Last month, the 14th edition of the <a href="http://www.crictracker.com/t20/ipl-indian-premier-league" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Indian Premier League (IPL)</a> was postponed due to COVID cases inside the bubble. However, after a long wait, the BCCI has finally confirmed that the remainder of IPL 2021 will take place in September-October. It was also confirmed that the phase 2 of IPL 2021 would take place in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The biggest obstacle for all the IPL teams is the availability of their overseas players. No one has a clear idea as to which player will be available and which player would not. However, the ECB already confirmed that England players won&#8217;t participate in the remainder of IPL 2021.

As players from the West Indies (WI) would be busy playing the Caribbean Premiere League (CPL), their availability for the initial stages isn&#8217;t confirmed as well. Every team has to wisely select their playing XI according to the pitch conditions, availability of players and their desired team combinations.

Here we bring you the expected playing XIs of all teams for first few matches:

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-510818" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Chennai-Super-Kings-5.jpg" alt="Chennai Super Kings" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-510818" class="wp-caption-text">Chennai Super Kings. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

The <a href="http://www.crictracker.com/t20/ipl-indian-premier-league/csk-chennai-super-kings" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chennai Super Kings (CSK)</a> are going to be one of the most affected teams due to the unavailability of the English players. They were heavily dependent on Moeen Ali and Sam Curran during the first half of IPL 2021. The 2018 champions won&#8217;t even have the services of their star all-rounder Dwayne Bravo for their first match of IPL 2021 in UAE.

However, their Indian core is strong and thus, their playing XI still looks good on paper. Faf and Gaikwad would open the innings for them like always. Raina, Rayudu, MS Dhoni and Jadeja would bat a position higher. This would force the CSK management to pick Gowtham in the XI.

Shardul Thakur and Deepak Chahar would be their Indian pacers and would bat at 8 and 9 respectively. CSK can then play the Proteas seamer Lungi Ngidi. Last but not the least, they can play Jason Behrendorff, who had replaced Josh Hazlewood in the first phase of IPL 2021.

Ruturaj Gaikwad, Faf Du Plessis, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, MS Dhoni (C and WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Krishnappa Gowtham, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, Lungi Ngidi, Jason Behrendorff

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-512184" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Mumbai-Indians-Team-.jpg" alt="Mumbai Indians Team" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-512184" class="wp-caption-text">Mumbai Indians Team. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

It is safe to say that <a href="http://www.crictracker.com/t20/ipl-indian-premier-league/mi-mumbai-indians" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mumbai Indians (MI)</a> is one of the least affected sides due to the unavailability of English players. However, they will be missing the services of Kieron Pollard, who has been one of their best players for quite a while now.

MI would have their captain Rohit Sharma open with Quinton de Kock. Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan would bat at 3 and 4 for MI respectively. With the unavailability of Pollard atleast for the first match, MI have Neesham at their disposal, who happens to be a seam all-rounder and can bat at 5.

The Pandya brothers (Hardik and Krunal) can then bat at 6 and 7 respectively, which is also their regular batting positions for MI. Rahul Chahar, who was superb in the first phase of IPL 2021 will lead MI&#8217;s spin attack again. Last but not the least, their seam attack would comprise of their MVP Jasprit Bumrah, Trent Boult and Nathan Coulter-Nile.

Rohit Sharma (C), Quinton De Kock (WK), Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, James Neesham, Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Rahul Chahar, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah

3) Royal Challengers Bangalore

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-510486" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Royal-Challengers-Bangalore-9.jpg" alt="Royal Challengers Bangalore" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-510486" class="wp-caption-text">Royal Challengers Bangalore. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

The <a href="http://www.crictracker.com/t20/ipl-indian-premier-league/rcb-royal-challengers-bangalore" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)</a> is another team which wouldn&#8217;t be too much bothered about the unavailability of players from England and WI. They never even had any English or WI players at the first place. Thus, their playing XI is going to be more or less the same as it was in the first phase of IPL 2021.

Virat Kohli is expected to open the innings with the talented Devdutt Paddikal. Their three overseas players which includes Glenn Maxwell, AB de Villiers and Rajat Patidar would then bat 3, 4 and 5 respectively. Their two spin all-rounder Shahbaz Ahmed and Washington Sundar would occupy the 6 and 7 spots as the two of them were decently impressive in IPL 2021 before it got postponed.

They can then play their seam all-rounders which comprise of Kyle Jamieson and Harshal Patel at 8 and 9 respectively. Their lead spinner Yuzvendra Chahal is a certainty in the XI and thus automatically finds himself a spot. Last but not the least, India&#8217;s rising star Siraj is another seamer who impressed one and all in the first half of IPL 2021 and thus, makes his way into the XI.

