Chasing Success! Can Chase Overcome the Second Season Syndrome in CPL 2021?
The CPL is up and running, with defending champions Trinbago Knight Riders already suffering a loss for the first time in two years in the season opener. This result only signals the competitiveness of the league and the unpredictability of the format, which only bodes well for the Sixer Market.Kicking off the second doubleheader of the tournament will be Jamaica Tallawahs and the St Lucia Kings, who finished runners-up in the previous edition. For those who didn't follow the CPL last time around, the St Lucia Kings were a revelation with a Moneyball-esque approach.Under the leadership of Daren Sammy, the Kings were able to upset quite a few teams en route to the final. Their strength lies in the balance they possess in the side, provided by two off-spinning all-rounders, Roston Chase and Rakheem Cornwall. Despite contrasting styles of play with both bat and ball, both of them were integral to their fortunes.As the St Lucia Kings try to go one better this time around, the onus will be on Cornwall and Chase in particular. To understand a bit more about their game, an insight into their 2020 campaigns is in order. Without further ado, here's your dose of CPL insight for the day!Is Rakheem Cornwall St Lucia's X-Factor with the Bat?Rakheem Cornwall is not your everyday cricketer. A burly all-rounder who can give the ball a fair whack, Cornwall has been used quite well by the St Lucia franchise over the last few years. Like Sunil Narine, Cornwall is sent up the order as a pinch hitter and get them off to a flyer.This ploy has been a successful one for the Kings, with Cornwall scoring 182 runs in ten games last season. He has gone about his work at a brisk pace and added value with the ball in hand. Although he picked just the three wickets, Cornwall filled in as the sixth bowler, adding much-needed balance to the side.A match score average of 53.08 for Cornwall served his side well in CPL 2020. However, Cornwall has more to offer with the ball, which the Kings might look to make good use of in this season. He would be looking to make a name for himself with both bat and ball in a team that is filled with quality all-rounders in CPL 2021!Can Chase Overcome the Second Season Syndrome?Speaking of quality all-rounders, there aren't many better off-spin all-rounders than Roston Chase. Billed as a Test specialist, Chase was overlooked for the shorter formats until last season, when he truly made a mark in the T20 format.Capable of keeping the scoreboard moving, Chase has improved his power-hitting ability over the last few months. This showed in his CPL 2020 performances, which yielded 225 runs in eleven games. In addition, Chase also picked nine wickets, often proving to be Sammy's go-to man in the powerplay overs.With a match score average of 84.92, Chase was undoubtedly one of the players of the season last time around. However, that could be attributed to the slowness of the tracks in Trinidad and Tobago. But with the CPL being a long tournament, the backend of the league phase could see low-scoring encounters dominated by the spinners, a scenario in which you wouldn't want to miss out on Roston Chase or even Rakheem Cornwall. But can they continue their fine form for the St Lucia franchise is a question that can earn you a few Sixer Coins in the Sixer Market!