IPL 2021: 5 player battles to watch out for in the tournament

The Indian Premier League is rated highly for many reasons. But, one of the reasons why it gets more praise than any other leagues is because it brings out the best international players and makes them go head to head. This is also a reason why cricket boards want their players to play in the league so that they can get ready for high-pressure match situations by competing with the best in the world.

T20 cricket at the surface level might seem like a cricket match that is just played for 20 overs, but in these overs, we might see some intense battles between players. At times, the contest within the contest drives around the hype of the match. For example, a battle with Virat Kohli and Indian teammate Jasprit Bumrah is something that every fan looks forward to. 

It is especially these battles that make the sport more fun to watch. If there is context to a rift between two players, then the excitement of watching the match increases by a mile. Some of these battles have been etched forever in our memories like the one between AB de Villiers and Dale Steyn. With the IPL 2021 coming in the next few months, fans can expect some of these battles. 

Here are 5 player battles to watch out for in the upcoming IPL 2021:

1. Glenn Maxwell (RCB) vs R Ashwin (DC)

Glenn Maxwell and Ravichandran Ashwin have come against each other quite a few times in international cricket and IPL. In total, Ashwin has dismissed the Australian big-hitter seven times so far.

But, that doesn’t mean he has the wood over Maxwell. The Aussie has attacked the off-spinner and has taken him apart several times. This is the reason why when Royal Challengers Bangalore and Delhi Capitals meet on April 27 in Ahmedabad, this battle will be something all fans will look forward to.

2. Andre Russell (KKR) vs Jasprit Bumrah (MI)

Andre Russell is undoubtedly one of the biggest hitters in the game right now. On the other hand, Jasprit Bumrah is world-renowned for taking down top batsmen. The duo has had some interesting battles in the IPL so far, Russell clearing fences some times while Bumrah knocking the stumps on other occasions.

But, Bumrah has an edge over the West Indian and has been able to do something, which others haven’t, keeping the big man quiet. Often we have seen Russell playing Bumrah carefully, which makes this battle the one to watch out for when Mumbai Indians clash with Kolkata Knight Riders on 13th April in Chennai. 

3. Virat Kohli (RCB) vs Jhye Richardson (PBKS)

There aren’t too many bowlers who can claim to have a wood over Virat Kohli. However, Jhye Richardson of Punjab Kings can say that. The two have come against each other in ODI cricket six times, with Richardson getting the key wicket of Kohli on four occasions. The right-arm quick from Western Australia made headlines when he was picked up for Punjab for INR 14 crores.

He has been in some great form with the ball in the Big Bash League as well. Considering the history, it will be interesting to see how Kohli goes about his business against the latest IPL Million Dollar baby.

4. AB de Villiers (RCB) vs Rashid Khan (SRH)

AB de Villiers is someone who has hardly ever struggled against any bowler in world cricket. He is a meticulous player of spin-bowling as well and knows how to time his innings properly.

However, Rashid Khan in a short span has given trouble to many batsmen across the globe. In fact, he has dismissed ABD a couple of times, without the legendary batsman scoring too many runs against him. Rashid’s variations will be tested against AB de Villiers’ planning while the batsman will also keep a keen eye on the ball which can hurry him and put him on the backfoot.

5. Rishabh Pant (DC) vs Ravindra Jadeja (CSK)

Rishabh Pant has been all over the news in recent times, for his exploits in the recent two-Test series against Australia and England. But, one key thing which everyone noticed about Pant in those knocks was his ability to hit left-arm spinners over the boundaries. He tore apart Jack Leach in one of the matches in Chennai, which is an indication of his skill against left-arm spin.

There is no doubt this will be a good battle to watch when these two Indian stars come up against each other.