IPL 2023 is just a week away and as in the past, the coming edition is likely to throw up a few surprises. And for the first time since Covid-19 struck, the world’s most competitive T20 league will get back to its home-and-away format, which could well double the level of interest.

Every franchise will believe they have a chance to lift the coveted trophy. But only one of them will be doing so after the final on May 28. The Telegraph lists the teams which could be ahead in the race.

Title contenders

⚫ Gujarat Titans

Champions in their debut season last year, the Gujarat Titans will surely go into the tournament as one of the toughest teams to beat. When they made their IPL debut in 2022, they kept getting better and sharper, peaking as the competition progressed. Then in the playoffs, they were as good as clinical to clinch the title.

Hardik Pandya’s captaincy had impressed most at that time. He has since led India in quite a few T20 Internationals which would have helped him gain crucial experience. Pandya seems to be an improved bowler as well and with the bat, he is now capable of adjusting his game according to the situation.

Pandya’s India teammate Shubman Gill has worked on his repertoire of strokes and can be devastating as well, something he showed early this year in the limited-overs matches against Sri Lanka and New Zealand. Kane Williamson hasn’t really done anything significant of late in the shortest format, but his quality and experience would add value to the side.

Bowling-wise, the experienced Mohammed Shami, if his fitness permits, could again make a statement with the new ball, as can Alzarri Joseph. And then there is Rashid Khan, who can not just weave magic with his spin, but also clear the boundaries in the slog overs.

That the Titans have maintained the core group which won the crown last year may again set them apart.

⚫ Delhi Capitals

On paper, the absence of Rishabh Pant, who’s recovering after a horrific car accident last December, is a big blow to the Delhi Capitals. But more than Pant’s batting, which hasn’t been as effective in T20s as in other formats, what worries the Capitals more is who will now don the keeper’s gloves.

That aside, the Capitals have most of their other bases covered with a strong fast-bowling attack featuring the likes of Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi and Mustafizur Rahman. All-rounder Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav, with their left-arm spin, can also be effective.

Mitch Marsh. File picture

Mitch Marsh’s current form bodes well for the batting while the West Indies’ Rovman Powell has the capabilities of being a good finisher. If Prithvi Shaw and captain David Warner can get their act together inside the Powerplay, it could become very tough to beat the Capitals.

Also, the Capitals have been enriched by the addition of Sourav Ganguly as the team’s director of cricket. Alongside head coach Ricky Ponting, a few words with a strategist and motivator like Sourav could make a difference.

⚫ Mumbai Indians

The five-time champions may not appear star-studded. They also won’t have the services of pacer Jasprit Bumrah. Yet, MI have a few players in their line-up who can single-handedly change the complexion of a game.

Skipper Rohit Sharma may not be going through the best of times, but given his class and quality, opponents simply cannot afford to take him lightly. And then there is SKY. Never mind his ODI hat-trick of golden ducks, Suryakumar Yadav is a class act who would be hungry for runs.

Cameron Green, with his big-hitting abilities, should be another key weapon for MI as his seam bowling too is effective. Green’s Australia teammate Tim David is another power-hitter who proved his mettle for MI in the previous IPL as well. Don’t forget Ishan Kishan, who is capable of contributing with his big hits.

MI have a tearaway quick like Jofra Archer, who must be itching to make an impact in his comeback IPL. And watch out for left-arm spinner Kumar Kartikeya and offie Hrithik Shokeen, who have both impressed in domestic cricket and know well how to bowl on these pitches.

Dark horses

⚫ Royal Challengers Bangalore

Perennial underachievers. Led by the calm Faf du Plessis, RCB have big names such as Virat Kohli and Glenn Maxwell who will be backed up by the likes of Rajat Patidar and the effervescent Dinesh Karthik. The bowling looks good on paper with Mohammed Siraj, Josh Hazlewood, Harshal Patel and WaninduHasaranga in their ranks. But they need to play as a team and consistently so. Can they?

⚫ Rajasthan Royals

They have a match-winner like Jos Buttler. His opening partner Yashasvi Jaiswal, who has been in splendid form in domestic cricket, captain Sanju Samson, Shimron Hetmyer and Jason Holder can all use the long handle to good effect. Leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal and fellow leggie Adam Zampa would be key to their bowling attack as will be Trent Boult’s form.

Virat Kohli shadow practises during IPL 2022. File picture

⚫ Kolkata Knight Riders

Always fancied KolkataKnight Riders have no stars as such in their line-up this season, barring Andre Russell and Sunil Narine. On paper, the Knights may not appear to be contenders with their captain Shreyas Iyer also uncertain for the tournament. But that could work to their advantage as the Knights can play under less pressure and rely more on team effort. And do not forget the Eden roar!