Devdutt Padikkal, Virat Kohli (C), Glenn Maxwell, AB De Villiers (WK), Rajat Patidar, Shahbaz Ahmed, Washington Sundar, Kyle Jamieson, Harshal Patel, Yuzvendra Chahal, Mohammed Siraj

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-508246" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Sunrisers-Hyderabad-2.jpg" alt="Sunrisers Hyderabad" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-508246" class="wp-caption-text">Sunrisers Hyderabad. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

<a href="http://www.crictracker.com/t20/ipl-indian-premier-league/srh-sunrisers-hyderabad" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)</a> were languishing at the bottom of the points table of this season until it was untimely postponed. SRH still have a lot of unanswered questions as they would be looking to turn the tables and make an inspirational comeback. However, they would be without the services of their wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow and their all-rounder Jason Holder.

Their former skipper David Warner looks set to be SRH&#8217;s opener and accompanying him would be the Indian keeper Wriddhiman Saha. Manish Pandey and the newly appointed skipper of SRH Kane Williamson would bat at 3 and 4 respectively. Despite not being at their best during the initial matches of IPL 2021, Vijay Shankar and Abdul Samad look set to feature in the XI.

As SRH are without the services of Holder and Mitchell Marsh (who was later replaced by the English opener Jason Roy) SRH have no other option but to play their spin all-rounder Nabi at 7. His fellow Afghanistan spin all-rounder Rashid Khan is expected to bat at 8. Their pace attack consisting of only Indian seamers include Bhuvneshwar Kumar, T Natarajan and Sandeep Sharma.

David Warner, Wriddhiman Saha (WK), Manish Pandey, Kane Williamson (C), Vijay Shankar, Abdul Samad, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, T Natrajan, Sandeep Sharma.

5) Kolkata Knight Riders

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-510118" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Kolkata-Knight-Riders-2.jpg" alt="Kolkata Knight Riders" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-510118" class="wp-caption-text">Kolkata Knight Riders. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

Like SRH, even the <a href="http://www.crictracker.com/t20/ipl-indian-premier-league/kkr-kolkata-knight-riders" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)</a> were struggling in this season. They would need a miracle to see themselves in the top 4. They are going to miss the services of their key players for the first match such as Shakib Al Hasan, Sunil Narine, Andre Russell and Pat Cummins. It is believed that Cummins has opted out of the rest of IPL 2021.

In what comes as another big blow, their captain Eoin Morgan will also be unavailable as none of the English players are expected to play the phase II of IPL 2021. Thus, The Kiwi batsman Tim Seifert would accompany Shubman Gill at the top of the order. Nitish Rana and Rahul Tripathi would bat at 3 and 4 respectively. Gurkeerat Singh Mann would then bat at 5.

Their former captain and current keeper Dinesh Karthik might lead them again as well as don the gloves. The hard-hitting all-rounder from Australia Ben Cutting finally finds a spot in the XI and will bat at 7 for KKR. Their bowling unit would then consist of two Indian pacers which includes Kamlesh Nagarkoti and Prasidh Krishna and an Indian spinner in the form of Varun Chakravarthy. The express pace of Lockie Ferguson would prove to be handy for KKR and thus, he too would find a spot in the XI.

Shubman Gill, Tim Seifert, Nitish Rana, Rahul Tripathi, Gurkeerat Singh Mann, Dinesh Karthik (C and WK), Ben Cutting, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Varun Chakravarthy, Lockie Ferguson, Prasidh Krishna

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-512535" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Delhi-Capitals.jpg" alt="Delhi Capitals" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-512535" class="wp-caption-text">Delhi Capitals. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

Arguably the best team of IPL 2021 as of now, <a href="http://www.crictracker.com/t20/ipl-indian-premier-league/dc-delhi-capitals" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Delhi Capitals (DC)</a> have all their bases covered. Irrespective of their players being available for them or not, their &#8220;Plan B&#8221; is superb to say the least. However, their regular skipper Shreyas Iyer wouldn&#8217;t be playing the remainder of this season even if he has fully recovered as DC have already replaced him and Iyer cannot come back until this season gets over.

Thus, Rishabh Pant would continue to lead this side and bat at 4. DC have one of the best opening pairs in the form of Shikhar Dhawan and Prithvi Shaw and hence, they need not worry about their opening combination. Aussie run machine Steve Smith would bat at 3 and he provides stability. His fellow Aussie mate Stoinis would bat after Pant. The talented lad Lalit Yadav would then bat at 6.

DC have the best spin all-rounder duo in the form of Axar Patel and Ravichandran Ashwin and thus, they can play them together in the XI at 7 and 8 respectively. KG Rabada has been their best pacer for the last couple of seasons and automatically walks into the XI. DC would then play their Indian pacers which include Ishant Sharma and Avesh Khan, who impressed all the cricket pundits before the season was postponed.

