It’s turning seven this year and the Indian Premier league is on its way out of the country, to UAE, but just for a couple of weeks due to general elections. Amidst the fears of falling stocks, courtesy of a betting and spot-fixing scandal, the league has the burden of a credibility crisis. But all players can do is go out there and play. And so, teams this year have made some changes. Pioneer Sport tells about each side’s cutting edge
Yellow fever
Chennai Super Kings are the most consistent side in IPl and what to many teams wouldn't sound as bad — three years without a trophy — it is like a disappointment. But this mini-Indian side, as it has Dhoni, Raina, Ashwin, Jadeja, is good enough to do the job once again. The exit of one Michael Hussey from last year would be a blow but if Brendon McCullum comes in, one wouldn’t complain much, especially because of the form the latter is in at the moment. They have never missed the IPl semi-finals.
Bleeding royal blue
Inaugural champions Rajasthan Royals came very close to being a part of the final last year. And, once again look serious contenders under a new captain in Shane Watson while last year's skipper Rahul Dravid will be the mentor. There team is pretty much the same as with the likes of Rahane, Samson Hodge, Faulkner, Cooper. But, where Royals have the cutting edge is that they bring in youngsters and change their fortunes. Watson is one prime example from the 2008. This time they've taken in Unmukt Chand, let's see if RR can do justice to what he promises.
Amachi champions
It was astonishing that Mumbai Indians with all their star power only won the IPl in its sixth edition last year. That feat though also saw the exit of the legendary Sachin Tendulkar and so the blue in the MI has faded. They have brought in Michael Hussey in the team and that would only help. Another signing is Corey Anderson, who hit the fastest hundred in ODIs recently. But the decision of not retaining Mitchell Johnson could be a spoiler because of the form the Australian is in. The defending champions might find it very difficult to retain their title this time.
Knight and shine
Skipper Gautam Gambhir at the top and Robin Uthappa, Jacques Kallis and Yousuf Pathan to follow him, make it one of the best batting line-up on paper. But, like their previous editions, Gambhir will be key as retired Kallis is not someone who can flare it up and Uthappa and Pathan are infamous for their inconsistency. In Shakib, KKR have a player for multi-tasking roles. However, retaining mysterious Sunil Narine and buying Mornie Morkel were their best decisions which make them a very good bowling team.
Not Kings yet
Among the most powerful teams in terms of impact players in the squad but most of them are foreigners and only of them can play in a match. Domestic players are good but can’t win them a game. Except Virender Sehwag, who is in really good touch following his exploits in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 trophy.
Risen chargers
They impressed in their debut season even with a squad that was dependent too heavily on a few players. This time they have added a couple of more match winners in the likes of Aaron Finch and David Warner. And with valuable experience that they gained last season, you can only imagine what this team can do.
Royally Challenged
They come, they dazzle, they fade. RCB’s IPl story is like a big-budget, multi-starrer bollywood blockbuster that pulls crowds in hordes but fails to live up to its expectations. This time too they have assembled the big stars of T20 cricket but can they fulfill the expectations and win the IPlIJ
Dare this time
After six seasons, Delhi Daredevils have decided to start afresh. With guru Gary (Kirsten) and KP at the helm of affairs, the last year’s woodenspooners are hoping for the golden cup. They have assembled a good squad but not having a world class spinner in the squad might affect their chances.