The IPL is upon us finally, and the 2024 edition could perhaps be the biggest and the most important in a lot of aspects. While there’s a host of players who would be hoping to make it to the T20 World Cup team with some solid performances, there will be a few, who might just bid adieu to the game forever. And for the rest, it will be the IPL trophy that matters the most.
Whatever the reason be, it all starts now, from March 22 in Chennai, at the Chepauk Stadium, where Ruturaj Gaikwad’s Chennai Super Kings goes up against Faf du Plessis’ rechristened Royals Challengers Bengaluru. Insidesport comes up with reasons, as to why you shouldn’t be missing even a single ball being bowled.
Last of MS Dhoni & David Warner?
Over the years, MS Dhoni has taken the CSK to five titles, scored over 5000 runs in 250 games, and effected over 180 dismissals behind the wickets. But this might be the last we see of MSD in the IPL. While the speculations of his ‘last IPL’ have been going around for a few years, but something says, this might be it. The experts have already spoken about his knee issues, and the 42-year-old is not getting any younger. And of course, he has already give up the captaincy.
Then there is one of the tournament’s most successful batsmen, Aussie David Warner. Having started his career with Delhi Daredevils, Warner became a household name when he guided the Sunrisers Hyderabad to a title in 2016. Before, and after that too he enjoyed massive success that saw his score over 6300 runs in 176 matches, including four tons and 61 fifties. The man is already retired from Tests & ODIs, and might just be playing his last in the league.
Rohit Sharma & Virat Kohli Have a Point to Prove, Don’t They?
The last few months have been tough on the great Indian batsmen. For one, it was about dealing with the removal from the captaincy of the franchise, who he led to five titles, and for the other, it was about showing the world that he still belongs in the T20s. Rohit & Virat might not be at their very best in the T20s as of now, but still good enough to make it to any team. All this negativity surrounding them might just lead to a massive explosion of runs in the IPL.
After all, they have had massive successes at the IPL. In 237 encounters, Virat has scored 7263 runs at an average of 37, while Rohit has scored 6211 runs in 243 matches, at an average of 30.
Hardik Pandya’s Captaincy at Mumbai Indians
More than MI’s performance, what would be under scrutiny is Pandya’s captaincy for Mumbai this year. He was brilliant as a leader at Gujarat Titans winning the trophy in their debut season, but the challenge is a little different now. While the team fans have made it clear, that they preferred Rohit as the skipper, that hardly makes any difference. But a good season will certainly go a long way in him getting some loyal fans.
Plus, he’s coming back after an injury layoff of five months. Whether he can bowl as well as he bats, will have to be seen, since the team will certainly require his four overs, given a few injuries to the fast bowlers in the camp.
Rishabh Pant & Other Indian Stars Return from Injuries
Talking about injuries, the whole of India is only waiting to see Delhi Capitals’ skipper Pant step on the field again. After his life-threatening accident 14 months ago, it is nothing short of a miracle for him to be able to play again. While not a lot can be expected, but the support for him this season will be there.
Suryakumar Yadav, one of India’s best T20 players, though still not fully fit, will be playing for MI at some point in the tournament. A good season from him is not only important for the franchise but for Team India as well. He last played a match during the IND vs SA series last year.
Then we have KL Rahul, whose injury has been nothing short of mysterious. After getting injured during the ENG series, he was expected to come back in a few days’ time, but that of course did not happen. LSG would be pinning hopes on him to come good.
One Wicket-keeper Slot, Five Contenders
As the T20 World Cup is approaching, the race for the wicketkeeper’s slot in Team India is heating up. Till now the management hasn’t seemed to find the right person. Whether Pant will prove his fitness and form, or Jitesh Sharma impress, or Sanju Samson take away the slot…all depends on the IPL. And there’s Rahul and Dhruv Jurel now in contention too. The five-way battle will only bring out some great performances by these men.
Burden of Big Bucks
Mitchell Starc (INR 24.75 Cr) and Pat Cummins (20.5 Cr), have their task cut out for their franchises Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad. But it seems it’s too much for a player in a single edition. Every time they flop, they’d be under immense pressure to perform. In fact, the expectations from them can be unrealistic to say the least, but it would be worth tracking their progress the entire season.
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