How will we remember the coronavirus pandemic? Surely, as a source of great hardships but in the larger scheme of things, the virus was a pivot. It didn't just change our lives. It turned it upside down.

We realised that home can be work and work can be home. Same for schools. Our mobile phones became the rudders of our life, our source of entertainment and our source of livelihood. &nbsp;

The pandemic taught us that meet and greet is over-rated. Is isolation any better? Not really, but the pandemic made us more flexible. More open to changes. They say the post-pandemic world will be different.&nbsp;

For us, yes. Things will be a lot different but what about the power brokers of our world?&nbsp;The politicians, the spiritual gurus, the athletes, etc. Will things truly change for them?&nbsp;

In most countries, politicians were first in line for the vaccines. The virus tested leaders and their credentials. What would their message be? How quickly would they act?&nbsp; 
&nbsp;&nbsp; 
Some leaders simply did not have the answers and they were promptly voted out. There's one underway in Peru and this is the scene at polling booths. Massive crowds turned up because voting is mandatory there. Every citizen must vote. Co-morbidities and life-threatening conditions are not entertained as excuses. What a great sense of civic duty? Contrast that with Peru's pandemic response: 55,000 reported deaths and a health system in complete collapse. &nbsp;

Eighteen presidential hopefuls were in the fray and six of them ended up getting the virus. Maybe, these public rallies had something to do with that. Lockdowns for people, but rallies for politicians. &nbsp;

And it's not just Peru, it is election season in India as well. Every single political party has staged public rallies. Thousands of people attended these, right in the middle of a second wave. Elections are important, nobody is denying that but campaigning must be responsibly done. &nbsp;Right now, everybody seems happy working from home, except the politicians. &nbsp;

Keep the mask on, say the courts, even if you're alone in a car, because your car is a public space. No such rules for election campaigns, clearly.&nbsp;

Our second talking point is religion. It's given solace to millions in these tough times but it has also given us difficult scenes.

In Kumbh Mela at Haridwar, nearly a million devotees are there.&nbsp;All of them are heading to the banks of the Ganga. Taking a dip in the river during this time is considered auspicious but there are concerns. &nbsp;

And looking at these pictures, it is clear what those concerns are: no masks, no social distancing and one common body of water. It is a guaranteed super-spreader. Right now, India is hosting the biggest T20 league in the world, the Indian Premier League. It is being played behind closed doors. Only a handful of stadiums are hosting matches and even with such strict measures, a few players have got the virus. What if this cluster expands?&nbsp;

Remember, it's not just the players inside bio-bubbles, there is a huge support team, such as umpires, ground staff, broadcasters, etc. Just last week, 14 members of the broadcast team tested positive. So, here's the question? Is the IPL essential?&nbsp; 
&nbsp;&nbsp; 
Depends on how you look at it. For the sponsors and the cricketing board, yes but in the middle of a second wave, the risks are just too high. Not just cricket, club football, basketball, baseball and others have returned. Some with limited audience. There's a reason they call it a bio-bubble. It is not iron clad. One let-up and we could have a full-blown crisis in Indian cricket. So, what's the solution here?&nbsp;

It's simple rule of law. What happened in Norway recently? The prime minister was fined more than 2,000 dollars. Because she hosted a birthday party that violated virus controls. The PM apologised and agreed to pay the fine.&nbsp;

This spirit must be replicated everywhere. Politicians must be held accountable for their massive rallies. Sports administrators must answer for staging these massive leagues. The virus infects without discrimination. So, our response too must be sans blinkers.&nbsp;

How will we remember the coronavirus pandemic? Surely, as a source of great hardships but in the larger scheme of things, the virus was a pivot. It didn't just change our lives.

How will we remember the coronavirus pandemic? Surely, as a source of great hardships but in the larger scheme of things, the virus was a pivot. It didn't just change our lives. It turned it upside down. We realised that home can be work and work can be home. Same for schools. Our mobile phones became the rudders of our life, our source of entertainment and our source of livelihood. The pandemic taught us that meet and greet is over-rated. Is isolation any better? Not really, but the pandemic made us more flexible. More open to changes. They say the post-pandemic world will be different. For us, yes. Things will be a lot different but what about the power brokers of our world? The politicians, the spiritual gurus, the athletes, etc. Will things truly change for them? In most countries, politicians were first in line for the vaccines. The virus tested leaders and their credentials. What would their message be? How quickly would they act? Some leaders simply did not have the answers and they were promptly voted out. There's one underway in Peru and this is the scene at polling booths. Massive crowds turned up because voting is mandatory there. Every citizen must vote. Co-morbidities and life-threatening conditions are not entertained as excuses. What a great sense of civic duty? Contrast that with Peru's pandemic response: 55,000 reported deaths and a health system in complete collapse. Eighteen presidential hopefuls were in the fray and six of them ended up getting the virus. Maybe, these public rallies had something to do with that. Lockdowns for people, but rallies for politicians. And it's not just Peru, it is election season in India as well. Every single political party has staged public rallies. Thousands of people attended these, right in the middle of a second wave. Elections are important, nobody is denying that but campaigning must be responsibly done. Right now, everybody seems happy working from home, except the politicians. Keep the mask on, say the courts, even if you're alone in a car, because your car is a public space. No such rules for election campaigns, clearly. Our second talking point is religion. It's given solace to millions in these tough times but it has also given us difficult scenes. In Kumbh Mela at Haridwar, nearly a million devotees are there. All of them are heading to the banks of the Ganga. Taking a dip in the river during this time is considered auspicious but there are concerns. And looking at these pictures, it is clear what those concerns are: no masks, no social distancing and one common body of water. It is a guaranteed super-spreader. Right now, India is hosting the biggest T20 league in the world, the Indian Premier League. It is being played behind closed doors. Only a handful of stadiums are hosting matches and even with such strict measures, a few players have got the virus. What if this cluster expands? Remember, it's not just the players inside bio-bubbles, there is a huge support team, such as umpires, ground staff, broadcasters, etc. Just last week, 14 members of the broadcast team tested positive. So, here's the question? Is the IPL essential? Depends on how you look at it. For the sponsors and the cricketing board, yes but in the middle of a second wave, the risks are just too high. Not just cricket, club football, basketball, baseball and others have returned. Some with limited audience. There's a reason they call it a bio-bubble. It is not iron clad. One let-up and we could have a full-blown crisis in Indian cricket. So, what's the solution here? It's simple rule of law. What happened in Norway recently? The prime minister was fined more than 2,000 dollars. Because she hosted a birthday party that violated virus controls. The PM apologised and agreed to pay the fine. This spirit must be replicated everywhere. Politicians must be held accountable for their massive rallies. Sports administrators must answer for staging these massive leagues. The virus infects without discrimination. So, our response too must be sans blinkers.

Time to tread cautiously as Covid cases rise 

Rajasthan Royals' Director of Cricket Operations, Kumar Sangakkara talked about the match against Punjab Kings, Sanju Samson's century, Chetan Sakariya's dream debut and more.

Sanju Samson backed himself to finish the match vs PBKS: Kumar Sangakkara

Sunrisers Hyderabad coach Trevor Bayliss talks about the match against Kolkata Knight Riders, Kane Williamson's exclusion, Jonny Bairstow's batting position and SRH's failure to chase down the total vs KKR.

