IPL 2020 PREVIEW: CAN ANYONE STOP C S K AND MUMBAI INDIANS?

MS Dhoni-led CSK also had an impressive run in the UAE in 2014, winning four and losing just one...

- RENIN WILBEN

The 2020 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) will be held in the UAE from September 19 to November 10, owing to the Coronavirus pandemic wreaking havoc in India. The tournament was partly held in the Middle East back in 2014 when the General Elections were held in India. The teams now return to the UAE for a complete edition. Here’s a look at how all the eight teams stack up, their record in the UAE, and what to expect this time.

KINGS XI PUNJAB

KXIP had an amazing run in the UAE in 2014, winning all the five matches they played with some convincing efforts. Glenn Maxwell was the standout performer with three stunning fifties. They ended up making the final but went down to a strong Kolkata Knight Riders despite posting an impressive 199 batting first. Punjab haven’t come close to repeating their 2014 effort. Last season, they finished a disappointing sixth. This season, they will be led by KL Rahul, who was in the scintillating form prior to the pandemic. They also have Maxwell back in their ranks. Punjab’s weak bowling though could be their undoing.

CHENNAI SUPER KINGS

MS Dhoni-led CSK also had an impressive run in the UAE in 2014, winning four and losing just one. They reached the play-offs but went down to the in-form Punjab in the second qualifier. Like every season, Chennai had an impressive run last year as well and came close to capturing the title, going down to Mumbai by one run in a pulsating final. CSK are often referred to as Daddy’s Army, but it has proved to be their greatest strength. Veteran Shane Watson’s stupendous 80 in the final, and Imran Tahir’s purple cap winning effort of 26 wickets are testimony to the same. Whether they can stretch their success with the same strategy remains to be seen.