The Trilogy of Unfortunates

Indian Premier League has entertained millions of cricket lovers since its inception in 2008. Lying in South Asian region could be the uppermost reason behind huge impact of IPL in Nepal as well. Be it Shakti Gauchan being called by Rajasthan Royals for trial in 2012 or be it mouth-watering signing of Sandeep Lamichhane by Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) in 2018, we have been driven by its impact. Due to the outspread of Covid- 19, 12^th edition of IPL is commencing from September 19 in U.A.E so it's time you fasten your seat belt if you don't want to miss the fun.

Till this time we have seen 5 winners at IPL viz. Rajasthan Royals, Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, Mumbai Indians and Sunrisers Hyderabad. Among the current teams Delhi Capitals, Kings XI Punjab and Royal Challengers Bangalore have not lifted the trophy yet. Focusing on the players, rookie and possible strategies, let's look at the odds on how these three teams could amaze in the season.

 

Delhi Capitals (DC)

Delhi Capitals is one of that team who have had a dismal performance throughout all seasons of IPL. DC always had a tough time with not much differences on being led by Virender Sehwag back in days or Shreyas Iyer in recent season. From the current teams of IPL, DC is the only one who have never featured in the finals. This wounding stat in a way reflects the sufferings of DC.

DC have added some big names in their squad during the trade window and auction. They must be pleased with the incoming of proficient IPL players like Ajinkya Rahane and R.Ashwin. The batting lineup will highly rely on the players like Shreyas Iyer, Rishab Pant and left hand-right hand opening pair of Shikhar Dhawan and Prithivi Shaw. Australian wicket-keeper batsman Alex Carey and young West-Indian super hitter Shimron Hetmyer has to be major addition to the side in 2020. The bowling unit of DC features second highest wicket taker of IPL Amit Mishra, South African seam bowler Kagiso Rabada, lanky Indian bowler Ishant Sharma alongside mystery spinner of Nepal Sandeep Lamichhane.

Lamichhane had praiseworthy presence in the recently concluded Carribean Premier League (CPL). Lamichhane is expected to have a tough battle with the spinning duo of Ashwin and Mishra to make it into playing-XI. Let's hope he will prove his best whenever he has a chance.

Besides, they will need to fill and fix the vacancy of the released players, especially Chris Morris for his all-round role. Marcus Stoinis is one of DC's new signing who shall accompany Keemo Paul, Axar Patel for the bat and ball responsibilities

Kings XI Punjab (KXIP)

Due to the G.Maxwell's heroic season in 2014, KXIP almost clinched the title but ended as a runner up. Apart from qualifying for semis in inaugural season and aforementioned 2014 season, IPL has been a forgetful journey for KXIP. Leaving the woes on one side, what thrills me about KXIP is Christopher Henry Gayle, the "Universe Boss" as quoted by himself. It does not really matter how old he gets, he is the climax.  He surely is a definition of T20, isn't he? Lately, there are numerous questions raised about the ageing of Gayle and his inclusion in playing-XI. Due to this, he could be asked for the mentoring roles too.

Apart from Gayle, KXIP have been stimulated with the return of their onetime talisman Maxwell. No doubt that Maxwell still has unbelievable strength in his arms. The new skipper KL Rahul alongside Mayank Agarwal, Sarfaraz Khan and Nicholas Pooran are other batsmen on who KXIP would depend on. A noteworthy addition to the roster is batting all-rounder James Neesham from New Zealand. Mohammed Shami will be joined by a bowler with unorthodox celebration Sheldon Cotrell who has impressed in his last few games for West Indies which earned him a debut season at IPL. Afghan teenager Mujeeb Ur Rahman who took 16 wickets in CPL 2020 will look to continue the form with his off-break bowling. Sam Curran and Andrew Tye have departed from KXIP, however their biggest upset could be the exit of ex-captain R Ashwin. A sizeable Indian name all the time has a serious influence in the games of IPL, so KXIP should look forward to properly settle those gaps.

 

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)

The first image that comes to the mind talking about RCB is one of the best trio T20 Cricket could ever have i.e. Gayle, De Villiers and Kohli. Sad to say, RCB could not reach the summit even with these forces for a long span of 7 years from 2011 to 2018 (now that Gayle already left RCB in 2018). The current Indian captain Kohli has been an inseparable gem of RCB from the beginning but has not tasted the coveted success yet. RCB have lost on three finals although having a wonderful season. RCB always had an incredible batting lineup, while their bowling unit is blamed to be comparatively weaker.