Kane Williamson will come into the calculation at some point: Trevor Bayliss

Kolkata Knight Riders captain Eoin Morgan talks about KKR's thumping win over Sunrisers Hyderabad, Nitish Rana's special knock, Andre Russell's fitness, Dinesh Karthik's batting position and more.

Dinesh Karthik is happy with his batting position: Eoin Morgan

Royal Challengers Bangalore all-rounder Harshal Patel became the first player to pick a five-wicket-haul against Mumbai Indians. After a man of the match performance, Harshal reflected on his performance and the win against the defending champions.

RCB's five-fer hero Harshal Patel reflects on win versus Mumbai Indians

Mumbai Indians batsman Chris Lynn talked about his Mumbai Indians debut, running captain Rohit Sharma out, Hardik Pandya's absence with the ball while reflecting on the defeat against RCB.

First match could be my last: Chris Lynn on his Mumbai Indians debut

After the end of Chennai Super Kings vs Delhi Capitals match in IPL 2021, CSK head coach Stephen Fleming talks about the match, conditions at Wankhede Stadium, Suresh Raina's half-century in comeback match and more.

IPL: Suresh Raina's half-century a positive sign for Chennai Super Kings- Stephen Fleming

IPL 2021-  Big knocks from Rana and Tripathi help KKR beat SRH

Kolkata Knight Riders beat Sunrisers Hyderabad by 10 runs in Match 3 of the Indian Premier League 2021 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.&nbsp;

Sunrisers Hyderabad won the toss and opted to bowl first. KKR openers, Shubman Gill and Nitish Rana provided a good start to the team. Nitish Rana and Shubman Gill put on 50 runs in the first six overs. Rana took on the aggressive role and he dispatched all the SRH bowlers for regular boundaries, while Gill played the second fiddle.

The decision to bring in Rashid Khan paid off instantly as he clean bowled Gill at 15 in the seventh over of the innings, ending the 53-run opening stand between Gill and Rana. Rahul Tripathi joined Rana, who smashed a half-century. Nitish Rana and Tripathi continued with their and they started the onslaught from the 11th over of the innings. Tripathi went on to register his half-century in the 15th over of the innings and KKR looked set for a big total after being 145/1 at the end of the 15th over.&nbsp;

However, SRH managed to stage a collapse. Dinesh Karthik's last-minute heroics powered Kolkata Knight Riders to 187.&nbsp;

Sunrisers, in return, lost their openers quickly. However, a 92-run partnership between Jonny Bairstow and Manish Pandey brought SRH back in the match. But the team lost its momentum after Bairstow's dismissal. Manish Pandey held on to the wicket till the last moment but it was not enough to take SunRisers Hyderabad over the line.&nbsp;

Nitish Rana's majestic knock earned him the Man of the Match title.&nbsp;

(Inputs from ANI)

Kolkata Knight Riders beat Sunrisers Hyderabad by 10 runs in Match 3 of the Indian Premier League 2021 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Sunrisers Hyderabad won the toss and opted to bowl first.

Kolkata Knight Riders beat Sunrisers Hyderabad by 10 runs in Match 3 of the Indian Premier League 2021 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Sunrisers Hyderabad won the toss and opted to bowl first. KKR openers, Shubman Gill and Nitish Rana provided a good start to the team. Nitish Rana and Shubman Gill put on 50 runs in the first six overs. Rana took on the aggressive role and he dispatched all the SRH bowlers for regular boundaries, while Gill played the second fiddle. The decision to bring in Rashid Khan paid off instantly as he clean bowled Gill at 15 in the seventh over of the innings, ending the 53-run opening stand between Gill and Rana. Rahul Tripathi joined Rana, who smashed a half-century. Nitish Rana and Tripathi continued with their and they started the onslaught from the 11th over of the innings. Tripathi went on to register his half-century in the 15th over of the innings and KKR looked set for a big total after being 145/1 at the end of the 15th over. However, SRH managed to stage a collapse. Dinesh Karthik's last-minute heroics powered Kolkata Knight Riders to 187. Sunrisers, in return, lost their openers quickly. However, a 92-run partnership between Jonny Bairstow and Manish Pandey brought SRH back in the match. But the team lost its momentum after Bairstow's dismissal. Manish Pandey held on to the wicket till the last moment but it was not enough to take SunRisers Hyderabad over the line. Nitish Rana's majestic knock earned him the Man of the Match title. (Inputs from ANI)

IPL 2021: Rana and Tripathi star as Kolkata Knight Riders beat SunRisers Hyderabad

Rajasthan Royal's wicketkeeper Jos Buttler lauded CSK skipper MS Dhoni to mark the beginning of wicketkeeping captains from India as there are four such captains in the ongoing Indian Premier League.&nbsp;

Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, and Sanju Samson lead Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings, and Rajasthan Royals respectively.&nbsp;

"I am sure MSD (Dhoni) has something to do with the sixth sense and breeding of wicketkeepers who can captain. He obviously has been a fantastic captain and there are lots of players who want to follow in his footsteps," Jos Buttler told PTI Bhasha.

"I think a wicketkeeper has a brilliant view of the game. That can add to your decision making as you can see first-hand how the wicket is behaving and the way bowlers are bowling," Buttler added.

Buttler went on to talk about his team ahead of their first match against Punjab Kings.&nbsp;

"We have lots of variety in the team this season with some world-class all-rounders like Ben Stokes and Chris Morris and a new captain. Sanju (Samson) is very exciting player and has a long affiliation with the franchise.

"He is a very calm person and likes to have fun. I am sure he would try and get across that to the team. There will be a lot of passion in his leadership," he said.

"I strongly believe Ben Stokes will be the X-factor for our team in this season," Buttler signed off.&nbsp;

Rajasthan Royal's wicketkeeper Jos Buttler lauded CSK skipper MS Dhoni to mark the beginning of wicketkeeping captains from India as there are four such captains in the ongoing Indian Premier League.

Rajasthan Royal's wicketkeeper Jos Buttler lauded CSK skipper MS Dhoni to mark the beginning of wicketkeeping captains from India as there are four such captains in the ongoing Indian Premier League. Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, and Sanju Samson lead Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings, and Rajasthan Royals respectively. "I am sure MSD (Dhoni) has something to do with the sixth sense and breeding of wicketkeepers who can captain. He obviously has been a fantastic captain and there are lots of players who want to follow in his footsteps," Jos Buttler told PTI Bhasha. "I think a wicketkeeper has a brilliant view of the game. That can add to your decision making as you can see first-hand how the wicket is behaving and the way bowlers are bowling," Buttler added. Buttler went on to talk about his team ahead of their first match against Punjab Kings. "We have lots of variety in the team this season with some world-class all-rounders like Ben Stokes and Chris Morris and a new captain. Sanju (Samson) is very exciting player and has a long affiliation with the franchise. "He is a very calm person and likes to have fun. I am sure he would try and get across that to the team. There will be a lot of passion in his leadership," he said. "I strongly believe Ben Stokes will be the X-factor for our team in this season," Buttler signed off.