Prithvi Shaw, Shikhar Dhawan, Steve Smith, Rishabh Pant (C and WK), Marcus Stoinis, Lalit Yadav, Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin, KG Rabada, Ishant Sharma, Avesh Khan

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-512404" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Rajasthan-Royals.jpg" alt="Rajasthan Royals" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-512404" class="wp-caption-text">Rajasthan Royals. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

<a href="http://www.crictracker.com/t20/ipl-indian-premier-league/rr-rajasthan-royals" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rajasthan Royals</a> would be the most affected team due to the unavailability of English players. Three of their main overseas players were from England. Thus, they would have to manage with only the players they have in their squad.

Their top three would comprise Indian players. This includes Manan Vohra, Yashasvi Jaiswal and their skipper Sanju Samson. The Proteas middle order batsmen Rassie van der Dussen and David Miller would bat at 4 and 5 respectively. The two spin all-rounders Riyan Parag and Rahul Tewatia would then bat at 6 and 7 respectively.

The all-rounder Chris Morris will be in next. He was absolutely sensational in the first half of IPL 2021. The RR management would then play Jaydev Unadkat and the talented Chetan Sakariya who impressed one and all. Their fourth and final overseas player would be Gerald Coetzee, a young South African pacer.

Yashasvi Jaiswal, Manan Vohra, Sanju Samson (C and WK), Rassie van der Dussen, David Miller, Riyan Parag, Rahul Tewatia, Chris Morris, Jaydev Unadkat, Gerald Coetzee, Chetan Sakariya

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-511737" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Punjab-Kings-Team.jpg" alt="Punjab Kings Team" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-511737" class="wp-caption-text">Punjab Kings Team. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

More than the unavailability of English players, the unavailability of WI players for the initial matches is what is going to affect the Punjab Kings (PBKS). They will be without the services of the Universe Boss Chris Gayle and Nicholas Pooran for their first match of IPL 2021 in UAE. They won&#8217;t have the services of Dawid Malan and Chris Jordan for the rest of IPL 2021 as well.

Their regular openers consist of their skipper KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal who look all set to open the innings once again. The Aussie all-rounder Moises Henriques had played at 3 for SRH in the past and is not new to this role. Thus, he can be Punjab&#8217;s new number 3. Their middle order is going to consist of only Indian players and they consist of Deepak Hooda, Jalaj Saxena, Shahrukh Khan and Harpreet Brar.

Their pace attack looks strong as it with the likes of Jhye Richardson, Riley Meredith and Mohammed Shami. This also gives a chance to Richardson to justify his price tag. The talented leggie Ravi Bishnoi would then complete Punjab&#8217;s XI and be their lead spinner as well.

KL Rahul(C and WK), Mayank Agarwal, Moises Henriques, Deepak Hooda, Jalaj Saxena, Shahrukh Khan, Harpreet Brar, Jhye Richardson, Riley Meredith, Mohammed Shami, Ravi Bishnoi

