Abhishek Singh ∙ 4 Oct 2021
IPL 2021 | Ripal Patel makes IPL debut for DC, Robin Uthappa for CSK
In a fresh change, Delhi Capitals gave Ripal Patel a chance to make his debut in the Indian Premier League having bought him in the February 2021 auctions. On the other hand, Chennai Super Kings for the first time in many years rested Suresh Raina for an IPL game as another experienced player Robin Uthappa made his way for the first time to the Yellow Army’s playing XI. Ripal, who replaced Steve Smith in the Playing XI, has played only 11 T20s and nine List A games before he got the opportunity on such a huge platform. In the 11 T20s, he has scored 191 runs at an average of 31 and a strike rate of more than 189. His ability to strike hard is the reason why the 26-year-old Gujarat batter has been drafted into the team. This is also the first time in this year’s IPL that a team is going with only three overseas players in their XI against a quota of four. Uthappa, who is a veteran of 189 games, played for Rajasthan Royals last year and was transferred to the CSK in an all monetary deal. He has to his credit 4607 IPL runs at an average of 27 and strike rate of 130 and was a key figure in KKR’s two title-winning seasons.