'I am sure MSD has something to do': Jos Buttler on rise of Indian wicketkeeper-captains

Delhi Capitals were off to a wonderful start as Dhawan and Shaw guided the team to a massive win against Chennai Super Kings in Match 2 of IPL 2021. This was Rishabh Pant's first-ever game as a captain for Delhi Capitals after Shreyas Iyer was ruled out from the tournament following a shoulder injury.&nbsp;

Speaking after the match, Shaw spoke about Pant's captaincy and described the youngster as a "fearless" leader.

"We really miss Shreyas Iyer, and he led the team very well. However, Rishabh Pant is very smart. He is fearless and enjoys the game. He's very entertaining on the field and is very cool and calm as a Captain. He's doing a fantastic job for the team," Pant was quoted as saying in a DC press release.

Delhi had a big chase ahead after Chennai set a target of 189 runs. However, openers Shikhar Dhawan and Prithvi Shaw gave the best possible start for the Capitals. The duo stitched a 138-run partnership.&nbsp;

Prithvi Shaw scored a brilliant 72 runs off 38 balls including nine 4s and three sixes.&nbsp;

Dhawan smashed 85 runs in 54 balls. He smashed 10 4s and two sixes and was adjudged the Man of the Match.

Both Dhawan and Shaw's half-century was enough to dampen CSK's confidence. Despite Shaw and Dhawan's dismissal, Delhi easily chased the big total.&nbsp;

Delhi Capitals were off to a wonderful start as Dhawan and Shaw guided the team to a massive win against Chennai Super Kings in Match 2 of IPL 2021. This was Rishabh Pant's first-ever game as a captain for Delhi Capitals after Shreyas Iyer was ruled out from the tournament following a shoulder injury.

Delhi Capitals were off to a wonderful start as Dhawan and Shaw guided the team to a massive win against Chennai Super Kings in Match 2 of IPL 2021. This was Rishabh Pant's first-ever game as a captain for Delhi Capitals after Shreyas Iyer was ruled out from the tournament following a shoulder injury. Speaking after the match, Shaw spoke about Pant's captaincy and described the youngster as a "fearless" leader. "We really miss Shreyas Iyer, and he led the team very well. However, Rishabh Pant is very smart. He is fearless and enjoys the game. He's very entertaining on the field and is very cool and calm as a Captain. He's doing a fantastic job for the team," Pant was quoted as saying in a DC press release. Delhi had a big chase ahead after Chennai set a target of 189 runs. However, openers Shikhar Dhawan and Prithvi Shaw gave the best possible start for the Capitals. The duo stitched a 138-run partnership. Prithvi Shaw scored a brilliant 72 runs off 38 balls including nine 4s and three sixes. Dhawan smashed 85 runs in 54 balls. He smashed 10 4s and two sixes and was adjudged the Man of the Match. Both Dhawan and Shaw's half-century was enough to dampen CSK's confidence. Despite Shaw and Dhawan's dismissal, Delhi easily chased the big total.

IPL 2021- 'Fearless': Prithvi Shaw lauds Rishabh Pant's captaincy after DC beat CSK

List of records SRH captain David Warner can achieve in IPL 2021

Kolkata Knight Riders will take on Sunrisers Hyderabad as both teams start their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 journey at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Sunday. The Chepauk hosted the IPL 2021 opener between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Mumbai Indians with the Virat Kohli-led outfit emerging victorious by two wickets. However, given it is a fresh pitch in Chennai, the pacers were in the game more than the spinners on Friday and the same is expected on Sunday.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/srh-vs-kkr-ipl-2021-ma-chidambaram-stadium-pitch-report-venue-stats-chennai-weather-forecast-all-you-need-to-know-376798" hreflang="en">SRH vs KKR, IPL 2021: MA Chidambaram Stadium pitch report, venue stats, Chennai weather forecast - All you need to know</a>

<h2>Where is the IPL 2021 match between SunRisers Hyderabad vs Kolkata Knight Riders&nbsp;taking place?</h2>

The IPL 2021 match between&nbsp;SunRisers Hyderabad vs Kolkata Knight Riders&nbsp;will take place at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

<h2>What time does the IPL 2021 match between SunRisers Hyderabad vs Kolkata Knight Riders begin?</h2>

The IPL 2021 match between&nbsp;SunRisers Hyderabad vs Kolkata Knight Riders&nbsp;begins at 7:30 PM IST&nbsp; on Sunday,&nbsp;April 11.

<h2>Where and how to watch live coverage of the IPL 2021 match between SunRisers Hyderabad vs Kolkata Knight Riders?</h2>

The IPL 2021 match between&nbsp;SunRisers Hyderabad vs Kolkata Knight Riders&nbsp;will be aired live on Star Sports channels - Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 HD, Star Sports 3 and Star Sports 3 HD. The online streaming of the IPL 2021 match between SRH&nbsp;vs KKR&nbsp;will be available on Hotstar.

Kolkata Knight Riders will take on Sunrisers Hyderabad as both teams start their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 journey at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Sunday.

Kolkata Knight Riders will take on Sunrisers Hyderabad as both teams start their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 journey at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Sunday. The Chepauk hosted the IPL 2021 opener between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Mumbai Indians with the Virat Kohli-led outfit emerging victorious by two wickets. However, given it is a fresh pitch in Chennai, the pacers were in the game more than the spinners on Friday and the same is expected on Sunday. ALSO READ: SRH vs KKR, IPL 2021: MA Chidambaram Stadium pitch report, venue stats, Chennai weather forecast - All you need to know Where is the IPL 2021 match between SunRisers Hyderabad vs Kolkata Knight Riders taking place? The IPL 2021 match between SunRisers Hyderabad vs Kolkata Knight Riders will take place at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. What time does the IPL 2021 match between SunRisers Hyderabad vs Kolkata Knight Riders begin? The IPL 2021 match between SunRisers Hyderabad vs Kolkata Knight Riders begins at 7:30 PM IST on Sunday, April 11. Where and how to watch live coverage of the IPL 2021 match between SunRisers Hyderabad vs Kolkata Knight Riders? The IPL 2021 match between SunRisers Hyderabad vs Kolkata Knight Riders will be aired live on Star Sports channels - Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 HD, Star Sports 3 and Star Sports 3 HD. The online streaming of the IPL 2021 match between SRH vs KKR will be available on Hotstar.

IPL 2021, SRH vs KKR, Live Streaming: When and where to watch SunRisers Hyderabad vs Kolkata Knight Riders?

IPL 2021- Dhawan and Shaw star as Delhi Capitals beat Chennai Super Kings

Royal Challengers Bangalore star AB de Villiers rescued the team and ended the season opener jinx for the franchise as they beat Mumbai Indians by two wickets at the Chepauk Stadium in Chennai.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/always-hurts-kkrs-shubman-gill-hopes-to-avoid-net-run-rate-trap-in-playoff-race-376655" hreflang="en">'Always hurts...': KKR's Shubman Gill hopes to avoid net run rate trap in playoff race</a>

West Indies batting legend Brian Lara was mighty impressed with ABD's knock and said that he was timeless.

“He is timeless. He has got the experience. IPL is the only form of cricket he is playing at the moment. I suppose he is keeping fit and ready for it. At this stage, when you lost Virat Kohli, RCB needed him to come good. He was explosive at the right time, he controls the game. He came in after Glenn Maxwell as well, he controlled the game and got them home,” Lara told Star Sports.