Last month, the 14th edition of the <a href="http://www.crictracker.com/t20/ipl-indian-premier-league" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Indian Premier League (IPL)</a> was postponed due to COVID cases inside the bubble. However, after a long wait, the BCCI has finally confirmed that the remainder of IPL 2021 will take place in September-October. It was also confirmed that the phase 2 of IPL 2021 would take place in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The biggest obstacle for all the IPL teams is the availability of their overseas players. No one has a clear idea as to which player will be available and which player would not. However, the ECB already confirmed that England players won’t participate in the remainder of IPL 2021.
As players from the West Indies (WI) would be busy playing the Caribbean Premiere League (CPL), their availability for the initial stages isn’t confirmed as well. Every team has to wisely select their playing XI according to the pitch conditions, availability of players and their desired team combinations.
<h3>Here we bring you the expected playing XIs of all teams for first few matches:</h3>
<h3>1) Chennai Super Kings</h3>
<figure id="attachment_510818" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-510818" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-510818" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Chennai-Super-Kings-5.jpg" alt="Chennai Super Kings" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-510818" class="wp-caption-text">Chennai Super Kings. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
The <a href="http://www.crictracker.com/t20/ipl-indian-premier-league/csk-chennai-super-kings" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chennai Super Kings (CSK)</a> are going to be one of the most affected teams due to the unavailability of the English players. They were heavily dependent on Moeen Ali and Sam Curran during the first half of IPL 2021. The 2018 champions won’t even have the services of their star all-rounder Dwayne Bravo for their first match of IPL 2021 in UAE.
However, their Indian core is strong and thus, their playing XI still looks good on paper. Faf and Gaikwad would open the innings for them like always. Raina, Rayudu, MS Dhoni and Jadeja would bat a position higher. This would force the CSK management to pick Gowtham in the XI.
Shardul Thakur and Deepak Chahar would be their Indian pacers and would bat at 8 and 9 respectively. CSK can then play the Proteas seamer Lungi Ngidi. Last but not the least, they can play Jason Behrendorff, who had replaced Josh Hazlewood in the first phase of IPL 2021.
Predicted Playing XI:
Ruturaj Gaikwad, Faf Du Plessis, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, MS Dhoni (C and WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Krishnappa Gowtham, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, Lungi Ngidi, Jason Behrendorff
<h3>2) Mumbai Indians</h3>
<figure id="attachment_512184" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-512184" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-512184" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Mumbai-Indians-Team-.jpg" alt="Mumbai Indians Team" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-512184" class="wp-caption-text">Mumbai Indians Team. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
It is safe to say that <a href="http://www.crictracker.com/t20/ipl-indian-premier-league/mi-mumbai-indians" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mumbai Indians (MI)</a> is one of the least affected sides due to the unavailability of English players. However, they will be missing the services of Kieron Pollard, who has been one of their best players for quite a while now.
MI would have their captain Rohit Sharma open with Quinton de Kock. Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan would bat at 3 and 4 for MI respectively. With the unavailability of Pollard atleast for the first match, MI have Neesham at their disposal, who happens to be a seam all-rounder and can bat at 5.
The Pandya brothers (Hardik and Krunal) can then bat at 6 and 7 respectively, which is also their regular batting positions for MI. Rahul Chahar, who was superb in the first phase of IPL 2021 will lead MI’s spin attack again. Last but not the least, their seam attack would comprise of their MVP Jasprit Bumrah, Trent Boult and Nathan Coulter-Nile.
Predicted Playing XI:
Rohit Sharma (C), Quinton De Kock (WK), Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, James Neesham, Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Rahul Chahar, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah
<h3>3) Royal Challengers Bangalore</h3>
<figure id="attachment_510486" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-510486" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-510486" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Royal-Challengers-Bangalore-9.jpg" alt="Royal Challengers Bangalore" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-510486" class="wp-caption-text">Royal Challengers Bangalore. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
The <a href="http://www.crictracker.com/t20/ipl-indian-premier-league/rcb-royal-challengers-bangalore" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)</a> is another team which wouldn’t be too much bothered about the unavailability of players from England and WI. They never even had any English or WI players at the first place. Thus, their playing XI is going to be more or less the same as it was in the first phase of IPL 2021.
Virat Kohli is expected to open the innings with the talented Devdutt Paddikal. Their three overseas players which includes Glenn Maxwell, AB de Villiers and Rajat Patidar would then bat 3, 4 and 5 respectively. Their two spin all-rounder Shahbaz Ahmed and Washington Sundar would occupy the 6 and 7 spots as the two of them were decently impressive in IPL 2021 before it got postponed.
They can then play their seam all-rounders which comprise of Kyle Jamieson and Harshal Patel at 8 and 9 respectively. Their lead spinner Yuzvendra Chahal is a certainty in the XI and thus automatically finds himself a spot. Last but not the least, India’s rising star Siraj is another seamer who impressed one and all in the first half of IPL 2021 and thus, makes his way into the XI.
Predicted Playing XI:
Devdutt Padikkal, Virat Kohli (C), Glenn Maxwell, AB De Villiers (WK), Rajat Patidar, Shahbaz Ahmed, Washington Sundar, Kyle Jamieson, Harshal Patel, Yuzvendra Chahal, Mohammed Siraj
<h3>4) Sunrisers Hyderabad</h3>
<figure id="attachment_508246" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-508246" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-508246" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Sunrisers-Hyderabad-2.jpg" alt="Sunrisers Hyderabad" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-508246" class="wp-caption-text">Sunrisers Hyderabad. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
<a href="http://www.crictracker.com/t20/ipl-indian-premier-league/srh-sunrisers-hyderabad" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)</a> were languishing at the bottom of the points table of this season until it was untimely postponed. SRH still have a lot of unanswered questions as they would be looking to turn the tables and make an inspirational comeback. However, they would be without the services of their wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow and their all-rounder Jason Holder.
Their former skipper David Warner looks set to be SRH’s opener and accompanying him would be the Indian keeper Wriddhiman Saha. Manish Pandey and the newly appointed skipper of SRH Kane Williamson would bat at 3 and 4 respectively. Despite not being at their best during the initial matches of IPL 2021, Vijay Shankar and Abdul Samad look set to feature in the XI.
