After basking in the glory of a world cup win , the next biggest event in Indian cricket is back. Indian Premier League Version 4 starts today at the Cheupak stadium as the defending champions Chennai Super Kings take on the ambitious Kolkata Knight riders. In the next 50 days we hope to see some exhilarating piece of cricket with ten teams competing for glory. Where few teams like Chennai and Mumbai have managed to retain most of their previous players , teams such as RCB , KKR and DC have gone for a complete overhaul. But which of the team looks to have the substance to go all the way this time ? Lets have a look at the prime contenders for the title.
MUMBAI INDIANS
They were touted as the favorites for the title last time too but were let down in the field in the last year’s final. Led by the maestro himself , the team has done well to retain important players while strengthening their squad further.
STRENGTHS :
Good batting and bowling options , experienced players in every position
WEAKNESS :
Will miss the services of the wily Zaheer Khan
KEY PLAYERS :
Sachin tendulkar , Andrew Symonds , Rohit Sharma , Lasith Malinga
PREDICTION :
Their fortunes will depend a lot on the new recruits Rohit Sharma , Symonds and the captain Sachin. Look good to make the finals as last time.
CHENNAI SUPER KINGS
Huge favorites to retain the title. They managed to retain seven players from last time including their talisman captain Dhoni. However being the defending champions they will have everyone gunning for them this time.
STRENGTHS :
Strong batting order , Settled team
WEAKNESS :
Will miss Murali’s experience , Bowling lacks depth
KEY PLAYERS :
Suresh Raina , Abbie Morkel , R Ashwin
PREDICTION :
Have made the at-least to semifinals in all the editions of IPL. Look good to make through the semis again.
KOLKATA KNIGHT RIDERS
Kolkata Knight riders are the only team among the old teams not to have made the semis even once. But this time they have gone for a complete overhaul. The nucleas of the team looks solid and their is a change in the rear guard as well.
STRENGTHS :
Many all rounders in squad , Balanced squad
WEAKNESS :
Bowling without Lee lacks experience , Need to gel soon
KEY PLAYERS :
Gambhir , Yusuf Pathan , Brett Lee , Kallis
PREDICTION :
If they can play to their potential they should make it to the semifinals atleast.
ROYAL CHALLENGERS BANGALORE
The Royal Challengers Bangalore are another team that have gone for a complete overhaul despite having a good team. Fortunately for them they have managed to get a few T20 specialists and a very energetic and young team this year.
STRENGTHS :
Good fielding side with many young guns , Bowling has variety and depth
WEAKNESS :
Batting lacks experience , Will miss Kumble’s captaincy
KEY PLAYERS :
AB De Villiers , Vettori , Virat Kohli , Zaheer Khan
PREDICTION :
Their bowling attack is probably one of the best and if they can manage to keep batting well a semifinal is well within the reach.
DARK HORSES : Pune Warriors and Deccan chargers are good sides too but lack balance in the squads. If they can play well they can make the semifinals too.
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