Indian Premier League 2021 is all set to begin on April 9 with the clash between Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore in Chennai as the governing council of the tournament released the schedule on Sunday. The tournament will be played across six cities with knockout rounds in the newly built Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Bengaluru, Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmedabad, and Chennai will be hosting league games.
Punjab Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Rajasthan Royals had reportedly raised concerns about the plan to hold games across five mentioned cities. However, BCCI and IPL governing body have made sure that no team plays at their home venue throughout the group stages to make sure that there is a good competitive edge to the tournament.
There will be a total of 11 double headers in IPL 2021. Six teams will play three afternoon matches & two teams will play two afternoon matches. The final is scheduled to take place in Ahmedabad on May 30, 2021. Ahead of the start of the tournament, here are three set of mouth-watering games in the tournament.
Clashes between Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians
The two best teams of IPL 2020 still have the most complete squads in the tournament. Both of them have made some clever buys during the mini-auction in February. The rivalry between two cities will add more spice to both games.
April 20, 2021- Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians, Venue- Chennai
May 23, 2021- Mumbai Indians vs Delhi Capitals, Venue- Kolkata
Clashes between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Kolkata Knight Riders
Kolkata and Bangalore have been involved in some tasty encounters ever since playing in the first game of the inaugural edition of IPL in 2009. RCB has been on the receiving end in some games, including the lowest score of IPL with 49. However, Bangalore had a strong tournament last year, while KKR failed to make knockout rounds. With some intriguing buys during the auction for both teams, these two games have the potential to deliver IPL classics.
April 18, 2021- Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Kolkata Knight Riders, Venue- Chennai
May 3, 2021- Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bangalore, Venue- Ahmedabad
Clashes between two most successful IPL franchises
After a torrid IPL 2020, Chennai has bolstered the squad during the auction. They have been one of the most consistent teams over the years, so a strong response is expected from MS Dhoni-led CSK. Mumbai has been the big rival for CSK when it comes to IPL trophies. The two encounters between these two sides will no doubt have high entertainment value along with fierce competitiveness.
May 1, 2021- Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings, Venue- Delhi
May 16, 2020- Chennai Super Kings vs Mumbai Indians, Venue- Bengaluru