Picture Credit: BCCI/IPL
After the first half of IPL 2021 was suspended midway due to COVID-19 outbreak in the bio-bubble few months back, the second phase of the tournament is set to resume on September 19 in UAE. While few teams like Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings have already boarded their flights, the rest of the teams are expected to reach UAE in next 10 days.
There is so much buzz around the same with the tournament now less than a month away. To add on to the excitement, IPL have now launched the official trailer exclusively for the UAE-leg, featuring MS Dhoni. Notably, the CSK captain had also featured in broadcaster's campaign for first half of the season known as #IndiaKaApnaMantra, where captain cool had donned a monk avatar.
Dhoni lays a solid platform for second half of IPL 2021
However, the 40-year-old has surprised everyone once again with another new look for the trailer of second half of IPL 2021. With coloured hair and stylish clothes, Dhoni gives a hilarious introduction for UAE-leg, setting up the perfect platform for season to resume.
Reflecting on the fact that the action is set to resume after a break, he said, "Interval ke baad aayega doosre half ka toofaan." Mahi also talks about things to watch out for during the course of the tournament as he stated that there will be drama, suspense, climax, Gabbar (Shikhar Dhawan), Hitman (Rohit Sharma), Helicopter ka take-off (Dhoni's trademark shot), King (Virat Kohli), play-offs and super-overs.
Just like his batting, Dhoni finishes off the ad in style as he says, "Pehla half toh sirf jhaaki hai, IPL ke doosre half ka #AsliPictureAbhiBaakiHai."
Watch the video here:
IPL 2021 to resume on September 19
With 29 matches already done and dusted, there are 31 games remaining in the season which will be played across three venues in UAE - Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah. The 14th edition will resume with IPL's El Clasico as Mumbai Indians lock horns with Chennai Super Kings on September 19.
Notably, Delhi Capitals ended the first half as table toppers with 12 points in 8 matches. They are followed by Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore who have 10 points in 7 games. Mumbai Indians currently occupy the final play-off spot with 8 points in 7 matches.