Chennai Super Kings
- Strengths
Winning the IPL five times is no joke. Matching the Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings won their fifth IPL crown last year. But unlike Mumbai, the Super Kings have been far more consistent. And that’s because they have a squad which covers most of their bases.
The tactical sharpness of captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni is always a factor. Besides, the Super Kings have a batting line-up that can help them dominate opposition bowling attacks on most occasions. Opener Ruturaj Gaikwad has grown in terms of maturity, Ajinkya Rahane’s experience can never be doubted, while the addition of Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell will further add to their strength.
The presence of spinner all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Moeen Ali alongside Shivam Dube provides them with a lot more options.
- Weaknesses
Devon Conway’s fractured thumb may rule him out of the initial few games. Matheesha Pathirana’s grade I hamstring injury too is a concern for the defending champions, more so, as there isn’t much weight in their pace attack.
- X-factor
A successful ODI World Cup campaign last year has indeed taken Rachin Ravindra to a different level. From being a utility cricketer — since he can bowl a bit of left-arm spin as well — the 24-year-old New Zealander is now one of the most sought-after batters.
In Conway’s absence, the Super Kings could well send Ravindra as Gaikwad’s opening partner. Once Ravindra gets going, it’s tough to stop him. Importantly, he also has a fair knowledge of Indian conditions.
- Key signings: Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Shardul Thakur & Mustafizur Rahman
- Last year: Champions
- Best finish: Champions in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021 & 2023
Royal Challengers Bangalore
- Strengths
The presence of captain Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli at the top is one big advantage for Royal Challengers Bangalore. If both of them click together, it’s almost game over for the opposition.
Then there’s Glenn Maxwell, who’s a much, much better batsman now and, on his day, can single-handedly take his team to victory even if not fully fit.
On the bowling front, the inclusion of West Indies quick Alzarri Joseph and seasoned New Zealand pacer Lockie Ferguson alongside a much sharper Mohammed Siraj does lend more bite to RCB’s pace attack.
- Weaknesses
RCB have no established spinner in their ranks. Leg-spinner Karn Sharma does have some experience, but that’s limited mostly to domestic cricket while the others aren’t really names that can induce fear in the opposition ranks.
Rajat Patidar, who has been one of RCB’s more reliable batters, went through a forgettable phase in the recent Tests against England. Besides, RCB, are yet to get over their perennial problem of collapsing when under pressure and fumbling in critical moments/situations.
- X-factor
Maxwell aside, one player who could make a difference is Australia all-rounder Cameron Green. Besides his ability to strike the ball hard and long, Green can contribute with his seam bowling as well and should be effective if there’s a little bit of help on offer from the pitch.
In good form with impressive scores in challenging conditions in New Zealand, Green can play his own game. That he can bat well with the tailenders and keep the scoreboard ticking is also a positive for his team.
- Key signings: Cameron Green, Alzarri Joseph & Lockie Ferguson
- Last year: Sixth
- Best finish: Runners-up in 2009, 2011 & 2016