The Indian T20 League 2021 has started in the best way possible with as many as four thrillers encountered in the first week already. While Virat Kohli’s Bangalore lead the points table with two wins at the moment, history is evident that the road ahead is topsy-turvy and full of uncertainty.
SportsAdda ambassador Brett Lee gives us his predictions in episode 2 of SportsAdda presents T20 Crazy, powered by Sportsbet.io, where the former Indian T20 League winner talks about what to expect in the upcoming week.
Punjab to hit more sixes than Chennai
Punjab pulled off a thrilling win against Rajasthan in their opening match of the season thanks to their batsmen who had done the job in that match. With KL Rahul scoring 91 runs in 50 balls and Deepak Hooda hitting 64 runs, Punjab have both their international and domestic guns firing this season.
Gayle's short cameo of 28-ball 40 meant Punjab had ended up hitting 13 sixes while batting first. And Lee sees the trend following against Chennai as well.
“I have got to pick Punjab because they have the firepower. I’m backing them,” he said.
Rohit Sharma to find form gradually
Though Mumbai have started to find their footing in the Indian T20 League 2021 already, the same couldn't be said about their skipper Rohit Sharma. While the opener was dismissed for just 19 runs against Bangalore in the first match, the 33-year-old gave his wicket away after a sedate start (43 off 32) against Kolkata which led to a batting collapse for the five-time champions.
Brett Lee added that the Indian opener will take his time to get into a groove. “I’d like to say yes but I’m thinking he was a little bit behind the timing last time.
“He is one of my favourite batsmen to watch, but I think he is going to take a few more games to find his natural form and get into the rhythm.”
Mohammed Siraj to dominate proceedings against Kolkata
Despite Andre Russell’s heroics against Mumbai in the last match, where the West Indies all-rounder returned with bowling figures of 5/15, Brett Lee feels that Mohammad Siraj will steal the show against Kolkata on Sunday.
While Siraj has managed just two wickets this season so far, conceding 47 runs in the process, Binga feels Kohli will use him well in the powerplay.
“To me, Bangalore will have the best bowler in the game. I am banking on Mohammed Siraj because he has got some really good pace. I know it is in Chennai, and the pace goes off towards the end, but he will be a good option with the new ball,” Lee pointed out.
Mumbai to beat Delhi
Both Mumbai and Delhi have won one and lost another in their opening two games. And while Mumbai’s win against Kolkata was an unlikely one, Rishabh Pant’s Delhi had run riot against Chennai in the first match.
However, when it comes to Chepauk, Brett Lee feels the five-time champions hold a massive advantage. When asked who was the favourite for next Tuesday’s clash, Lee said, “Very simple, Mumbai. They love playing in Chennai.”
To know more about SportsAdda ambassador Brett Lee’s take on week 1 of Indian T20 League 2021, Click here.
