Delhi Capitals

• Strengths

The biggest relief for Delhi Capitals has to be the availability of Rishabh Pant, who will be captaining the side in this IPL. Pant had missed last year’s IPL after a horrific car accident in December 2022. His team missed him, suffering a debacle in the competition. Pant’s presence this time should boost the Capitals, though it remains to be seen how fit he is.

If he’s unable to keep wickets, the Capitals have promising Jharkhand keeper-batter Kumar Kushagra who can do the job.

Besides Pant, Australians David Warner and Mitchell Marsh lend the batting order solidity. West Indies ODI skipper Shai Hope, too, is more than capable of contributing.

With the ball, the Indian trio of left-arm spinner Axar Patel, chinaman Kuldeep Yadav and pacer Mukesh Kumar look a promising attack.

• Weaknesses

The absence of talented England batsman Harry Brook and South Africa pacer Lungi Ngidi will be a blow. Australia pacer Jhye Richardson, too, is set to miss the initial stage of this IPL owing to an injury.

• X-factor

Kuldeep has not only developed into an all-format player, he is also now a much sharper match-winner. He’s striking in critical moments of the games on almost all occasions, which matters hugely in white-ball cricket.

His variations and creating confusion in the batter’s mind as to which ball will turn and which will go straight are his biggest strengths.

• Key signings: Shai Hope, Jhye Richardson, Kumar Kushagra

• Last year: Ninth

• Best finish: Runners-up in 2020

Mumbai Indians

The return of Hardik Pandya and his subsequent appointment as captain in place of Rohit Sharma indicates that the franchise — five-time champions, the last of which came in 2020 — is willing to take bold steps in search of results. Living up to the pressures of leading a high-profile team and managing a battery of star players, including the likes of Rohit, Jasprit Bumrah and Suryakumar Yadav, isn’t going to be easy.

• Strengths

Mumbai Indians’ top-six or seven are more or less fixed, though the batting order may depend on where Hardik slots himself. Mumbai Indians are hoping that the maverick all-rounder will elevate them back to the top again. Besides a settled top-order in Rohit, Ishan Kishan, Surya and Tilak Varma, they have a battery of reputed big hitters who can destroy any bowling.

The addition of South Africa pacer Gerald Coetzee, also known for his ability to play big hits lower down the order, will bolster their playing XI.

• Weaknesses

Mumbai Indians’ spin attack could prove to be tricky on the flat surfaces. Expect Piyush Chawla to play a big role again. Also, Surya could miss the initial few matches, having not yet received the fit certificate from the NCA.

• X-factor

How Hardik, coming off an injury, performs could be the key. He will be bowling which could help them to play an extra batsman. Hardik has already said that he is looking to seek help from Rohit and their experience will be vital in crunch situations.

• Key signings: Gerald Coetzee, Dilshan Madushanka, Nuwan Thushara.

• Last year: Lost in Qualifier 2

• Best finish: Champions in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2020