5 incidents in IPL 2020 that will directly affect IPL 2021

The IPL 2020 was no less than an action-packed blockbuster film. We witnessed some stellar performances from all the participating franchises this season. With COVID-19 keeping everyone physically and mentally confined, the IPL served as a perfect hiatus.

The IPL 13 was jam-packed with match-winning performances and nail-biting endings. Amidst all this action, we witnessed some surprising incidents, from controversial decision making to the failure of some key players to perform.

Here we look at 5 incidents that might directly affect IPL 2021:

1. CSK’s streak is over

CSK is a team that instills fear against every team it plays. With a high win rate, 3 IPL trophies, and MS Dhoni being their captain, it is quite evident why. CSK is the only team in the history of IPL to qualify for the playoffs 12 times in a row.

Boasting a 100% qualification record, CSK entered IPL 2020 as strong favorites. However, 13 proved to be an unlucky number for them. The former champions, to everyone’s surprise, were the first to fail to qualify. In the 14 matches CSK played, they managed to win only 6 of them. With CSK failing to qualify for the playoffs, their qualifying streak has finally shattered.

CSK will now look to make changes in the squad. They might seek to invest in young players, eyeing some of them in the IPL 2021 auction. With such a dismal IPL performance, everyone expects CSK to bounce back to its old lost form.

2. Errors made by umpires

The IPL 2020 witnessed quite a few umpiring errors. However, one that came under heavy scrutiny was Nithin Menon’s short-run decision in the match between KXIP and DC. The reason the umpire faced fury was that that decision cost KXIP a playoff spot.

Prior to the match, many KXIP officials and cricketers such as Sehwag requested the use of technology to minimize error. The BCCI has taken note of this and plans to implement the same next season.

3. No fans, no party

Although the IPL 13 in UAE was an exhilarating one, it lacked the very essence of any sport-fans. The governing body of the IPL, including Sourav Ganguly, has confirmed that IPL 2021 is set to be held in India. Fans will be permitted this time with proper safety guidelines.

4. Gayle sidelined for the first half of IPL 2020

KXIP raised eyebrows this season when they benched Chris Gayle in the initial stages of the season. Things started going awry instantly when Punjab lost 6 out of 7 games in Gayle’s absence. On his return, Gayle proved he’s arguably the best T20 batsman, smashing 288 runs in just 7 games.

5. Big names failed to deliver

While some uncapped players displayed their potential, some big players failed to perform this season. The list includes the likes of Maxwell, Sheldon Cottrell, Kedhar Jadhav, Andre Rusell, and many more. This season showed everyone that you don’t need players with huge price tags in your team to win games. Franchises will, next season, try to invest their money wisely and not just blindly bid for any player.

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