Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly believes the impending Indian Premier League (IPL) season will be evenly contested. He insisted that the season will be very exciting to watch as there are no clear favourites.
The franchises were very proactive and intelligent in their picks in the mega two-day auction in January, this year (2018). This had left most of the teams with very good squads, a good blend of match winners and experienced campaigners.
“All the teams are equally balanced. Used to worry about certain teams,” Ganguly said.
However, the 45-year old Ganguly believes that Rajasthan Royals and Kings XI Punjab are the strongest teams in the league, this season.
“Kings XI Punjab and Rajasthan Royals are two of the strongest teams this season. Every team can be successful — Ashwin has a new role this time,” Ganguly stated.
The veteran cricketer Ganguly also wished spin duo Ravichandran Ashwin and Harbhajan Singh for their success in IPL 2018.
“Good luck to both Ashwin and Harbhajan for the tournament. Nobody will start favourites this season,” Ganguly added.
Sourav Ganguly Reckons Many Questions Will Be Answered
Ahead of 2018 IPL auction, many onlookers questioned the retention of Suresh Raina by Chennai Super Kings.
In the same way, there are doubters about MS Dhoni’s batting capabilities for CSK.
Also if Harbhajan Singh can deliver for Chennai Super Kings at the fag end of his career. Ganguly insists that these questions will be answered during the course of IPL 2018.
“Raina is a star in the IPL and that’s why CSK have retained him. Is Dhoni still good enough to win it for CSK, can Bhajji do for CSK what he did for Mumbai Indians for so many years? Most keenly contested IPL in the last 10 years,” Ganguly quipped.
Chennai Super Kings will play their season opener against Mumbai Indians on Saturday in Wankhede Stadium. They will then invite Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for their first home game on April 10.
The return of Chennai Super Kings had been one of the most anticipated things this season. There will definitely be pressure on the franchise, who went many experienced match winners in auction rather exciting young talents.
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