An analysis by D&P Advisory, a consultation firm, has predicted that Rajasthan Royals, Kolkata Knight Riders, Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians have the highest probability of qualifying for the IPL playoffs this season.
The firm has relied on the Monte Carlo simulation, a statistical technique which generates a large number of possible outcomes based on random variables, and then analysed the results to draw conclusions.
The quantitative and qualitative parameters may not always match the ultimate outcome, given the format’s unpredictability, but it is a reflection of the team’s strengths.
This IPL will not just be about wins and losses, title triumphs and anguish. It will be about transition and rebuilding of the franchises, with the old guard making way for the new generation at the helm in several franchises.
IPL’s most successful captains, Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Rohit Sharma, with five titles each, will no more be in charge of their teams. No wonder then that KKR’s Shreyas Iyer is the most experienced captain with 55 matches — 41 for Delhi Capitals and 14 for KKR — in this edition. The baton has truly passed on.
With the new generation taking over, a fresh approach in strategies and tactical manoeuvrings will be witnessed. Such circumstances will open new opportunities and set new goals.
The tournament will form a dry run for several aspiring players ahead of the T20 World Cup in June. The national selectors will remain focused on several spots in the run-up to the showpiece event — the middle-order, finishers, wicketkeepers, spinners and fast bowlers.
The uncertainty over Virat Kohli’s place in the squad could propel his batting to a different level. An explosion in his prowess will benefit Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s chances as well. The achievements of their women’s team may also inspire the men to attain greater heights.
The opener on Friday will be the perfect launchpad for RCB. They haven’t defeated CSK in Chennai since the inaugural edition and that will be enough motivation for them to go all out.
Their captain Faf du Plessis has also been in good form. He played a blinder to put Jo’burg Super Kings in the SA20 playoffs last month and along with Kohli and Glenn Maxwell, forms the crux of the batting. The presence of Rajat Patidar in the XI will also provide them some depth.
It will be a comeback of sorts for Kohli after being out of action since the Test tour of South Africa in early January. Similarly, Dhoni’s return to action after almost a year in a new role will be a matter of intense scrutiny. A distinct New Zealand flavour in Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell will also work in CSK’s favour.
It would be naive to rule out Sunrisers Hyderabad with the presence of Pat Cummins’ leadership qualities and Travis Head’s big-match temperament giving them a distinct advantage.
The comeback of Rishabh Pant after nearly 14 months will also be keenly followed. While his leadership will determine Delhi Capitals’ chances, his fitness and performance could dictate the selection of the wicketkeeper for the World Cup.
Gujarat Titans will be out to prove that Hardik Pandya’s departure won’t affect their combination. But how Hardik and Rohit gel could decide Mumbai Indians’ progress.
Both the current and former captains were involved in a customary embrace during Wednesday evening’s practice signalling a ‘truce’ in their reported strained relations. But will it fetch them their first trophy in three years?
