The Indian Premier League (IPL) is coming back, and even if we’re still a few weeks away from its kick-off, fans can’t help but talk about the action that’ll likely unfold this year.
Many are already speculating which teams will do great and which players might bring their teams to victories. If you’re curious about the upcoming IPL 2024, you’re in luck. We’ve got some scoop on which teams and players are likely to perform great this year.
The Indian Premier League Phenomenon
Since its inception in 2008, the IPL has undergone different changes that affect its following. But still, we can say that it has evolved into a global cricketing phenomenon.
Over the years, the tournament has witnessed a dynamic journey, marked by changes in the number of franchises and the league’s structure. Yet, amidst these shifts, the IPL’s popularity has soared, cementing its status as an unmissable event for cricket enthusiasts.
This year, the tournament will still be played by 10 franchises in total.
A Look at the Favorite IPL 2024 Contenders
So, which teams are now the talk of the town before the tournament even begins? You can always check an IPL betting site to know the latest championship odds, but right now, let’s have a look at the current favorites:
Defending Champions and Challengers
All eyes will be on the defending champions, Chennai Super Kings (CSK), as they prepare to defend their title. Led by MS Dhoni, CSK has established itself as one of the most successful IPL teams. They have, after all, won the IPL five times.
The team’s preparations for the 2024 season have been meticulous as they aim to continue their dominance for the upcoming season. They have players like Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, and Shardul Thakur who could help bring them to victory.
However, CSK will face stiff competition from other major contenders. Mumbai Indians, the most successful franchise in IPL history with five titles, have fortified their lineup with an assertive batting order capable of taking on any bowling attack.
We can’t deny that MI’s spin-bowling unit, led by the experienced Piyush Chawla, will be quite a challenger this year. This makes things more exciting because CSK and MI have quite an intense rivalry.
Underdog Teams and Player Spotlight
While the spotlight often falls on the favorites, the IPL has always been known for its underdog stories. This year, teams like Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) will be looking to make their mark.
Delhi Capitals, headed by coach Ricky Ponting, face uncertainties about their star player, Rishabh Pant this year. It’s known that he came from an injury because of an outside accident. It’s still unclear if he can play this season, but Ponting and the team are hopeful.
It is worth noting that in 2023, the Capitals struggled in Pant’s absence, winning only five games out of their fourteen matches.
Meanwhile, Lucknow Super Giants welcome Siddarth Kaul to their ranks. Kaul is a seasoned campaigner ready to face the challenge alongside established players like Krunal Pandya and Ravi Bishnoi.
Players to Watch Out For in the IPL 2024
We’ve talked about teams, not let’s talk about the players themselves. We’ve seen impressive purchases during the recent IPL auction, and here are some of the players we should be keeping an eye on:
Daryl Mitchell: Anchoring CSK’s Middle Order
New Zealand batter Daryl Mitchell emerges as a potential game-changer for Chennai Super Kings, with his powerful batting showcased in the T20 World Cup, offering stability to the middle order.
Mitchell’s ability to handle spinners effectively and score against quality bowling simply makes him an attractive prospect for CSK.
Wanindu Hasaranga: SRH’s Spin Maestro
Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga is only returning from injury, but he holds the potential to be a game-changer for Sunrisers Hyderabad. As the top wicket-taker in his debut IPL season, Hasaranga’s aggressive batting and crafty leg-spin make him an invaluable asset.
Harshal Patel: Punjab Kings’ Bowling Ace
Swing bowler Harshal Patel aspires to lead the Punjab Kings’ bowling attack, leveraging his variations and prowess at the death overs to become a pivotal player in their quest for the title. Patel’s ability to extract movement early on and his consistency in pressure situations make him a player to watch out for in the upcoming IPL season.
Conclusion
As the countdown to the 2024 IPL continues, the anticipation among cricket fans reaches fever pitch. We’re only a few weeks away from the start of the season, so be sure to keep yourself up to date on the latest IPL news.
The 2024 IPL will run from March 22 to May 26, 2024, and will be held across different venues in India. You can catch the matches on Sky Sports and streaming platforms like Disney+ Hotstar and JioCinema.