IPL 2021: Will this year’s Tournament be one for the batters or the bowlers?

Published on: Apr 01, 2021

With the IPL 2021 all set to get underway shortly, the question on everyone’s lips will be - Will this year’s Tournament be one for batters or bowlers?

With the pitches most likely to be assisting the batters and the audience can expecting big totals, we would suggest, along with the odds at 11ic, IPL2021 (11ic, a Philippines-based online gaming and entertainment company founded on July 29, 2015), that it will be batters’ Tournament and here are five of the top batsmen to look out for in IPL 2021.

1. Prithvi Shaw (Delhi Capitals):

One of the most promising young talents in India, Prithvi Shaw has been retained by Delhi Capitals for IPL 2021. Prithvi Shaw had an unforgettable Vijay Hazare Trophy as he amassed 827 runs in 8 matches at an astonishing average of 165.40. He scored runs for Mumbai at important occasions and played a vital role in winning the championship for his team. He is in sublime form and Delhi Capitals must consider themselves lucky for retaining Shaw for IPL 2021. Prithvi Shaw’s IPL record is nothing short of spectacular as he has scored 826 runs in 36 matches at an average of 21.73 and a strike rate of 139.76. He will be vested with the responsibility to open the innings with Shikhar Dhawan and provide a thrilling start to Delhi Capitals.

2. Mohammed Azharuddeen (Royal Challengers Bangalore):

Having been bought by Royal Challengers Bangalore at a base price of 20 Lakh INR, Mohammed Azharuddeen is supposed to play a key role in their IPL 2021 campaign. Azharuddeen played for Kerala in the Mushtaq Ali Trophy and smashed 214 runs in 5 matches at an average of 53.50. His healthy strike rate of 194.54 throughout the tournament turned many eye balls. He is known for his striking ability as he mounted 15 sixes in the Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Virat Kohli may use him at the top of the order to take Bangalore off to a flier. He will certainly be one of the top batsmen to look out for in IPL 2021.

3. Dawid Malan (Punjab Kings):

Dawid Malan has been picked by Punjab Kings at a base price of 1.5 crore INR. The top ranked T20I batsman in the world, Dawid Malan has a lot to offer to the Kings at the top of the order. He has amassed 1003 runs in 24 T20I matches at an average of 50.15. Malan did not take long to claim the top position in the ICC T20I rankings. He has won many matches for England single-handedly and is expected to deliver the same for Punjab Kings. He will join Mayank Agarwal and KL Rahul at the top of the order and provide stability to the lineup. Malan is very much capable of hitting the long ball while valuing is wicket against the opposition. These skills have propelled him into a complete batsman. He will be one batsman to look out for in the upcoming edition of IPL 2021.

4. Jonny Bairstow (Sunrisers Hyderabad):

Johnny Bairstow produced heroic performances in the recently concluded bilateral series against India. Although England could not come over the line in the final match, everyone noticed Johnny Bairstow’s ability to caress the ball to all parts of the ground with ease. When he gets going, he is simply impossible to stop. He has a phenomenal career record in IPL as he has scored 790 runs in 21 matches at an average of 41.57 and a strike rate of 142.34. Johnny Bairstow will open the batting for Sunrisers Hyderabad along with David Warner. Both will be expected to provide quick start at the top of the order and take the game away from the opposition.

5. Nicholas Pooran (Punjab Kings):

In the last 2 years, Nicholas Pooran has defied all the odds to emerge at the top. He is a classy left handed batsman who can take the game away from opposition from tricky situations. After playing spectacular knocks in BBL10, Abu Dhabi T10 and CG Insurance Super 50 Cup, he is predicted to entertain one and many in IPL10. His IPL stats are quite impressive with 521 runs to his name in 21 matches at an unbelievable strike rate of 165.39. He has been applauded by the likes of Yuvraj Singh and Chris Gayle at various occasions. Nicholas Pooran is now an indispensable part of the Punjab Kings unit and a lot will be expected from him in the upcoming IPL 2021.