Picture Credit: BCCI/IPL
The 2nd phase of IPL has been anticipated by many to get bigger and the stage has been set on fire. Recently, RCB strengthened their squad by roping in the likes of Wanindu Hasaranaga and Dushmantha Chameera post their good performances against India in the T20I series. Australian star Tim David is just another big addition to their armoury. Considering that the 2nd phase of IPL 2021 is in UAE, the addition of Hasaranga is expected to add great value for the Bengaluru-based franchise. With just 28 more days to go for the tournament, let us have a look at players who have special connection with number 28 in IPL.
Interesting facts which connects to number 28 in IPL:
28 - Nicholas Pooran smashed just 28 runs in the first phase of IPL 2021. His scores were 0 (1), 0 (2), 9 (8), 0 (0), 19 (19) & 0 (3).
Despite being a failure in 1st phase of IPL 2021, the value of Pooran cannot be diminished as he has been a terrific IPL performer in UAE. He has a strike rate of 169.71 in IPL at that venue. Pooran can take some form from his previous IPL performances in the gulf nation and can expect to have a good run in 2nd phase of IPL 2021.
28 - CSK opener Ruturaj Gaikwad averaged 28 with the bat in 1st phase of IPL 2021.
The young opener despite failing in the first 3 games of IPL 2021 has proved his potential in the next 3 matches. CSK team management's faith and backing on Gaikwad eventually paid good returns as he smashed 64 (42) vs KKR & 75 (44) vs SRH in two of their important victories. Recently, the youngster got an opportunity to make his T20I debut for India as well.
28 - Delhi Capitals batsman Shreyas Iyer has taken 28 catches in IPL as fielder.
Shreyas Iyer who was ruled out of IPL 2021 (Phase-1) will make a comeback into the side and he is likely to take captaincy duties from Rishabh Pant as well.
28 - Rohit Sharma had smashed 28 sixes in his inaugural IPL edition as captain in 2013.
28 sixes by Rohit Sharma were the highest by an Indian player in the edition. MI's success journey at the mega event started in 2013 and they won trophies in every alternate year till 2019. After that, they won the title again in 2020 under Rohit's captaincy to break the trend.