RCB lied on bottom of the table last season. Will the 13^th season of IPL be a brand new story for them? The bowling needs to endure the parting of Colin de Grandhome and Tim Southee. To surprise, RCB have actually made some good transfer escorting in fast bowlers like Kane Richardson, Isuru Udana and old hand Dale Steyn. Given the opportunity to play, I believe Steyn still has the aura to be the centre of attraction. The spin department led by Yuzvendra Chahal can now collaborate with Aussie leg spinner Adan Zampa, the new recruit. RCB has also brought in a charismatic opening batsman Aaron Finch. Finch is master of the game and will definitely exhibit the essence of his inclusion. Furthermore, Chris Morris will join Moeen Ali as an all-rounder which gives RCB an alternative to choose between spin and seam bowling as the conditions demand. Like always, the hopes are massive on RCB because of their fierce squad, though it remains to see how they will rotate and use their diverse overseas options along with the Indian bunch.

EPL 2020/21, A Gaze

The big night for the English Premier League fans is finally here. Last season will be remembered for the dominance of Liverpool and effects of Covid-19. Liverpool had some astonishing run in the recent seasons with the Champions League triumph in 2018/19 and long awaited English Premiership this year (their 1^st title in the Premier League era). Every new season has a different story and EPL, as said to be one of the most competitive league in the world surely shall unfold beautiful footballing anecdotes again. The traditional top four: Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United have had tough contention with Leicester City, Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur etc. in the gone decade; Manchester City has totally outclassed the traditional superiority of EPL in this period. These teams will certainly surround the sphere of the upcoming league but it remains to see which one of them will be on the focal point throughout. We have witnessed several switch in the summer transfer. Summer transfer is actually what shapes the season’s prospects and clubs performances.

Manchester City-Lionel Messi saga heated the football more than anything a week back but that seems to have rested for now. The maiden premiership of Liverpool and Arsenal's heroic at the FA Cup final have been silenced too. The hot topic of this period undoubtedly has to be the transfer business being led by Chelsea. Chelsea have made some great inputs in their team including the likes of Timo Werner, Hakim Ziyech, Kai Havertz for offensive roles whereas Thiago Silva, Ben Chilwell, Malang Sarr for the defensive opt. They have spent more than 220 million Euros to land four players among six as Silva and Malang have arrived on free transfers. Chelsea's legend cum manager Frank Lampard looks quite pumped up with the solid transfer interactions.

Manchester United had a wonderful spell particularly after the resumption of coronavirus break, cementing their spot for the upcoming UCL. Portuguese attacking midfielder Bruno Fernandes made an instant impact for the club after his arrival in January. Martial, Marcus and Mason, the 3M of Manchester United finally seem to have found their proper responsibility and perform accordingly. This has to be the brightest delights for the red devils in recent past. Albeit they failed to capitalize on semifinals of FA cup, Europa League, League Cup in a single season, which is utterly disappointing.

Mikel Arteta, ex-Arsenal player turned boss is certainly motivated with the FA cup and Community Shield victory. Arsenal had a mediocre display not even making into qualifiers of Europa League. On one hand, eighth spot is frustrating for the gunners whereas on other hand they can entirely focus on national league. The incumbent captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has turned into gold following his two years of stay at the north-London club. Aubameyang unquestionably would be the vigorous force for Arteta and the team.

Both Aresnal and Manchester United coaches are struggling to fit into the void left by their legendary manager Arsene Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson respectively.

Leaving the Messi turmoil aside, Manchester City will be hit hard by the absence of their veteran playmaker cum Captain David Silva and German winger Leroy Sane in the 2020/21 season. Ferran Torres and Nathan Ake are the only mentionable name they have brought in till now; not to forget the fierce power-plays City can produce with the combo of De Bruyne, Aguero, Sterling et al. Peculiarly, De Bruyne has to be one of the supreme player of modern times, hats off to his unmatchable assisting ability and attacking attribute. The defending champion Liverpool looks certainly satisfied with their current squad. Why won't they be? The glory has returned to the Merseyside club which will definitely leave them elated for long. The other Merseyside club Everton will look forward to perform better after the reunification of their boss Carlo Ancelotti and '14 World Cup hero James Rodriguez.

It shall be interesting to see the tactics played by Jose Mourinho, the special one. Harry Kane has already returned from serious injury and will attempt to find his form back with Tottenham Hotspur. Likewise, the impact of South Korean national Son Hueng-min is still expected to be on the line for the club. It is hoped that Matt Doherty, a right-back departing from Wolves to Spurs will be a boon for the Premier League proven coach, Mourinho.

Leeds United, West Bromwich Albion and Fullham are the three clubs being promoted this season to EPL. Leeds United among them is the one most sought after club as they have returned to the top flight after a whooping period of 16 years. Leeds played exceptionally well in the championship to make it to the EPL, not to forget the managerial leadership of Marcelo Biesla in the process. Leeds share rivalry with few teams in the top flight. Moreover, the heftiness is anticipated when they face Manchester United on the 19^th of December.  

The transfer window closes on 5^th of October so we can still expect some hither and thither of the players till that period. The enthralling season shall entertain for the next ten months with the home and away fixtures. Unlike other leagues, the best part about Premier League has always been its unpredictability. The weekends will again be full of footballing joys and energies.