Royal Challengers Bangalore won the toss and decided to bowl first. Mumbai Indians got off to a steady start as openers Rohit Sharma and Chris Lynn smashed few boundaries. However, skipper Sharma departs after getting run-out after a tragic mixup.&nbsp;

Suryakumar Yadav came to bat and continued his sublime form. He along with Chris Lynn stitched a crucial 70-run partnership before Kyle Jamieson dismissed Yadav.&nbsp;

In pics:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/here-are-some-major-records-csk-skipper-ms-dhoni-can-shatter-in-ipl-2021-376648" hreflang="en">Here are some major records CSK skipper MS Dhoni can shatter in IPL 2021</a>

Lynn followed Yadav as he soon was dismissed by Sundar and was one run short of a half-century. He scored the most runs for Mumbai Indians in this match after scoring 49 runs off 35 balls (four 4s, three 6s).&nbsp;

After Lynn's dismissal, Pandya and Ishan Kishan tried stabilising the innings. However, Harshal Patel's fifer restricted Mumbai Indians to 159 runs. In the 20th over, Patel scalped three wickets and conceded in one run (one run out).&nbsp;

Harshal Patel became the first-ever bowler in Indian Premier League history to take a five-wicket haul against Mumbai Indians.&nbsp;

In return, RCB tried experimenting by sending Washington Sundar to open alongside Virat Kohli. However, the experiment failed as the all-rounder just scored 10 runs. Despite losing a couple of early wickets, Royal Challengers were off to a strong start. Maxwell and Virat's partnership was proving fatal for the Mumbai Indians.&nbsp;

But Jasprit Bumrah provided a much-needed breakthrough by dismissing skipper Kohli. Marco Jansen brought Mumbai back into the game after dismissing Glenn Maxwell and Shahbaz Ahmed in one over.&nbsp;

However, AB De Villiers stayed till the end and smashed 48 runs off 27 balls! Harshal Patel got the winning run and ended the season opener jinx for Royal Challengers Bangalore and take them on top of the IPL table. Harshal Patel was adjudged the Man of the Match.

Royal Challengers Bangalore star AB de Villiers rescued the team and ended the season opener jinx for the franchise as they beat Mumbai Indians by two wickets at the Chepauk Stadium in Chennai.

Royal Challengers Bangalore star AB de Villiers rescued the team and ended the season opener jinx for the franchise as they beat Mumbai Indians by two wickets at the Chepauk Stadium in Chennai. Also read: 'Always hurts...': KKR's Shubman Gill hopes to avoid net run rate trap in playoff race West Indies batting legend Brian Lara was mighty impressed with ABD's knock and said that he was timeless. “He is timeless. He has got the experience. IPL is the only form of cricket he is playing at the moment. I suppose he is keeping fit and ready for it. At this stage, when you lost Virat Kohli, RCB needed him to come good. He was explosive at the right time, he controls the game. He came in after Glenn Maxwell as well, he controlled the game and got them home,” Lara told Star Sports. Royal Challengers Bangalore won the toss and decided to bowl first. Mumbai Indians got off to a steady start as openers Rohit Sharma and Chris Lynn smashed few boundaries. However, skipper Sharma departs after getting run-out after a tragic mixup. Suryakumar Yadav came to bat and continued his sublime form. He along with Chris Lynn stitched a crucial 70-run partnership before Kyle Jamieson dismissed Yadav. In pics: Here are some major records CSK skipper MS Dhoni can shatter in IPL 2021 Lynn followed Yadav as he soon was dismissed by Sundar and was one run short of a half-century. He scored the most runs for Mumbai Indians in this match after scoring 49 runs off 35 balls (four 4s, three 6s). After Lynn's dismissal, Pandya and Ishan Kishan tried stabilising the innings. However, Harshal Patel's fifer restricted Mumbai Indians to 159 runs. In the 20th over, Patel scalped three wickets and conceded in one run (one run out). Harshal Patel became the first-ever bowler in Indian Premier League history to take a five-wicket haul against Mumbai Indians. In return, RCB tried experimenting by sending Washington Sundar to open alongside Virat Kohli. However, the experiment failed as the all-rounder just scored 10 runs. Despite losing a couple of early wickets, Royal Challengers were off to a strong start. Maxwell and Virat's partnership was proving fatal for the Mumbai Indians. But Jasprit Bumrah provided a much-needed breakthrough by dismissing skipper Kohli. Marco Jansen brought Mumbai back into the game after dismissing Glenn Maxwell and Shahbaz Ahmed in one over. However, AB De Villiers stayed till the end and smashed 48 runs off 27 balls! Harshal Patel got the winning run and ended the season opener jinx for Royal Challengers Bangalore and take them on top of the IPL table. Harshal Patel was adjudged the Man of the Match.

'Timeless': Brian Lara mighty impressed with ABD's knock in IPL opener

Here are some major records CSK skipper MS Dhoni can shatter in IPL 2021

IPL 2021- Harshal Patel and ABD shine as RCB beat Mumbai Indians in season opener

Royal Challengers Bangalore have won their first-ever season opener in the Indian Premier League after beating defending champions Mumbai Indians by two wickets at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

IN PICS:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ipl-2021-harshal-patel-and-abd-shine-as-rcb-beat-mumbai-indians-in-season-opener-376541" hreflang="en">IPL 2021- Harshal Patel and ABD shine as RCB beat Mumbai Indians in season opener</a>

Royal Challengers Bangalore won the toss and decided to bowl first. Mumbai Indians got off to a steady start as openers Rohit Sharma and Chris Lynn smashed few boundaries. However, skipper Sharma departs after getting run-out after a tragic mixup.&nbsp;

Suryakumar Yadav came to bat and continued his sublime form. He along with Chris Lynn stitched a crucial 70-run partnership before Kyle Jamieson dismissed Yadav.&nbsp;

Lynn followed Yadav as he soon was dismissed by Sundar and was one run short of a half-century. He scored the most runs for Mumbai Indians in this match after scoring 49 runs off 35 balls (four 4s, three 6s).&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/IPL2021-Live-Score-Mumbai-Indians-MI-Royal-Challengers-Bangalore-RCB-Chidambaram-Stadium-Chennai-Today-Live-match-updates" hreflang="en">IPL 2021, MI vs RCB, Highlights: RCB beat MI by two wickets</a>

After Lynn's dismissal, Pandya and Ishan Kishan tried stabilising the innings. However, Harshal Patel's fifer restricted Mumbai Indians to 159 runs. In the 20th over, Patel scalped three wickets and conceded in one run (one run out).&nbsp;

Harshal Patel became the first-ever bowler in Indian Premier League history to take a five-wicket haul against Mumbai Indians.&nbsp;

In return, RCB tried experimenting by sending Washington Sundar to open alongside Virat Kohli. However, the experiment failed as the all-rounder just scored 10 runs. Despite losing a couple of early wickets, Royal Challengers were off to a strong start. Maxwell and Virat's partnership was proving fatal for the Mumbai Indians.&nbsp;

But Jasprit Bumrah provided a much-needed breakthrough by dismissing skipper Kohli. Marco Jansen brought Mumbai back into the game after dismissing Glenn Maxwell and Shahbaz Ahmed in one over.&nbsp;

