With less than two weeks left in the IPL second phase, franchises are getting worried about the form of some of their star players. The long break between the tournament hasn’t done any good. It has not only broken the momentum but also cost the franchise’s form. If Hardik Pandya and Bhuvneshwar Kumar are amongst the Indians, Kieron Pollard, Chris Gayle and Eoin Morgan have continued their search of form.
While Chris Gayle in his twilight hasn’t been at his best, Eoin Morgan has had a terrible 2021. As for Mumbai Indians all-rounder Hardik Pandya, he has had injury struggles and is off-form. Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Bhuvneshwar Kumar had a dip in the Sri Lanka series while Mumbai Indians’ star Kieron Pollard is also searching for form.
lets take a look at 5 stars who are struggling with their form and need to pull their socks up ahead of the IPL 2021 Phase 2 in the UAE that begins from September 19.
Kieron Pollard (Mumbai Indians): The Mumbai Indians’ all-rounder played only one good innings during the first phase. His 34-ball 87 was the only highlight. But other than that, he managed scores of 7, 5, 35*, 2, 16*, 16*. With West Indies, he didn’t shine either and continued to struggle with injuries against Australia. When he came back against Pakistan, he didn’t get many opportunities to perform. However, he has since found a little form with the bat in the CPL but with the ball, he is yet to take a wicket. As he is expected to play a crucial role for Mumbai Indians, the franchise will hope to see him at his best.
Hardik Pandya (Mumbai Indians): One of the most crucial cogs of MI, Hardik Pandya had a terrible run in the IPL 2021 Phase 1 and in Sri Lanka. He struggled with fitness while runs and wickets didn’t come. In IPL 2021, he scored only 52 runs in seven innings at an average of 8.66 and didn’t bowl an over. In Sri Lanka, he scored 19 runs in two ODIs and got just two wickets with an economy rate of 6.92. He will need to pull up his socks ahead of Phase 2 as he is a key all-rounder for Team India in the T20 World Cup.
Eoin Morgan (Kolkata Knight Riders): The England captain had a terrible 2021. He has averaged just 15.33 in IPL 2021 Phase 1 and 11.71 in T20Is. It has put KKR in a spot of bother since Eoin Morgan is the skipper of the team. In The Hundred, Eoin Morgan scored 158 runs at an average of 25.17. As KKR are aiming to turn things over after a poor run in Phase 1, Morgan’s form will be crucial.
Chris Gayle (Punjab Kings): The Universal Boss Chris Gayle isn’t the same as he used to be. In IPL 2021 Phase 1, he scored 178 runs in seven innings at an average of 25.42. In T20Is, he has averaged just 17.42 in 2021 and hasn’t found success in the CPL 2021 either. As PBKS are aiming to qualify for the playoffs, his contribution will be immensely important.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar (Sunrisers Hyderabad): After a brilliant run in the limited-overs series against England at home, Bhuvneshwar Kumar had a sudden dip in form. In IPL 2021 Phase 1, he scalped just three wickets in five matches and conceded runs at an economy rate of 9.10. In Sri Lanka, he struggled as well. As SRH are aiming for a turnaround in the UAE, Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s return to form will be crucial. Furthermore, he also plays a key role for India and with the T20 World Cup around the corner, he will need to find his form.
