While the coronavirus pandemic has impacted the entire globe, few have been hit harder than India. Cases continue to rise in the second most-populated country in the world, and it has led to all industries having to take stock of their next moves. As far as cricket is concerned, the national team are currently planning to face Australia next month, but the beginning of their T20 series comes after the start of the delayed Indian Premier League. Over five months after its initial start date, the tournament will get underway on September 19 with organisers having switched it to the United Arab Emirates.
Although some will argue that it will not hold the same kind of prestige as in previous years, online betting India fans will be relieved to have the option of placing bets on what has generally proven to be a competitive tournament. Since 2016, as many as five different teams have managed to reach the final of the showpiece event, with three teams in Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings all getting their hands on the trophy. However, you may now have to alter your previous betting strategies, taking into consideration that some players are going to be more match sharp than others.
You will inevitably have to keep an eye on quarantine restrictions, especially with regards to English and Australian players. As it stands, as many as 22 players from those two nations will be participating in the UAE, but they must first serve their time in quarantine and produce multiple negative tests before linking up with their respective squads. The players in question include Australia star Steven Smith and England's big-hitter Jos Buttler, but several teams are going to be negatively impacted over the coming weeks.
Both of the players in question are due to represent Rajasthan Royals, and logic suggests that it could prove beneficial to bet against them during their opening two fixtures. Sunrisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers Bangalore also have half-a-dozen players between them who have been competing in England, and it would make sense to avoid placing sizeable stakes on these sides until the end of September at the very earliest.
There will also be a lot of attention on the performances of Pat Cummins, who has been purchased by Kolkata Knight Riders for a tournament-record price. Regarded as one of the best players in the world due to his performances in 2019 and the early part of 2020, there is much anticipation over the displays of the 27-year-old. However, given the worldwide situation, the all-rounder has only just resumed competitive cricket, posting a combined figure of 1-48 from his eight overs across two T20 internationals. While it would be unfair to negatively judge that contribution, it highlights that one of the sports' big names may require some time to ease his way into the tournament, something which should lead you to avoid backing the pace bowler to be in his trademark destructive form straightaway.
