This year is quite different for the Indian Premier League (IPL) as it had to kick off in the second half of the year instead of its usual schedule during the Indian summer. The pandemic forced many sports leagues around the world either to be postponed or canceled in these unprecedented times. However, BCCI managed to schedule IPL 2020 in a bio-secure bubble currently underway in the UAE. With only a couple of months remaining in 2020, we take a look at the upcoming few weeks in the IPL and India vs Australia 2020 series scheduled in December.
This year’s IPL kicked off on September 19 and is taking place behind closed doors. This is to ensure everyone’s safety due to the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic. Even everyone involved in this year’s IPL is now in a bubble which restricts any intrusion from outside the bubble. \
The return of the IPL further stamps that the sports industry is gradually getting back to its feet post the pandemic. This also means that even the sports betting industry is also on its way to recovery. Surely, cricket fans are excited to see new cricket betting offers from different bookies given that the IPL is on.
Trends in IPL 2020
Whether you’re betting on the IPL or not, you’ve probably noticed trends at the start of IPL 2020. It is evident that teams have different strategies and rely on the ground where they play. The pattern of scoring, bowling attacks, the lengths to bowl at, everything can change very quickly based upon the venue. While Sharjah has been a bowler’s graveyard, Abu Dhabi’s long boundaries' have allowed bowlers to have their say in the matches. Meanwhile, the ground in Dubai seems to provide an equal opportunity for both batsmen and bowlers.
That’s just one of the noticeable trends in the IPL matches right now. If you’re a fan of watching the IPL or any cricket matches, it is likely that you are watching out for trends. It is such trends that might eventually govern the IPL winner in 2020. These trends are also what helps sports punters decide on their bets.
Who will win IPL 2020?
When it comes to predicting the IPL winners in 2020, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have emerged out as a surprising contender for the IPL trophy. While RCB hasn't had a great history in the IPL, the current RCB team in 2020 looks much settled than their previous IPL teams in the yesteryears.
However, RCB will face stiff competition from Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians – who are ranked at first and second spot respectively in the Points Table 2020. It will be interesting to see if Virat Kohli-led RCB can create history and claim their maiden IPL win in 2020. While the top-3 teams are almost certain, the playoffs race will be intense for the fourth spot among a couple of teams in the final few weeks.
Upcoming Tours – BBL' 10 and India's Tour of Australia 2020
Post the IPL 2020, cricket fans will get to witness the T20 cricket action with Australia's Big Bash League 2020. This year’s BBL will start on December 3 and will continue until February 2021 in Australia. Most of the local Australian local stars along with some International players will feature n the 10th edition of the Big Bash League. However, the likes of Jofra Archer and Pat Cummins might bot feature in the BBL 2020 in a bid to secure rest before another busy schedule lined up in the upcoming few months.
Talking about the most anticipated international tour in 2020, India will tour down under to face Australia in a 4-match Test series 2020. The Test affair will be shortly followed by the limited-over series. Team India players are likely to travel to Australia from UAE post the IPL 2020.
The Virat Kohli-led side will stay in a bio-secure bubble after they reach Australia for the upcoming tour in December 2020. The first Test of the series is likely to commence on December 3. However, Cricket Australia is still pondering over the Test venues of the maega-series against India.