However, AB De Villiers stayed till the end and smashed 48 runs off 27 balls! Harshal Patel got the winning run and ended the season opener jinx for Royal Challengers Bangalore and take them on top of the IPL table. Harshal Patel was adjudged the Man of the Match.&nbsp;

Royal Challengers Bangalore have won their first-ever season opener in the Indian Premier League after beating defending champions Mumbai Indians by two wickets at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

Royal Challengers Bangalore have won their first-ever season opener in the Indian Premier League after beating defending champions Mumbai Indians by two wickets at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. IN PICS: IPL 2021- Harshal Patel and ABD shine as RCB beat Mumbai Indians in season opener Royal Challengers Bangalore won the toss and decided to bowl first. Mumbai Indians got off to a steady start as openers Rohit Sharma and Chris Lynn smashed few boundaries. However, skipper Sharma departs after getting run-out after a tragic mixup. Suryakumar Yadav came to bat and continued his sublime form. He along with Chris Lynn stitched a crucial 70-run partnership before Kyle Jamieson dismissed Yadav. Lynn followed Yadav as he soon was dismissed by Sundar and was one run short of a half-century. He scored the most runs for Mumbai Indians in this match after scoring 49 runs off 35 balls (four 4s, three 6s). ALSO READ: IPL 2021, MI vs RCB, Highlights: RCB beat MI by two wickets After Lynn's dismissal, Pandya and Ishan Kishan tried stabilising the innings. However, Harshal Patel's fifer restricted Mumbai Indians to 159 runs. In the 20th over, Patel scalped three wickets and conceded in one run (one run out). Harshal Patel became the first-ever bowler in Indian Premier League history to take a five-wicket haul against Mumbai Indians. In return, RCB tried experimenting by sending Washington Sundar to open alongside Virat Kohli. However, the experiment failed as the all-rounder just scored 10 runs. Despite losing a couple of early wickets, Royal Challengers were off to a strong start. Maxwell and Virat's partnership was proving fatal for the Mumbai Indians. But Jasprit Bumrah provided a much-needed breakthrough by dismissing skipper Kohli. Marco Jansen brought Mumbai back into the game after dismissing Glenn Maxwell and Shahbaz Ahmed in one over. However, AB De Villiers stayed till the end and smashed 48 runs off 27 balls! Harshal Patel got the winning run and ended the season opener jinx for Royal Challengers Bangalore and take them on top of the IPL table. Harshal Patel was adjudged the Man of the Match.

IPL 2021: Harshal's fifer and ABD's class star as Royal Challengers beat Mumbai Indians

Former Indian opener and Punjab Kings batting coach Wasim Jaffer is known for his memes and humour on Twitter. This time the former batsman trolled former England skipper Michael Vaughan for his prediction for IPL 2021 winner.&nbsp;

Former England captain Michael Vaughan had donned the predictor's hat and said that Mumbai Indians' led by Rohit Sharma will win the upcoming Indian Premier League.&nbsp;

However, he also said that if by chance the Mumbai Indians suffer ‘some bizarre loss of form’, then he feels David Warner's Sunrisers Hyderabad will win the title.&nbsp;

“Early #IPL2021 prediction ... @mipaltan will win it ... if by some bizarre loss of form then @SunRisers will win it ... #OnOn #India,” Vaughan tweeted on Wednesday.

Jaffer used a funny meme to reply to Vaughan. The meme showed that Englishman's prediction had jinxed MI and SRH's chances of winning IPL 2021.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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🤭 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2021?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2021</a> <a href="https://t.co/eVPAxQ9wVU">https://t.co/eVPAxQ9wVU</a> <a href="https://t.co/iWndv50zia">pic.twitter.com/iWndv50zia</a>
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) <a href="https://twitter.com/WasimJaffer14/status/1379762125350924295?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Vaughan has had some tough luck with his predictions as the former England captain had predicted Australia will whitewash India in the Test series, however, India came back from behind to win the series.&nbsp;

Mumbai Indians are currently competing against Royal Challengers in the season opener of IPL 2021.&nbsp;

Former Indian opener and Punjab Kings batting coach Wasim Jaffer is known for his memes and humour on Twitter. This time the former batsman trolled former England skipper Michael Vaughan for his prediction for IPL 2021 winner.

Former Indian opener and Punjab Kings batting coach Wasim Jaffer is known for his memes and humour on Twitter. This time the former batsman trolled former England skipper Michael Vaughan for his prediction for IPL 2021 winner. Former England captain Michael Vaughan had donned the predictor's hat and said that Mumbai Indians' led by Rohit Sharma will win the upcoming Indian Premier League. However, he also said that if by chance the Mumbai Indians suffer ‘some bizarre loss of form’, then he feels David Warner's Sunrisers Hyderabad will win the title. “Early #IPL2021 prediction ... @mipaltan will win it ... if by some bizarre loss of form then @SunRisers will win it ... #OnOn #India,” Vaughan tweeted on Wednesday. Jaffer used a funny meme to reply to Vaughan. The meme showed that Englishman's prediction had jinxed MI and SRH's chances of winning IPL 2021. 🤭 #IPL2021 https://t.co/eVPAxQ9wVU pic.twitter.com/iWndv50zia — Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) April 7, 2021 × Vaughan has had some tough luck with his predictions as the former England captain had predicted Australia will whitewash India in the Test series, however, India came back from behind to win the series. Mumbai Indians are currently competing against Royal Challengers in the season opener of IPL 2021.

IPL 2021- Wasim Jaffer hilariously trolls Michael Vaughan for his IPL prediction

South African wicketkeeper Quinton De Kock will be missing out on the season opener for Mumbai Indians against Royal Challengers Bangalore as he will be in mandatory 7-day isolation before joining the squad.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-will-there-be-opening-ceremony-ahead-of-tournament-opener-all-you-need-to-know-376291" hreflang="en">IPL 2021: Will there be opening ceremony ahead of tournament opener? - All you need to know</a>

In the absence of De Kock, skipper Rohit will have to play with a new opener. Ishan Kishan, however, could open with Sharma and fill the role of the wicketkeeper, here are three overseas players who could come in for the Proteas.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-mi-vs-rcb-chepauks-pitch-report-chennais-weather-prediction-and-venue-stats-all-you-need-to-know-376301" hreflang="en">IPL 2021, MI vs RCB: Chepauk's pitch report, Chennai's weather prediction and venue stats - All you need to know</a>

<h2>Chris Lynn</h2>

The Aussie opener is known for his six-hitting skills and is most likely to make it into the playing XI. Lynn was benched for the entire IPL 2020 season and will be raring to go to cement his place in the playing XI.&nbsp;

<h2>James Neesham</h2>

The all-rounder could find a place in the playing XI as he can contribute with both - bat and ball. And could provide support to Kieron Pollard.&nbsp;

<h2>Nathan Coulter-Nile</h2>

the pacer spearhead could find himself in the playing XI as an extra pacer along with Bumrah and Boult. However, it is difficult to say that the Aussie could find a place as the Chepauk is likely to assist spinners.

South African wicketkeeper Quinton De Kock will be missing out on the season opener for Mumbai Indians against Royal Challengers Bangalore as he will be in mandatory 7-day isolation before joining the squad.

