It’s easy to see why the Indian Premier League (IPL) is one of the most popular cricket leagues in the world. After all, it’s a platform where some of the biggest cricket players of their time showcase their talents. So, it’s no surprise it’s one of the country’s biggest cricket leagues.
With its 2024 edition fast approaching, we’ve got the inside scoop on the most anticipated matches that promise a star-studded showdown.
Let’s have a look at the best IPL rivalries everyone is excited about, including some of the most popular cricketers we’ll be seeing on the field this year.
The 17th IPL season features familiar faces in new threads after the 2024 auction saw franchises shake up their rosters. Titans like KL Rahul and David Warner will don new colors while all eyes are on the fresh captaincy reigns of Shreyas Iyer, Hardik Pandya, and Sanju Samson.
India’s biggest cricket tournament will run from March 29, 2024, to May 26, 2024. The tournament will still have 10 teams participating including this year’s defending champions, Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
CSK won their 5th title last year which makes them one of the most successful teams in the history of IPL. So, it’s not surprising that they are still some of the favorites to win this year. Based on the latest IPL T20 odds for the upcoming season, other favorites aside from CSK include Mumbai Indians, Gujarat Titans, and Rajasthan Royals.
So, who are some of the biggest cricketers who’ll grace the field of the upcoming tournament? Here are some of the biggest names fans should watch out for:
Daryl Mitchell: The New Zealand batter debuted in the IPL in 2022. He’s easily one of the players to watch out for. During the 2024 auction, CSK was able to sign him up for INR 14 crore.
Wanindu Hasaranga: The Sri Lankan spin wizard bagged the most wickets in his 2023 IPL debut. With his devastating leg spin and lower-order hitting, Hasaranga promises to be a game-changer this season too as he plays for Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Harshal Patel: Back with his former side Royal Challengers Bangalore, Purple Cap winner Harshal Patel will spearhead their bowling attack with clever variations. His death bowling mastery will be an asset for this current team, Punjab Kings.
Rachin Ravindra: The talented Kiwi all-rounder will aid any franchise with crafty left-arm spin coupled with aggressive middle-order runs. This year, he’ll be playing with CSK alongside star players Mitchell and Shardul Thakur.
Aside from the most famous cricketers, the IPL is also home to some of the biggest rivalries in the sports scene. Here are some of the rivalries that will likely deliver high-stakes drama in the upcoming tournament:
Known as the “battle of heavyweights,” the rivalry between MI and DC started in the inaugural season of the IPL. Now, MI has already won the IPL 5 times, while the other has had a disappointing decade after showing strong promises in the initial seasons.
They have played 24 times against each other and share the cake with 12 wins each.
The rivalry between these two is one of the strongest in the league. Both teams have a passionate fan base and have been involved in some intense matches over the years. The two teams have faced each other 28 times, with Kolkata Knight Riders winning 14 and Royal Challengers Bangalore winning.
MI and CSK are two of the most successful teams in the whole IPL history. They have faced each other 34 times, with Mumbai Indians winning 19 and Chennai Super Kings winning. This rivalry is also known as the “El Clasico of the IPL.”
KKR and MI have been involved in some of the most thrilling matches in the IPL. They have faced each other 29 times, with Mumbai Indians taking 21 wins.
Sunrisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers Bangalore have been involved in some closely contested matches over the years. They have faced each other 18 times, with Sunrisers Hyderabad winning 11 times.
While the official fixtures of the upcoming IPL haven’t been announced yet, fans are already looking forward to how the season will unfold. The recent IPL auction has sparked the interest of many, especially since major changes have been announced by some teams.
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