As SRH are without the services of Holder and Mitchell Marsh (who was later replaced by the English opener Jason Roy) SRH have no other option but to play their spin all-rounder Nabi at 7. His fellow Afghanistan spin all-rounder Rashid Khan is expected to bat at 8. Their pace attack consisting of only Indian seamers include Bhuvneshwar Kumar, T Natarajan and Sandeep Sharma.
Predicted Playing XI:
David Warner, Wriddhiman Saha (WK), Manish Pandey, Kane Williamson (C), Vijay Shankar, Abdul Samad, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, T Natrajan, Sandeep Sharma.
<h3>5) Kolkata Knight Riders</h3>
<figure id="attachment_510118" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-510118" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-510118" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Kolkata-Knight-Riders-2.jpg" alt="Kolkata Knight Riders" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-510118" class="wp-caption-text">Kolkata Knight Riders. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
Like SRH, even the <a href="http://www.crictracker.com/t20/ipl-indian-premier-league/kkr-kolkata-knight-riders" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)</a> were struggling in this season. They would need a miracle to see themselves in the top 4. They are going to miss the services of their key players for the first match such as Shakib Al Hasan, Sunil Narine, Andre Russell and Pat Cummins. It is believed that Cummins has opted out of the rest of IPL 2021.
In what comes as another big blow, their captain Eoin Morgan will also be unavailable as none of the English players are expected to play the phase II of IPL 2021. Thus, The Kiwi batsman Tim Seifert would accompany Shubman Gill at the top of the order. Nitish Rana and Rahul Tripathi would bat at 3 and 4 respectively. Gurkeerat Singh Mann would then bat at 5.
Their former captain and current keeper Dinesh Karthik might lead them again as well as don the gloves. The hard-hitting all-rounder from Australia Ben Cutting finally finds a spot in the XI and will bat at 7 for KKR. Their bowling unit would then consist of two Indian pacers which includes Kamlesh Nagarkoti and Prasidh Krishna and an Indian spinner in the form of Varun Chakravarthy. The express pace of Lockie Ferguson would prove to be handy for KKR and thus, he too would find a spot in the XI.
Predicted Playing XI:
Shubman Gill, Tim Seifert, Nitish Rana, Rahul Tripathi, Gurkeerat Singh Mann, Dinesh Karthik (C and WK), Ben Cutting, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Varun Chakravarthy, Lockie Ferguson, Prasidh Krishna
<h3>6) Delhi Capitals</h3>
<figure id="attachment_512535" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-512535" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-512535" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Delhi-Capitals.jpg" alt="Delhi Capitals" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-512535" class="wp-caption-text">Delhi Capitals. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
Arguably the best team of IPL 2021 as of now, <a href="http://www.crictracker.com/t20/ipl-indian-premier-league/dc-delhi-capitals" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Delhi Capitals (DC)</a> have all their bases covered. Irrespective of their players being available for them or not, their “Plan B” is superb to say the least. However, their regular skipper Shreyas Iyer wouldn’t be playing the remainder of this season even if he has fully recovered as DC have already replaced him and Iyer cannot come back until this season gets over.
Thus, Rishabh Pant would continue to lead this side and bat at 4. DC have one of the best opening pairs in the form of Shikhar Dhawan and Prithvi Shaw and hence, they need not worry about their opening combination. Aussie run machine Steve Smith would bat at 3 and he provides stability. His fellow Aussie mate Stoinis would bat after Pant. The talented lad Lalit Yadav would then bat at 6.
DC have the best spin all-rounder duo in the form of Axar Patel and Ravichandran Ashwin and thus, they can play them together in the XI at 7 and 8 respectively. KG Rabada has been their best pacer for the last couple of seasons and automatically walks into the XI. DC would then play their Indian pacers which include Ishant Sharma and Avesh Khan, who impressed all the cricket pundits before the season was postponed.
Predicted Playing XI:
Prithvi Shaw, Shikhar Dhawan, Steve Smith, Rishabh Pant (C and WK), Marcus Stoinis, Lalit Yadav, Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin, KG Rabada, Ishant Sharma, Avesh Khan
<h3>7) Rajasthan Royals</h3>
<figure id="attachment_512404" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-512404" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-512404" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Rajasthan-Royals.jpg" alt="Rajasthan Royals" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-512404" class="wp-caption-text">Rajasthan Royals. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
<a href="http://www.crictracker.com/t20/ipl-indian-premier-league/rr-rajasthan-royals" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rajasthan Royals</a> would be the most affected team due to the unavailability of English players. Three of their main overseas players were from England. Thus, they would have to manage with only the players they have in their squad.
Their top three would comprise Indian players. This includes Manan Vohra, Yashasvi Jaiswal and their skipper Sanju Samson. The Proteas middle order batsmen Rassie van der Dussen and David Miller would bat at 4 and 5 respectively. The two spin all-rounders Riyan Parag and Rahul Tewatia would then bat at 6 and 7 respectively.
The all-rounder Chris Morris will be in next. He was absolutely sensational in the first half of IPL 2021. The RR management would then play Jaydev Unadkat and the talented Chetan Sakariya who impressed one and all. Their fourth and final overseas player would be Gerald Coetzee, a young South African pacer.
Predicted Playing XI:
Yashasvi Jaiswal, Manan Vohra, Sanju Samson (C and WK), Rassie van der Dussen, David Miller, Riyan Parag, Rahul Tewatia, Chris Morris, Jaydev Unadkat, Gerald Coetzee, Chetan Sakariya
<h3>8) Punjab Kings</h3>
<figure id="attachment_511737" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-511737" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-511737" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Punjab-Kings-Team.jpg" alt="Punjab Kings Team" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-511737" class="wp-caption-text">Punjab Kings Team. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
More than the unavailability of English players, the unavailability of WI players for the initial matches is what is going to affect the Punjab Kings (PBKS). They will be without the services of the Universe Boss Chris Gayle and Nicholas Pooran for their first match of IPL 2021 in UAE. They won’t have the services of Dawid Malan and Chris Jordan for the rest of IPL 2021 as well.
Their regular openers consist of their skipper KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal who look all set to open the innings once again. The Aussie all-rounder Moises Henriques had played at 3 for SRH in the past and is not new to this role. Thus, he can be Punjab’s new number 3. Their middle order is going to consist of only Indian players and they consist of Deepak Hooda, Jalaj Saxena, Shahrukh Khan and Harpreet Brar.
Their pace attack looks strong as it with the likes of Jhye Richardson, Riley Meredith and Mohammed Shami. This also gives a chance to Richardson to justify his price tag. The talented leggie Ravi Bishnoi would then complete Punjab’s XI and be their lead spinner as well.
Predicted Playing XI:
KL Rahul(C and WK), Mayank Agarwal, Moises Henriques, Deepak Hooda, Jalaj Saxena, Shahrukh Khan, Harpreet Brar, Jhye Richardson, Riley Meredith, Mohammed Shami, Ravi Bishnoi