South African wicketkeeper Quinton De Kock will be missing out on the season opener for Mumbai Indians against Royal Challengers Bangalore as he will be in mandatory 7-day isolation before joining the squad. ALSO READ: IPL 2021: Will there be opening ceremony ahead of tournament opener? - All you need to know In the absence of De Kock, skipper Rohit will have to play with a new opener. Ishan Kishan, however, could open with Sharma and fill the role of the wicketkeeper, here are three overseas players who could come in for the Proteas. ALSO READ: IPL 2021, MI vs RCB: Chepauk's pitch report, Chennai's weather prediction and venue stats - All you need to know Chris Lynn The Aussie opener is known for his six-hitting skills and is most likely to make it into the playing XI. Lynn was benched for the entire IPL 2020 season and will be raring to go to cement his place in the playing XI. James Neesham The all-rounder could find a place in the playing XI as he can contribute with both - bat and ball. And could provide support to Kieron Pollard. Nathan Coulter-Nile the pacer spearhead could find himself in the playing XI as an extra pacer along with Bumrah and Boult. However, it is difficult to say that the Aussie could find a place as the Chepauk is likely to assist spinners.

IPL 2021- From Chris Lynn to Neesham: Three overseas player who could replace De Kock against RCB

Mumbai Indians veteran Kieron Pollard is just two sixes away from becoming the sixth player in the Indian Premier League history to reach 200 sixes mark.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-mi-vs-rcb-chepauks-pitch-report-chennais-weather-prediction-and-venue-stats-all-you-need-to-know-376301" hreflang="en">IPL 2021, MI vs RCB: Chepauk's pitch report, Chennai's weather prediction and venue stats - All you need to know</a>

The West Indies star could enter the elite list in the season opener against RCB at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Friday.&nbsp;

Kieron Pollard has struck 198 sixes in 164 games. If he hits two more, he would take his total tally to 200.

If he achieves the feat, he will join Chris Gayle (349), AB de Villiers (235), MS Dhoni (216), Rohit Sharma (213), and Virat Kohli (201).

IN PICS:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/list-of-five-major-records-rcb-captain-virat-kohli-can-break-in-ipl-2021-375916" hreflang="en">List of five major records RCB captain Virat Kohli can break in IPL 2021</a>

Pollard has been one of the biggest stars in the Indian Premier League history and nears several records as he heads into the 2021 edition of the cash-rich T20 league.&nbsp;

Let's take look at them:

<ul>
	<li>Kieron Pollard is 4 fours away from completing 200 fours in IPL. Kieron Pollard is 22 fours away from completing 250 fours for Mumbai Indians across leagues (IPL and CLT20 combined). The West Indian is 25 fours away from completing 700 fours across T20s.</li>
	<li>The all-rounder is seven wickets away from completing 300 wickets across T20s. If he achieves it, he will become the fourth allrounder with the double of 300+ wickets and 5,000+ runs across T20s after Dwayne Bravo, Shakib Al Hasan, and Andre Russell.</li>
	<li>Pollard, known for taking iconic catches, is just 10 catches away from completing 100 catches in IPL.</li>
</ul>

Mumbai Indians veteran Kieron Pollard is just two sixes away from becoming the sixth player in the Indian Premier League history to reach 200 sixes mark. ALSO READ: IPL 2021, MI vs RCB: Chepauk's pitch report, Chennai's weather prediction and venue stats - All you need to know The West Indies star could enter the elite list in the season opener against RCB at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Friday.

Mumbai Indians veteran Kieron Pollard is just two sixes away from becoming the sixth player in the Indian Premier League history to reach 200 sixes mark. ALSO READ: IPL 2021, MI vs RCB: Chepauk's pitch report, Chennai's weather prediction and venue stats - All you need to know The West Indies star could enter the elite list in the season opener against RCB at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Friday. Kieron Pollard has struck 198 sixes in 164 games. If he hits two more, he would take his total tally to 200. If he achieves the feat, he will join Chris Gayle (349), AB de Villiers (235), MS Dhoni (216), Rohit Sharma (213), and Virat Kohli (201). IN PICS: List of five major records RCB captain Virat Kohli can break in IPL 2021 Pollard has been one of the biggest stars in the Indian Premier League history and nears several records as he heads into the 2021 edition of the cash-rich T20 league. Let's take look at them: Kieron Pollard is 4 fours away from completing 200 fours in IPL. Kieron Pollard is 22 fours away from completing 250 fours for Mumbai Indians across leagues (IPL and CLT20 combined). The West Indian is 25 fours away from completing 700 fours across T20s. The all-rounder is seven wickets away from completing 300 wickets across T20s. If he achieves it, he will become the fourth allrounder with the double of 300+ wickets and 5,000+ runs across T20s after Dwayne Bravo, Shakib Al Hasan, and Andre Russell. Pollard, known for taking iconic catches, is just 10 catches away from completing 100 catches in IPL.

IPL 2021: Mumbai Indians' Kieron Pollard two sixes away from entering an elite list

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is back in India with the 14th edition of the tournament set to roll on Friday.

While there is a massive buzz surrounding the cash-rich tournament among fans and cricket fraternity, IPL 2021 will witness a few tweaks amid challenging times.

From player changes to new guidelines, here are 10 things different in Indian Premier League 2021 ( IPL)

1. Length of innings

Strict guidelines have been issued to teams to finish their bowling innings in 90 minutes. Within this, there will be five minutes of strategic time-out. As a result, an innings will now last&nbsp;85 minutes. Otherwise, the match will have to be finished as per the overs bowled within this time. The move comes after many matches in previous editions were played beyond the permitted time.

2. Hour-long Super Over

It has been decided to extend the match for only an hour after the designated time ends. In the last IPL, a match ended in a tie even in the Super Over, which resulted in another Super Over. After the new regulations by the BCCI, Super Overs will have to be played within an hour of a tied match. If the winner is not decided within this hour, both teams taking part will claim one point each. The decision has been taken so that the games don't go beyond the stipulated time.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/show-must-go-on-how-will-bcci-pull-off-ipl-2021-the-second-tournament-in-the-pandemic-era-376252" hreflang="en">Show must go on: India awaits IPL 2021 amid COVID-19 pandemic worries</a>

3. Third umpire to watch short run&nbsp;

The duty of monitoring short run will now go to the third umpire. Rule 18 of the Laws of Cricket states that “a run is "short" if either, or both, batsmen fail to make good their ground -- cross the crease-- in turning for a further run. In IPL 2020, the on-field umpire mistakenly called a run by Chris Jordan short - which led to Kings XI Punjab - now Punjab Kings - losing the match by a narrow margin.

4. On-field umpire's soft signal scrapped

If an on-field umpire leaves a decision to the third umpire, he does not have to convey his own decision, known as a soft signal.&nbsp;Earlier, if the third umpire could not take a decision, the on-field umpire's decision was taken as final. That has now been scrapped. The move comes after controversy surrounding soft signal in the series between India and England, where skipper Virat Kohli had expressed his disappointment regarding the rule.

