The IPL 2021 is just a day away when Mumbai Indians (MI) will take on Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the season opener in Chennai on April 9, 2021. All the teams are gearing up for one of the most competitive cricket leagues in the world today.

One of those teams is the Delhi Capitals (DC) which made it into the finals of the IPL 2020 and will be led by Rishabh Pant this season. Veteran spinner R Ashwin is eagerly looking forward to DC’s first game against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Mumbai on Saturday, April 10.

During a chat with the New Indian Express, R Ashwin named the ‘team to beat in the IPL 2021’ and the reason behind it.

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“Every team is strong, and I am not making a diplomatic statement. But I definitely think Mumbai has got a powerful and experienced squad. Mumbai will always start as favorites in this competition. I think Mumbai is the team to beat,” Ashwin told the New Indian Express.

Talking about his team DC’s chances in IPL 2021, Ashwin said, “Good (On DC's chances), well-balanced one. Last year, our batting did not come well together. It was understandable due to lockdown and all that. But this year, in the kind of form in which Rishabh is, definitely that (team’s batting) also will get sorted out.”

“We have a good chance. But if you see the last few years, it is not always about the top two or three sides. Every team picks players judiciously and have good balance and options. The IPL is in a new caravan model, so conditions also will play a part,” he added.

(The New Indian Express inputs)