IPL 2021: Bowlers to Watch and Bet On

As the IPL 2021 fast approaches, we take a look at the bowlers who could have an impactful season and play a key role for their team. Indian Premier League has played a major part in giving cricketers a stage where they could showcase their talent and earn plaudits from all over the world. A platform that has elevated the likes of Sunil Narine, Jasprit Bumrah, T Natarajan, Varun Chakravarthy.

IPL 2021: Batsmen to Watch and Bet On

Here we take a look at the bowlers who could make the batsmen dance to their tunes and stamp their authority in the upcoming edition of IPL.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar – Sunrisers Hyderabad

India’s seamer has gone through some extremely rough patches in the last couple of years because of multiple injuries. But the gritty Bhuvneshwar has made a strong comeback to international cricket with some exceptionally skilful bowling displays in the recently concluded limited-overs series against England. Bhuvneshwar was at his best with the new ball and also at the death.

The Sunrisers Hyderabad seamer’s IPL career economy rate of 7.24 is remarkable. Kumar has enjoyed huge success in the 2016 and 2017 editions of IPL, picking up 49 wickets in two seasons. But since then he has struggled to live up to the expectations. With Kumar back to full fitness and form, the 2021 edition could see that old Bhuvi back but a more experienced and more lethal one.

Jhye Richardson – Punjab Kings

The Australian pace sensation has been one of the most highly rated players in white-ball cricket in recent months. Richardson was picked by Punjab Kings in the IPL 2021 auction for a whopping 14 crores. The pacer has done a very good job for Australia despite the limited opportunities he’s received.

Richardson’s breakthrough T20 performance came in the 2020-21 Big Bash League where he topped the charts for most wickets. Richardson picked 29 wickets in 17 matches at an impressive average of 16.31. It will be interesting to see how Jhye Richardson goes in his debut IPL season.

Navdeep Saini – Royal Challengers Bangalore

Navdeep Saini burst onto the scene with raw pace and the potential to be one of India’s premier fast bowlers. But the Royal Challengers Bangalore pacer has failed to turn that potential into results. Saini has also fallen down in the pecking order of India’s growing fast bowling attack and this season could be his best bet to prove himself (again).

Navdeep Saini had picked 11 wickets in his debut season but was below par in the 2020 season with only six. However, Saini has time and again shown glimpses of his skill, like the super over he bowled against Mumbai Indians. Now with him being the leader of the pace attack of RCB, Saini could potentially up his game in the IPL 2021.

Ravichandran Ashwin – Delhi Capitals

One of India’s greatest spinners in Test cricket, R Ashwin was once their premier spin bowler in limited-overs cricket as well. But he hasn’t been able to make a comeback in the last four years. The Delhi Capitals bowler has a big role to play for the franchise if they are to prosper alongside fellow spinner Axar Patel.

Ashwin has been a colossus for India in the last few months. Categorized as an off-spinner, Ashwin has actually added so many variations to his bowling arsenal and has low-key become a mystery spinner. Ashwin showcased his artistry in the last season too against the likes of Nicholas Pooran and Chris Gayle. In his IPL career, Ashwin has picked 138 wickets at an excellent economy rate of 6.87. This year’s IPL could be his chance to reclaim the spot in the Indian team, although there is serious competition for that.

Anrich Nortje – Delhi Capitals

The South African speedster was one of the biggest surprises in the 2020 Indian Premier League along with Trent Boult and James Pattinson. The Delhi Capitals paceman exceeded the expectations of all and did an excellent job with his searing pace and accuracy.

Playing alongside his South African teammate Kagiso Rabada, Nortje picked up 22 scalps in 16 matches in 2020 forming a deadly fast bowling duo with KG. He has also been in terrific form of late for South Africa. Nortje picked seven wickets in two ODI matches against Pakistan before heading to the IPL. With his intimidating pace and the ability to bounce out and bowl out batsmen, Nortje will again be one of the bowlers to keep an eye on.