5. Who calls no-balls?

As per the updated IPL guidelines, the third umpire can overrule the no-ball decision made by the on-field umpire. The move comes to cut short human errors. Earlier, the third-umpire couldn't interfere in on-field no-ball calls.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/from-rabada-to-archer-key-players-set-to-miss-first-ipl-2021-match-of-their-teams-376238" hreflang="en">Key players set to miss first IPL 2021 match of their teams</a>

6. Name change

Punjab team has gone for a change of name and a refreshed brand presence. The XI is out from Kings XI Punjab, and it's now Punjab Kings. This is the first time in IPL history that the Punjab team has gone for a name change. It remains to be seen whether this will bring a change in fortune for the KL Rahul-led side.

7. Captain woes for Delhi Capitals

Shreyas Iyer, the captain of the Delhi Capitals, was ruled out of IPL 2021 due&nbsp;to a shoulder injury. Rishabh Pant has been named as the skipper in Iyer's absence. Interestingly, Pant had led Delhi's Ranji Trophy team, consisting of the likes of Gautam Gambhir, Nitish Rana, Navdeep Saini,&nbsp;to the final of the tournament in 2017.

8. Change of look

Most teams have new sponsors, and therefore, change in jersey.&nbsp;&nbsp;The overall design is also different for Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings while the likes of Royal Challengers Bangalore and Rajashtan Royals have gone for a fresh look. Even Chennai Super Kings added a bit of flair to their jersey by adding camouflage shoulder strips as a tribute to the Indian armed forces.

9. Injury issues

Rajasthan Royals pacer Jofra Archer is not playing, at least initially, due to injury. The English star had surgery on his finger recently. His absence is seen as weakening the bowling attack of the team. However, the speedster is expected to return in the second phase of IPL 2021.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/vvs-laxman-to-wion-delhi-capitals-captaincy-will-help-rishabh-pant-reach-his-potential-376136" hreflang="en">VVS Laxman to WION: DC captaincy will help Rishabh Pant</a>

10. No home venues

IPL 2021 will be played across six venues: Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkata, New Delhi, Bengaluru and Ahmedabad. No teams will be able to play matches at their home venue as BCCI didn't want to hand an unfair advantage to any team. While the first leg will start at Chennai and Mumbai, the tournament will shift to Bengaluru, Kolkata and New Delhi in the next phase. Ahmedabad is scheduled to host the playoffs and final of IPL 2021.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is back in India with the 14th edition of the tournament set to roll on Friday. While there is a massive buzz surrounding the cash-rich tournament among fans and cricket fraternity, IPL 2021 will witness a few tweaks amid challenging times.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is back in India with the 14th edition of the tournament set to roll on Friday. While there is a massive buzz surrounding the cash-rich tournament among fans and cricket fraternity, IPL 2021 will witness a few tweaks amid challenging times. From player changes to new guidelines, here are 10 things different in Indian Premier League 2021 ( IPL) 1. Length of innings Strict guidelines have been issued to teams to finish their bowling innings in 90 minutes. Within this, there will be five minutes of strategic time-out. As a result, an innings will now last 85 minutes. Otherwise, the match will have to be finished as per the overs bowled within this time. The move comes after many matches in previous editions were played beyond the permitted time. 2. Hour-long Super Over It has been decided to extend the match for only an hour after the designated time ends. In the last IPL, a match ended in a tie even in the Super Over, which resulted in another Super Over. After the new regulations by the BCCI, Super Overs will have to be played within an hour of a tied match. If the winner is not decided within this hour, both teams taking part will claim one point each. The decision has been taken so that the games don't go beyond the stipulated time. ALSO READ: Show must go on: India awaits IPL 2021 amid COVID-19 pandemic worries 3. Third umpire to watch short run The duty of monitoring short run will now go to the third umpire. Rule 18 of the Laws of Cricket states that “a run is "short" if either, or both, batsmen fail to make good their ground -- cross the crease-- in turning for a further run. In IPL 2020, the on-field umpire mistakenly called a run by Chris Jordan short - which led to Kings XI Punjab - now Punjab Kings - losing the match by a narrow margin. 4. On-field umpire's soft signal scrapped If an on-field umpire leaves a decision to the third umpire, he does not have to convey his own decision, known as a soft signal. Earlier, if the third umpire could not take a decision, the on-field umpire's decision was taken as final. That has now been scrapped. The move comes after controversy surrounding soft signal in the series between India and England, where skipper Virat Kohli had expressed his disappointment regarding the rule. 5. Who calls no-balls? As per the updated IPL guidelines, the third umpire can overrule the no-ball decision made by the on-field umpire. The move comes to cut short human errors. Earlier, the third-umpire couldn't interfere in on-field no-ball calls. ALSO READ: Key players set to miss first IPL 2021 match of their teams 6. Name change Punjab team has gone for a change of name and a refreshed brand presence. The XI is out from Kings XI Punjab, and it's now Punjab Kings. This is the first time in IPL history that the Punjab team has gone for a name change. It remains to be seen whether this will bring a change in fortune for the KL Rahul-led side. 7. Captain woes for Delhi Capitals Shreyas Iyer, the captain of the Delhi Capitals, was ruled out of IPL 2021 due to a shoulder injury. Rishabh Pant has been named as the skipper in Iyer's absence. Interestingly, Pant had led Delhi's Ranji Trophy team, consisting of the likes of Gautam Gambhir, Nitish Rana, Navdeep Saini, to the final of the tournament in 2017. 8. Change of look Most teams have new sponsors, and therefore, change in jersey. The overall design is also different for Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings while the likes of Royal Challengers Bangalore and Rajashtan Royals have gone for a fresh look. Even Chennai Super Kings added a bit of flair to their jersey by adding camouflage shoulder strips as a tribute to the Indian armed forces. 9. Injury issues Rajasthan Royals pacer Jofra Archer is not playing, at least initially, due to injury. The English star had surgery on his finger recently. His absence is seen as weakening the bowling attack of the team. However, the speedster is expected to return in the second phase of IPL 2021. ALSO READ: VVS Laxman to WION: DC captaincy will help Rishabh Pant 10. No home venues IPL 2021 will be played across six venues: Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkata, New Delhi, Bengaluru and Ahmedabad. No teams will be able to play matches at their home venue as BCCI didn't want to hand an unfair advantage to any team. While the first leg will start at Chennai and Mumbai, the tournament will shift to Bengaluru, Kolkata and New Delhi in the next phase. Ahmedabad is scheduled to host the playoffs and final of IPL 2021.

IPL 2021: What is new, what has changed, who is in, who is out? Ten things different this time

Indian Premier League is set to kick off with a blockbuster clash between Virat Kohli's Royal Challengers Bangalore and Rohit Sharma's Mumbai Indians at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.&nbsp;

IN PICS|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/list-of-five-major-records-rcb-captain-virat-kohli-can-break-in-ipl-2021-375916" hreflang="en">List of five major records RCB captain Virat Kohli can break in IPL 2021</a>

Mumbai Indians head into the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 as firm favourites to defend their title. Having won the IPL trophy a record five times, the Rohit Sharma-led outfit is looking stronger than ever and are likely to give major headaches to their opposition.

Mumbai Indians arguably have the most settled and power-packed squad among all IPL franchises.&nbsp;

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), on the other hand, have had a strong squad every season only to have witnessed their campaign derail each and every time. While in IPL 2020, RCB made a strong claim for their first IPL trophy, their season ended in the playoffs.

