The Indian Premier League returns with its highly anticipated 17th Edition, set to commence on March 22nd and culminate on May 26th. A total of 74 matches will unfold, featuring defending champions Chennai Super Kings squaring off against Royal Challengers Bangalore in the tournament’s opening clash.
Similar to the previous year, the IPL 2024 features the same formidable line-up of 10 teams, all geared up to vie for the coveted title. While the schedule is currently unveiled for the first 21 matches, the remaining fixtures will be disclosed after the finalisation of the Indian General Election dates.
Anticipation runs high as significant changes in team line-ups were witnessed during the auction, alongside player trades adding spice to the fervour among fans.
Amidst this backdrop, all ten teams boast compelling storylines and developments worth discussing, but let’s delve into the top three teams poised to captivate audiences with their performances in the forthcoming enthralling season.
#3 Mumbai Indians
Mumbai Indians donning the iconic blue and golden hues, stand tall as one of the most successful franchises in the tournament’s history, guaranteeing a considerable share of attention. MI is slated to kick off its campaign against GT on 24th March in Ahmedabad.
However, with the recent blockbuster trade between them and the Gujarat Titans, the five-time champions find themselves under pressure to deliver something extraordinary this season. Hardik Pandya, whose IPL journey commenced with MI, embarked on a two-season stint with GT, steering them as their skipper.
Nevertheless, just before the 2024 IPL Auction, MI orchestrated a clandestine trade to reclaim Pandya from GT, promptly anointing him as the team’s new captain, thereby displacing Rohit Sharma from his long-standing leadership role.
The audacious decision to replace Rohit as captain sparked significant controversy within the franchise, drawing sharp criticism from MI’s loyal fanbase. Critics eagerly anticipate witnessing the dynamics unfold as Rohit takes to the field under Pandya’s helm in the upcoming season.
While bidding farewell to notable players such as Cameron Green, Jofra Archer, Tristan Stubbs, and Chris Jordan, MI made strategic acquisitions by signing Gerald Coetzee, Dilshan Madushanka, Nuwan Thushara, Romario Shepard and more to fortify their squad for the challenges ahead.
#2 Rajasthan Royals
Rajasthan Royals, champions of the inaugural IPL season in 2008, have only reached the final once since then, back in 2022. Expectations were high for them last season, but they fell short, finishing in fifth place with a balanced record of 7 wins and 7 losses.
In this year’s auction, RR made their biggest splashes with acquisitions like West Indies T20I captain Rovman Powell and Nandre Burger but missed out on securing a genuine all-rounder.
The departure of Jason Holder, a versatile player with both bat and ball, further tightened their options, leaving Ravichandran Ashwin and Donovan Ferreira as the primary all-rounders.
Under the captaincy of Sanju Samson, the team is determined to make a mark this season. The explosive opening pair of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Jos Buttler promises to entertain the fans with their power-hitting prowess.
On the bowling front, spin maestro Yuzvendra Chahal along with Adam Zampa will look to exploit the slow surfaces of their home ground in Jaipur. RR will kick off their campaign against Lucknow Supergiants in an anticipated clash on Sunday afternoon.
#1 Royal Challengers Bangalore
Royal Challengers Bangalore, one of the three IPL teams yet to lift the trophy, commands unwavering support from their passionate fan base. Despite reaching the IPL final in 2009, 2011, and 2016, they’ve faltered at the final hurdle each time.
RCB bolstered their fast bowling arsenal by acquiring Lockie Ferguson, Alzarri Joseph, Tom Curran, and Yash Dayal. Additionally, they secured all-rounder Green from MI in a cash-only transaction.
Notable departures from the squad included Wanindu Hasaranga, Harshal Patel, Josh Hazlewood, Finn Allen, and David Willey. RCB also underwent a change in coaching leadership, appointing Andy Flower as their new head coach, succeeding Sanjay Bangar.
The tournament will kick off with an eagerly anticipated clash between CSK and RCB at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium on Friday. Fans are eagerly awaiting this epic showdown, especially after the spectacle witnessed when RCB last faced CSK in 2023, where a total of 33 sixes were smashed along with a combined total of 444 runs in 40 overs.
After lifting the WPL trophy, the RCB fans are expected to come out in numbers and support their side in a bid to lift their first IPL trophy as well as the Royal Challengers would like to make the calendar year 2024 a blissful memory for years to come.
Article Written By Mohak Arora, Parimatch Sports Expert
MyKhel Team Mykhel
source: mykhel.com