orange army. Barely the franchise had fetched a win against the PBKS team and eventually had to dwell themselves at the rearmost end of the points table. To qualify for the playoffs, they definitely need to win all their remaining games and to effectuate that someone like a Rashid Khan seems to be their strongest bet.

Overall, while the franchise was facing a hard time winning games, Rashid Khan had vigorously picked 12 wickets from 7 games at an outstanding economy of 6.14. In fact with the bowling department often bundling teams to some practicable totals, it was the overall batting that had never got intact while chasing. However, to continue with the same pursuit, the Afghan spinner will take the lead as even in the ‘The Hundred’ competition, the leg-spinner had picked 12 wickets from his 9 games. Hence, to come up with a miraculous spree of wins, surely <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/rashid-khan-is-an-absolute-game-changer-his-four-overs-are-the-most-crucial-overs-in-any-t20-match-shaun-pollock/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rashid Khan</a> has to bowl out of his skin.

Weakest- Jason Holder

To sum up SRH’s weakest link amongst the players who will be part of the playing XI, someone like Jason Holder seems to be the one now. So far by representing the Barbados Royals in the CPL, the pacer has only picked 3 wickets from his 6 games at an economy of 9.38. Even in the T20I home series against South Africa, Holder had only picked 2 wickets along with not completing his full quota of overs. Hence, maybe the remainder of CPL can be a good opportunity for the former WI captain to restore his T20 bowling form.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-520850" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Mustfizur-Rahman.jpg" alt="Mustafizur Rahman" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-520850" class="wp-caption-text">Mustafizur Rahman. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

Strongest- Mustafizur Rahman

As of now, the RR team is placed fifth in the points table and unfortunately has now lost three of its prominent overseas match-winners (Buttler, Stokes, and Archer). To qualify for the playoffs, the franchise needs to win most of its upcoming games, and for that their batting now seems to be more vulnerable than bowling. Hence with being equipped with two quality overseas pacers, both Chris Morris and Mustafizur Rahman will be the cue to their success.

Perhaps with regards to Mustafizur Rahman, he seems to be more commendable merely because of the realm of variations that he possesses. Especially at the UAE venues, the slow nature of wickets will certainly make him a hounding bowler who can scalp crucial breakthroughs. In fact, his recent bowling form in Bangladesh has been somewhat similar especially with the pacer scalping 11 wickets from his last 8 games at an economy of 4.68. Hence, a bowling lineup comprising of the likes of Mustafizur and Morris shall play a vigorous role if RR has to go the distance.

Weakest- Riyan Parag

In the IPL 2020, Riyan Parag had played some crucial cameos with Rahul Tewatia that certainly had bailed the franchise in one or two matches. However, in the IPL 2021, the lower middle-order of RR has drastically failed especially considering that the likes of Parag have been averaging under 20. Although his strike rate has been weighing above 140, there hasn’t been any kind of big scores being produced.  Overall, since as already there will be an immense onus on skipper Sanju Samson to bridge the entire batting order, surely the likes of Parag will have to massively step up to aid their skipper.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-509439" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Andre-Russell-5.jpg" alt="Andre Russell" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-509439" class="wp-caption-text">Andre Russell. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

Strongest- Andre Russell

At present, the purple army is placed second last at the points table and definitely needs to win all their games to qualify for the playoffs. Now by looking at the current form of all their frontline players, only Andre Russell seems to be having that brimming form and fortitude where KKR shall be able to put up a fight. Even in the first half of IPL 2021, Russell had found its spark and had showcased some flashes of brilliance.

Perhaps after the IPL, both his batting form and his fitness have got formidable that he singlehandedly can now cause some dramatic upsets to other franchises. Hence, regardless of the performances of other players, the Russell-Muscle show will be the key for KKR to fetch some wins.

Weakest- Nitish Rana

In the first half of IPL 2021, Nitish Rana had started splendidly for KKR as a top-order batter. In his first two games, the southpaw had scored two back-to-back fifty-plus scores but unfortunately, his form became bleak certainly when the team started to lose badly. Even during the recent Sri Lankan tour, Rana had dreadfully struggled to go past a mere two-digit score. In fact, from his last 5 T20 games (International + IPL), the cricketer has been averaging just 10.4. Hence, surely his left-hand batting proposition will start as the weakest link in the second phase of the IPL 2021.

The UAE leg of IPL 2021 is all set to get underway on September 19.

IPL 2021: Team-wise strongest and weakest player in the UAE leg

Issue of the unavailability of certain overseas players has resolved as teams have already fetched few good replacements for UAE leg of IPL

IPL 2021: Team-wise strongest and weakest player in the UAE leg

The UAE leg of IPL 2021 is all set to get underway on September 19.

7. RR