Last month, the 14th edition of the <a href="http://www.crictracker.com/t20/ipl-indian-premier-league" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Indian Premier League (IPL)</a> was postponed due to COVID cases inside the bubble. However, after a long wait, the BCCI has finally confirmed that the remainder of IPL 2021 will take place in September-October. It was also confirmed that the phase 2 of IPL 2021 would take place in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The biggest obstacle for all the IPL teams is the availability of their overseas players. No one has a clear idea as to which player will be available and which player would not. However, the ECB already confirmed that England players won&#8217;t participate in the remainder of IPL 2021.
As players from the West Indies (WI) would be busy playing the Caribbean Premiere League (CPL), their availability for the initial stages isn&#8217;t confirmed as well. Every team has to wisely select their playing XI according to the pitch conditions, availability of players and their desired team combinations.
<h3>Here we bring you the expected playing XIs of all teams for first few matches:</h3>
<h3>1) Chennai Super Kings</h3>
<figure id="attachment_510818" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-510818" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-510818" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Chennai-Super-Kings-5.jpg" alt="Chennai Super Kings" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-510818" class="wp-caption-text">Chennai Super Kings. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
The <a href="http://www.crictracker.com/t20/ipl-indian-premier-league/csk-chennai-super-kings" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chennai Super Kings (CSK)</a> are going to be one of the most affected teams due to the unavailability of the English players. They were heavily dependent on Moeen Ali and Sam Curran during the first half of IPL 2021. The 2018 champions won&#8217;t even have the services of their star all-rounder Dwayne Bravo for their first match of IPL 2021 in UAE.
However, their Indian core is strong and thus, their playing XI still looks good on paper. Faf and Gaikwad would open the innings for them like always. Raina, Rayudu, MS Dhoni and Jadeja would bat a position higher. This would force the CSK management to pick Gowtham in the XI.
Shardul Thakur and Deepak Chahar would be their Indian pacers and would bat at 8 and 9 respectively. CSK can then play the Proteas seamer Lungi Ngidi. Last but not the least, they can play Jason Behrendorff, who had replaced Josh Hazlewood in the first phase of IPL 2021.
Predicted Playing XI:
Ruturaj Gaikwad, Faf Du Plessis, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, MS Dhoni (C and WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Krishnappa Gowtham, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, Lungi Ngidi, Jason Behrendorff
<h3>2) Mumbai Indians</h3>
<figure id="attachment_512184" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-512184" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-512184" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Mumbai-Indians-Team-.jpg" alt="Mumbai Indians Team" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-512184" class="wp-caption-text">Mumbai Indians Team. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
It is safe to say that <a href="http://www.crictracker.com/t20/ipl-indian-premier-league/mi-mumbai-indians" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mumbai Indians (MI)</a> is one of the least affected sides due to the unavailability of English players. However, they will be missing the services of Kieron Pollard, who has been one of their best players for quite a while now.
MI would have their captain Rohit Sharma open with Quinton de Kock. Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan would bat at 3 and 4 for MI respectively. With the unavailability of Pollard atleast for the first match, MI have Neesham at their disposal, who happens to be a seam all-rounder and can bat at 5.
The Pandya brothers (Hardik and Krunal) can then bat at 6 and 7 respectively, which is also their regular batting positions for MI. Rahul Chahar, who was superb in the first phase of IPL 2021 will lead MI&#8217;s spin attack again. Last but not the least, their seam attack would comprise of their MVP Jasprit Bumrah, Trent Boult and Nathan Coulter-Nile.
Predicted Playing XI:
Rohit Sharma (C), Quinton De Kock (WK), Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, James Neesham, Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Rahul Chahar, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah
<h3>3) Royal Challengers Bangalore</h3>
<figure id="attachment_510486" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-510486" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-510486" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Royal-Challengers-Bangalore-9.jpg" alt="Royal Challengers Bangalore" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-510486" class="wp-caption-text">Royal Challengers Bangalore. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
