The 2021 Indian Premier League hasn’t run smoothly, to say the least. For some people, it has been a disaster. However, while the brand may suffer, the tournament may play into the hands of the Indian T20 World Cup squad. Regardless of the final selections, everyone knows India will be one of the hot favourites. Poetically, the side’s chances could be boosted by the fact that the IPL has overrun this year.
A Powerful Support Network
It’s no secret that Indian fans love cricket regardless of the format. Whether it’s the IPL or Test matches, they turn up in their tens of thousands to cheer on their boys. The gambling industry is an excellent example of the size of the support as it highlights the demand for the sport.
This year, the demand is only heightened since supporters have been starved of action after the IPL was suspended earlier in the year. Therefore, fans won’t suffer from the oversaturation that may have been a problem due to the proximity of the events. Millions of Indians are expected to place bets on T20 World Cup matches, which means most of the bettors will watch the games. This will give the Indian squad a powerful foundation to build on when their tournament kicks off in earnest on October 24th.
Semi Home Advantage
The T20 World Cup is going to be played in the United Arab Emirates and Oman, which isn’t India. Not only is it not India, but it’s not that close to the subcontinent, either. Still, regardless of the facts, it’s clear that India will benefit from the features that are usually synonymous with the hosts.
After all, the second half of the IPL is currently concluding in the UAE. What makes this important is, several of India’s main World Cup stars have just ended their 2021 campaigns or are still battling for the title with their respective teams. Ravindra Jadeja and Suresh Raina are in the final, as is MS Dhoni after his heroics against Delhi Capitals. Dhoni, of course, has retired from internationals but he has a coaching role for the T20 World Cup.
With Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer potentially extending their seasons, the Indian boys will have an edge when it comes to understanding the conditions. During pressure moments, this factor could make or break matches.
BCCI announces schedule for remainder of VIVO IPL 2021 in UAE.
The 14th season, will resume on 19th September in Dubai with the final taking place on 15th October.
More details here - https://t.co/ljH4ZrfAAC #VIVOIPL
Fewer Foreign Players
The IPL is a global competition, so you can typically make an argument that several teams will know the conditions inside out since they are involved in the UAE, too. This isn’t the case this time around because many foreign cricketers didn’t return to their franchises when the IPL resumed.
England’s representatives, for instance, decided to stay at home to unwind with their families after a gruelling year of back-to-back games and travelling. England is probably India’s main threat for the T20 crown due to the squad’s red-hot form in white-ball fixtures.
Unfortunately for the Three Lions, Jos Buttler and Co. will be out of practice as they haven’t played competitively for months. The same applies to South Africa and Australia, but not India.
Will the 2021 IPL help India in the T20 World Cup? The short answer is “yes”. The team will be tough to beat when millions of people are cheering them on at home and in-person and the squad’s knowledge of the conditions are superior to their rivals.
