With the eleventh edition of Indian Premier League (IPL) beginning on April 7, the fans are ready to witness the enticing contest this summer.
Moreover, the return of Mahendra Singh Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Shane Warne-coached Rajasthan Royals (RR) only adds to the cult of the most popular franchise-based league in the world.
Both CSK and MI are making a comeback after serving two-year bans for their role in the spot-fixing scandal.
However, their fans have remained as loyal as ever, especially the ones supporting the men in yellow.
The wait to see Dhoni and men back playing for the Chennai side only made them desperate.
It was evident from their presence during the training sessions at Chepauk where fans turned up in huge numbers.
They would be expecting nothing less than a third trophy from the Super Kings while Royals would be hoping that Warne inspires them to another triumph after 10 long years.
However, Indian skipper Virat Kohli has unfinished business in the first decade of IPL. He has made his aim clear earlier this week.
“More than the fans I want to win the cup,” said Kohli.
With Kohli and AB de Villiers in their ranks, batting was RCB’s forte in the past editions. However, they lacked in the bowling part.
The Yuzvendra Chahal-led spin attack has been bolstered by the entry of Washington Sundar. The management still has faith in left-arm spinner Pawan Negi, for whom they used the Right to Match Card at the auction.
They also have Umesh Yadav supported by Delhi’s Navdeep Saini and Mohammed Siraj.
However, this edition lost four world-class players through injuries and ball-tampering scandal.
Mitchell Starc and Kagiso Rabada will miss the IPL after they sustained an injury while BCCI banned Steve Smith and David Warner in the wake of the ball-tampering scandal.
Rajasthan named Smith as their skipper while Warner led Hyderabad successfully in the past few seasons.
Meanwhile, both Royals and Sunrisers will miss the services of their star players but at the same will look to put the setback behind under new captains Ajinkya Rahane and Kane Williamson.
Contrary to their nature, Rajasthan went all-out for Jaydev Unadkat (Rs 11.5 crore) and Ben Stokes (Rs 12.5 crore), who ended up as season’s costliest buys.
Moreover, CSK and Mumbai Indians will play the season opener of IPL 2018 on April 7 at Wankhede Stadium.
Further, here is the newsfeed:
BCCI all set to support Bhutan Cricket Council Board
Simon Katich reckons KKR to kick off as Underdogs against RCB
