Picture Credit: BCCI/IPL/ECB
8:05 PM IST
Hold on to your breath. The moment is here. On to we start with our in-house expert & two former cricketers and our expert for this edition of Indian Premier League.
Welcome to the live blog of ‘SportsTiger presents Mid-Wicket Live’, the IPL 2021 curtain raiser event. After an extremely successful IPL in UAE last year amid the pandemic, the tournament is finally returning to the home country for the 14th edition. With just 1 day left for the exciting action to begin, SportsTiger’s host Mr. Vedant Sharma is here to have an intriguing discussion about the upcoming season with former cricketers Mr. Rajat Bhatia & Mr. Monty Panesar. Stay tuned as the event begins at IST 8:00 PM.
What is going to happen in IPL 2021? Let’s find out as the show begins.
8:08 PM IST
Reliving the key moments from the successful IPL 2020 which took place in UAE last year amid the pandemic.
From Tewatia’s 5 sixes to MS Dhoni’s ‘Definitely Not’ moment, the tournament certainly gave the fans a lot of incredible moments to remember. In the end, Mumbai Indians were the ultimate champions as they defeated Delhi Capitals by 5 wickets in the grand finale to win their 5th IPL title.
8:10 PM IST
Welcoming the first guest, former IPL all-rounder Mr. Rajat Bhatia. He has played for Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals), Kolkata Knight Riders and Rising Pune Supergiant from 2008 to 2017 in a scintillating IPL career. The 41-year-old has 71 wickets to his name in 95 appearances at an impressive economy rate of 7.40. The all-rounder played a crucial role in Kolkata Knight Riders' IPL title winning campaign in 2012.
8:12 PM IST
Welcoming the second guest, former England spinner Mr. Monty Panesar. He has played 50 Tests and 26 ODIs for the country and has a total of 191 international wickets (167: Tests & 24: ODIs) in his career. The left-arm spinner is still regarded as one of the best spinners in history of England cricket and is famously known for having Sachin Tendulkar as his maiden Test wicket.
8:14 PM IST
A big question - Can Chris Morris fill Jofra Archer’s shoes?
Rajat Bhatia: Chris Morris has a tendency to get injured. But, he would want to do well for Rajasthan Royals.
8:19 PM IST
The key talking point - Return of Mr. IPL Suresh Raina
Monty Panesar: I would love to see Moeen Ali opening the innings. It would help Raina from whom the fans will have a lot of expectations from him. The youngsters will have to step up for CSK in IPL 2021.
8:23 PM IST
Will it be MS Dhoni's last season?
Rajat Bhatia: MSD should keep playing until his fitness allows him to.
8:24 PM IST
Will skipper KL Rahul be able to play more freely this season?
Rajat Bhatia: KL Rahul should not be put under unnecessary pressure.
Monty Panesar: There are question marks over KL Rahul's captaincy.
8:28 PM IST
Who should partner Gill at the top?
Rajat Bhatia: When the situation is tensed, Eoin Morgan can keep his cool.
Monty Panesar: Sunil Narine and Nitish Rana could be the possible openers for KKR. He also added that Eoin Morgan is the best T20 captain in the world and can take KKR to play-offs this season. Eoin Morgan can be next 'Dada' of Kolkata.
8:32 PM IST
The next question comes for Virat Kohli's RCB?
Can the expensive duo of Maxwell and Kyle live up to the expectations?
Monty Panesar feels that this might be the last chance for Maxwell. "He needs to win games for RCB in IPL 2021," added Panesar.
8:36 PM IST
Preferable 2 overseas players in playing XI apart from David Warner and Rashid Khan in SRH
Monty Panesar: SRH lacks one overseas fast bowler.
However, in the spinning conditions, SRH can qualify for the play-offs this season, feels Monty.
8:40 PM IST
Rajat Bhatia said that domestic players are the strength of SRH.
8:42 PM IST
Is it going to be Prithvi Shaw’s season?
Monty Panesar: Ricky Ponting is the perfect example for Prithvi Shaw to learn from. I want Prithvi Shaw to score more than 400-500 runs this season.
8:45 PM IST
What to expect from Pant, the captain?
Rajat Bhatia: Don't expect too much from Rishabh Pant. Let him play freely. Rishabh Pant can lead the Delhi Capitals to IPL title this season.
8:49 PM IST
Talking points from 5-time champions Mumbai Indians
Monty Panesar: Rohit Sharma's fitness will be crucial for MI this season.
He also added, "Eagerly waiting to see Arjun Tendulkar play atleast 1-2 games this season."
8:52 PM IST
What to expect from IPL 2021?
Monty Panesar: MI, CSK, RCB and DC will go through to the play-offs. It will be the season to look up to.
Rajat Bhatia: I just hope that IPL can go on smoothly amid the ongoing pandemic.
"I want RCB to become champions in IPL 2021," former KKR cricketer quoted. "Would love to see Virat Kohli lifting the trophy before the T20 World Cup later this year."
8:55 PM IST
Thank you for joining us in this live chat with our experts Rajat Bhatia & Monty Panesar. Join us daily during match hours at SportsTiger. Till then Stay home, stay safe!