The <a href="http://www.crictracker.com/t20/ipl-indian-premier-league/rcb-royal-challengers-bangalore" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)</a> is another team which wouldn&#8217;t be too much bothered about the unavailability of players from England and WI. They never even had any English or WI players at the first place. Thus, their playing XI is going to be more or less the same as it was in the first phase of IPL 2021.
Virat Kohli is expected to open the innings with the talented Devdutt Paddikal. Their three overseas players which includes Glenn Maxwell, AB de Villiers and Rajat Patidar would then bat 3, 4 and 5 respectively. Their two spin all-rounder Shahbaz Ahmed and Washington Sundar would occupy the 6 and 7 spots as the two of them were decently impressive in IPL 2021 before it got postponed.
They can then play their seam all-rounders which comprise of Kyle Jamieson and Harshal Patel at 8 and 9 respectively. Their lead spinner Yuzvendra Chahal is a certainty in the XI and thus automatically finds himself a spot. Last but not the least, India&#8217;s rising star Siraj is another seamer who impressed one and all in the first half of IPL 2021 and thus, makes his way into the XI.
Predicted Playing XI:
Devdutt Padikkal, Virat Kohli (C), Glenn Maxwell, AB De Villiers (WK), Rajat Patidar, Shahbaz Ahmed, Washington Sundar, Kyle Jamieson, Harshal Patel, Yuzvendra Chahal, Mohammed Siraj
<h3>4) Sunrisers Hyderabad</h3>
<figure id="attachment_508246" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-508246" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-508246" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Sunrisers-Hyderabad-2.jpg" alt="Sunrisers Hyderabad" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-508246" class="wp-caption-text">Sunrisers Hyderabad. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
<a href="http://www.crictracker.com/t20/ipl-indian-premier-league/srh-sunrisers-hyderabad" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)</a> were languishing at the bottom of the points table of this season until it was untimely postponed. SRH still have a lot of unanswered questions as they would be looking to turn the tables and make an inspirational comeback. However, they would be without the services of their wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow and their all-rounder Jason Holder.
Their former skipper David Warner looks set to be SRH&#8217;s opener and accompanying him would be the Indian keeper Wriddhiman Saha. Manish Pandey and the newly appointed skipper of SRH Kane Williamson would bat at 3 and 4 respectively. Despite not being at their best during the initial matches of IPL 2021, Vijay Shankar and Abdul Samad look set to feature in the XI.
As SRH are without the services of Holder and Mitchell Marsh (who was later replaced by the English opener Jason Roy) SRH have no other option but to play their spin all-rounder Nabi at 7. His fellow Afghanistan spin all-rounder Rashid Khan is expected to bat at 8. Their pace attack consisting of only Indian seamers include Bhuvneshwar Kumar, T Natarajan and Sandeep Sharma.
Predicted Playing XI:
David Warner, Wriddhiman Saha (WK), Manish Pandey, Kane Williamson (C), Vijay Shankar, Abdul Samad, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, T Natrajan, Sandeep Sharma.
<h3>5) Kolkata Knight Riders</h3>
<figure id="attachment_510118" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-510118" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-510118" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Kolkata-Knight-Riders-2.jpg" alt="Kolkata Knight Riders" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-510118" class="wp-caption-text">Kolkata Knight Riders. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
Like SRH, even the <a href="http://www.crictracker.com/t20/ipl-indian-premier-league/kkr-kolkata-knight-riders" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)</a> were struggling in this season. They would need a miracle to see themselves in the top 4. They are going to miss the services of their key players for the first match such as Shakib Al Hasan, Sunil Narine, Andre Russell and Pat Cummins. It is believed that Cummins has opted out of the rest of IPL 2021.
In what comes as another big blow, their captain Eoin Morgan will also be unavailable as none of the English players are expected to play the phase II of IPL 2021. Thus, The Kiwi batsman Tim Seifert would accompany Shubman Gill at the top of the order. Nitish Rana and Rahul Tripathi would bat at 3 and 4 respectively. Gurkeerat Singh Mann would then bat at 5.
Their former captain and current keeper Dinesh Karthik might lead them again as well as don the gloves. The hard-hitting all-rounder from Australia Ben Cutting finally finds a spot in the XI and will bat at 7 for KKR. Their bowling unit would then consist of two Indian pacers which includes Kamlesh Nagarkoti and Prasidh Krishna and an Indian spinner in the form of Varun Chakravarthy. The express pace of Lockie Ferguson would prove to be handy for KKR and thus, he too would find a spot in the XI.
Predicted Playing XI:
Shubman Gill, Tim Seifert, Nitish Rana, Rahul Tripathi, Gurkeerat Singh Mann, Dinesh Karthik (C and WK), Ben Cutting, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Varun Chakravarthy, Lockie Ferguson, Prasidh Krishna
<h3>6) Delhi Capitals</h3>
<figure id="attachment_512535" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-512535" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-512535" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Delhi-Capitals.jpg" alt="Delhi Capitals" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-512535" class="wp-caption-text">Delhi Capitals. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