With an aim to break the title jinx, Virat Kohli-led RCB would take the field in IPL 2021 with some new and big-name faces in the squad.

Both teams have faced each other 27 times. With Mumbai Indians dominating the equation by 17 wins, whereas, Royal Challengers won 10 times.&nbsp;

<h2>Probable XI:&nbsp;</h2>

Royal Challengers Bangalore: Virat Kohli(c), Devdutt Padikkal, AB de Villiers(w), Glenn Maxwell, Mohammed Azharuddeen, Daniel Christian, Washington Sundar, Kyle Jamieson, Navdeep Saini, Mohammed Siraj

Mumbai Indians: Rohit Sharma(c), Ishan Kishan(w), Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Kieron Pollard, Krunal Pandya, James Neesham, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Rahul Chahar, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah

Indian Premier League is set to kick off with a blockbuster clash between Virat Kohli's Royal Challengers Bangalore and Rohit Sharma's Mumbai Indians at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

Indian Premier League is set to kick off with a blockbuster clash between Virat Kohli's Royal Challengers Bangalore and Rohit Sharma's Mumbai Indians at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. IN PICS| List of five major records RCB captain Virat Kohli can break in IPL 2021 Mumbai Indians head into the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 as firm favourites to defend their title. Having won the IPL trophy a record five times, the Rohit Sharma-led outfit is looking stronger than ever and are likely to give major headaches to their opposition. Mumbai Indians arguably have the most settled and power-packed squad among all IPL franchises. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), on the other hand, have had a strong squad every season only to have witnessed their campaign derail each and every time. While in IPL 2020, RCB made a strong claim for their first IPL trophy, their season ended in the playoffs. With an aim to break the title jinx, Virat Kohli-led RCB would take the field in IPL 2021 with some new and big-name faces in the squad. Both teams have faced each other 27 times. With Mumbai Indians dominating the equation by 17 wins, whereas, Royal Challengers won 10 times. Probable XI: Royal Challengers Bangalore: Virat Kohli(c), Devdutt Padikkal, AB de Villiers(w), Glenn Maxwell, Mohammed Azharuddeen, Daniel Christian, Washington Sundar, Kyle Jamieson, Navdeep Saini, Mohammed Siraj Mumbai Indians: Rohit Sharma(c), Ishan Kishan(w), Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Kieron Pollard, Krunal Pandya, James Neesham, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Rahul Chahar, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah

IPL 2021, MI vs RCB: Virat's Royal Challengers to lock horns with Rohit's Mumbai Indians

Former England captain Michael Vaughan donned the predictor's hat and feels that Mumbai Indians' led by Rohit Sharma will win the upcoming Indian Premier League.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-mumbai-indians-team-preview-a-dream-hat-trick-on-cards-for-rohit-sharma-and-co-375947" hreflang="en">IPL 2021, Mumbai Indians - Team Preview: A dream hat-trick on cards for Rohit Sharma and Co.?</a>

However, he also said that if by chance the Mumbai Indians suffer ‘some bizarre loss of form’, then he feels David Warner's Sunrisers Hyderabad will win the title.&nbsp;

“Early #IPL2021 prediction ... @mipaltan will win it ... if by some bizarre loss of form then @SunRisers will win it ... #OnOn #India,” Vaughan tweeted on Wednesday.

Mumbai Indians head into the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 as firm favourites to defend their title. Having won the IPL trophy a record five times, the Rohit Sharma-led outfit is looking stronger than ever and are likely to give major headaches to their opposition.

IN PICS|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/riley-meredith-shahrukh-khan-surprise-packages-who-can-take-ipl-2021-by-storm-375897" hreflang="en">Riley Meredith, Shahrukh Khan: Surprise packages who can take IPL 2021 by storm</a>

After having a flawless IPL 2020, Mumbai Indians made slight changes to their squad in the auction table and bolstered it with the likes of James Neesham, Piyush Chawla, Adam Milne among others.

Mumbai Indians arguably have the most settled and power-packed squad among all IPL franchises. Their move to invest in the likes of Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik and Krunal Pandya have worked wonders – which now makes their core team.&nbsp;

IN PICS|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/list-of-five-major-records-rcb-captain-virat-kohli-can-break-in-ipl-2021-375916" hreflang="en">List of five major records RCB captain Virat Kohli can break in IPL 2021</a>

The presence of Quinton de Kock, Suryakumar Yadav, Kieron Pollard only make them a scarier side to compete against. Not to forget the young and flamboyant Ishan Kishan.

Bumrah’s link-up with Kiwi pacer Trent Boult not only give Mumbai Indians the needed experience with the ball but also provides them variety and a world-class skill-set. The prospects of Marco Jansen and Arjun Tendulkar will only excite the MI fans even more.

In the spin department, Rahul Chahar will have Piyush Chawla to compete for a spot whereas Krunal Pandya would be the go-to option when it comes to left-arm spin.

Mumbai Indians are hot favourites to make it a hat-trick of IPL wins and there won’t be a single eyebrow raised if they go on to achieve the iconic feat.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan donned the predictor's hat and feels that Mumbai Indians' led by Rohit Sharma will win the upcoming Indian Premier League.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan donned the predictor's hat and feels that Mumbai Indians' led by Rohit Sharma will win the upcoming Indian Premier League. ALSO READ: IPL 2021, Mumbai Indians - Team Preview: A dream hat-trick on cards for Rohit Sharma and Co.? However, he also said that if by chance the Mumbai Indians suffer ‘some bizarre loss of form’, then he feels David Warner's Sunrisers Hyderabad will win the title. “Early #IPL2021 prediction ... @mipaltan will win it ... if by some bizarre loss of form then @SunRisers will win it ... #OnOn #India,” Vaughan tweeted on Wednesday. Mumbai Indians head into the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 as firm favourites to defend their title. Having won the IPL trophy a record five times, the Rohit Sharma-led outfit is looking stronger than ever and are likely to give major headaches to their opposition. IN PICS| Riley Meredith, Shahrukh Khan: Surprise packages who can take IPL 2021 by storm After having a flawless IPL 2020, Mumbai Indians made slight changes to their squad in the auction table and bolstered it with the likes of James Neesham, Piyush Chawla, Adam Milne among others. Mumbai Indians arguably have the most settled and power-packed squad among all IPL franchises. Their move to invest in the likes of Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik and Krunal Pandya have worked wonders – which now makes their core team. IN PICS| List of five major records RCB captain Virat Kohli can break in IPL 2021 The presence of Quinton de Kock, Suryakumar Yadav, Kieron Pollard only make them a scarier side to compete against. Not to forget the young and flamboyant Ishan Kishan. Bumrah’s link-up with Kiwi pacer Trent Boult not only give Mumbai Indians the needed experience with the ball but also provides them variety and a world-class skill-set. The prospects of Marco Jansen and Arjun Tendulkar will only excite the MI fans even more. In the spin department, Rahul Chahar will have Piyush Chawla to compete for a spot whereas Krunal Pandya would be the go-to option when it comes to left-arm spin. Mumbai Indians are hot favourites to make it a hat-trick of IPL wins and there won’t be a single eyebrow raised if they go on to achieve the iconic feat.

'Early IPL 2021 prediction..': Michael Vaughan feels this team will win IPL 2021

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