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IPL 2021: BCCI Postpones Series Indefinitely With Immediate Effect

Rajeev Shukla, vice-president, BCCI while speaking to ANI stated that the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 has been postponed indefinitely. This decision came at a time when several players tested positive for COVID-19 despite the bio-bubble. As per recent media reports, Wriddhiman Saha from Sunrisers Hyderabad and Amit Mishra from Delhi Capitals also tested positive for COVID-19. 

IPL suspended for this season: Vice-President BCCI Rajeev Shukla to ANI#COVID19 pic.twitter.com/K6VBK0W0WA

— ANI (@ANI) May 4, 2021

IPL’s Governing Council (GC) had earlier proposed that the entire tournament series be shifted to the UAE, just a week before the event commenced on April 9th.

Before the BCCI suspended the entire series, Chennai Super Kings had communicated to the governing body that they will not be playing the match against Rajasthan Royals which was scheduled for May 5th. From CSK, chief executive, Kasi Viswanathan, bowling coach, L Balaji and a bus cleaner tested positive for COVID-19. Previously, two players from KKR, Varun Chakravarthy and Sandeep Warrier had also tested positive for coronavirus.

ALSO READ: Sandeep Warrier & Varun Chakravarthy From KKR Test Positive For COVID-19

A statement from the BCCI read, “We do not wish to compromise on the health and safety of our players, support staff and other participants who are involved in organizing the IPL. The decision to suspend the series was taken keeping the safety, health and well-being of all the stake-holders in mind.”

The statement further mentioned, “These are difficult times, especially for India. While we tried this initiative to cheer-up and bring positivity, it is imperative that the tournament is suspended and everyone gets to go back to their families and loved ones during such times. The BCCI will try everything in its power to arrange for a safe and secure passage to all the participants in IPL 2021.”

IPL was halfway through when it hit a roadblock with players testing positive for COVID-19. There were several ups and downs, a few stellar performances, intense gameplay, phenomenal catches and some disappointments too. All eyes were on the heavy duty players. While some made it big, some players proved to be utter duds. 

Points Table, Orange Cap, Purple Cap, And More

The orange cap has been awarded to Shikhar Dhawan from Delhi Capitals as he scored 380 runs in 8 matches. The purple cap is with Harshal Patel from RCB, who took 17 wickets in 7 matches. Lastly, the fair play award as of today belongs to Mumbai Indians who secured 30 points. As per the current ranking, Delhi Capitals have 12 points and are ruling the points table, followed by CSK in the second position and RCB in the third spot with 10 points.

Underperforming batsmen

Shubham Gill, Nitish Rana, Quinton de Kock, David Warner and Ruturaj Gaikwad were some of the openers with the lowest averages this season. As openers, they were expected to score high. Gill crossed the mark of 25 runs only twice.

Chris Gayle, KL Rahul and Ambati Rayudu were some of the performers who played well only in selective games. Mumbai Indians performed well. Who can forget that splendid batting by Kieron Pollard? Fans were on the edge of their seats (literally).

Bowling and Fielding

Harpreet Brar, Ravi Bishnoi and Sam Curran had several wickets in their pockets. Brar and Bishnoi bagged five wickets for a total of 36 runs from eight overs. On the contrary, Yuzvendra Chahal was the prime spinner of RCB for years but this season his bowling hardly earned him wickets. He leaked 41 runs against Mumbai Indians and went wicketless in two matches against Chennai Super Kings.

CSK’s Ravindra Jadeja, KL Rahul and Ravi Bishnoi stood out because of their fielding skills and exceptional catches.

Punjab and SRH replaced their captains

Eoin Morgan from KKR was the second high scorer last season but in the latest season he managed under 100 runs after seven innings. Morgan also bagged two ducks and only one other digit score.

KL Rahul from Punjab Kings had a team that excelled in batting but were struggling with their bowling. Just when the team had started playing well, Rahul had to undergo a surgery for appendicitis. Mayank Agarwal became interim captain.

Flying Back Home

Australian players, coaches and commentators who participated in the IPL 2021 will now have to take a detour from the Maldives before they land in Australia. While New Zealand recently lifted its travel ban and players who go back to their home country after the IPL will have to undergo a 14-day quarantine.

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