Arguably the best team of IPL 2021 as of now, <a href="http://www.crictracker.com/t20/ipl-indian-premier-league/dc-delhi-capitals" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Delhi Capitals (DC)</a> have all their bases covered. Irrespective of their players being available for them or not, their &#8220;Plan B&#8221; is superb to say the least. However, their regular skipper Shreyas Iyer wouldn&#8217;t be playing the remainder of this season even if he has fully recovered as DC have already replaced him and Iyer cannot come back until this season gets over.
Thus, Rishabh Pant would continue to lead this side and bat at 4. DC have one of the best opening pairs in the form of Shikhar Dhawan and Prithvi Shaw and hence, they need not worry about their opening combination. Aussie run machine Steve Smith would bat at 3 and he provides stability. His fellow Aussie mate Stoinis would bat after Pant. The talented lad Lalit Yadav would then bat at 6.
DC have the best spin all-rounder duo in the form of Axar Patel and Ravichandran Ashwin and thus, they can play them together in the XI at 7 and 8 respectively. KG Rabada has been their best pacer for the last couple of seasons and automatically walks into the XI. DC would then play their Indian pacers which include Ishant Sharma and Avesh Khan, who impressed all the cricket pundits before the season was postponed.
Predicted Playing XI:
Prithvi Shaw, Shikhar Dhawan, Steve Smith, Rishabh Pant (C and WK), Marcus Stoinis, Lalit Yadav, Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin, KG Rabada, Ishant Sharma, Avesh Khan
<h3>7) Rajasthan Royals</h3>
<figure id="attachment_512404" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-512404" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-512404" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Rajasthan-Royals.jpg" alt="Rajasthan Royals" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-512404" class="wp-caption-text">Rajasthan Royals. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
<a href="http://www.crictracker.com/t20/ipl-indian-premier-league/rr-rajasthan-royals" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rajasthan Royals</a> would be the most affected team due to the unavailability of English players. Three of their main overseas players were from England. Thus, they would have to manage with only the players they have in their squad.
Their top three would comprise Indian players. This includes Manan Vohra, Yashasvi Jaiswal and their skipper Sanju Samson. The Proteas middle order batsmen Rassie van der Dussen and David Miller would bat at 4 and 5 respectively. The two spin all-rounders Riyan Parag and Rahul Tewatia would then bat at 6 and 7 respectively.
The all-rounder Chris Morris will be in next. He was absolutely sensational in the first half of IPL 2021. The RR management would then play Jaydev Unadkat and the talented Chetan Sakariya who impressed one and all. Their fourth and final overseas player would be Gerald Coetzee, a young South African pacer.
Predicted Playing XI:
Yashasvi Jaiswal, Manan Vohra, Sanju Samson (C and WK), Rassie van der Dussen, David Miller, Riyan Parag, Rahul Tewatia, Chris Morris, Jaydev Unadkat, Gerald Coetzee, Chetan Sakariya
<h3>8) Punjab Kings</h3>
<figure id="attachment_511737" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-511737" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-511737" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Punjab-Kings-Team.jpg" alt="Punjab Kings Team" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-511737" class="wp-caption-text">Punjab Kings Team. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
More than the unavailability of English players, the unavailability of WI players for the initial matches is what is going to affect the Punjab Kings (PBKS). They will be without the services of the Universe Boss Chris Gayle and Nicholas Pooran for their first match of IPL 2021 in UAE. They won&#8217;t have the services of Dawid Malan and Chris Jordan for the rest of IPL 2021 as well.
Their regular openers consist of their skipper KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal who look all set to open the innings once again. The Aussie all-rounder Moises Henriques had played at 3 for SRH in the past and is not new to this role. Thus, he can be Punjab&#8217;s new number 3. Their middle order is going to consist of only Indian players and they consist of Deepak Hooda, Jalaj Saxena, Shahrukh Khan and Harpreet Brar.
Their pace attack looks strong as it with the likes of Jhye Richardson, Riley Meredith and Mohammed Shami. This also gives a chance to Richardson to justify his price tag. The talented leggie Ravi Bishnoi would then complete Punjab&#8217;s XI and be their lead spinner as well.
Predicted Playing XI:
KL Rahul(C and WK), Mayank Agarwal, Moises Henriques, Deepak Hooda, Jalaj Saxena, Shahrukh Khan, Harpreet Brar, Jhye Richardson, Riley Meredith, Mohammed Shami, Ravi Bishnoi

Unavailability of players as of now has been considered while forming the XIs.

IPL 2021: Strongest playing XI of all teams for UAE leg

Here we bring you the playing XIs of all the teams in IPL 2021 for the first few matches when it resumes in the UAE.