IPL 2018: Analysing the strengths of the eight captains
With a month to go for the 11th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), all franchises now have named a skipper to lead them. Three teams selected a new skipper in the last 10 days as the eight teams gear up for the money-spinning T20 League starting April 7 onwards. Here we look at the eight captains and what they possess.
Dhoni, Rohit Sharma are safe bets for CSK and MI
Former Indian skipper Dhoni returns to lead Chennai Super Kings. CSK are making an entry in the IPL after two seasons owing to suspension. As expected, Mumbai will be led by Rohit Sharma. Mumbai have won two titles under the leadership of 'Hitman'. Both the experienced customers know their sides in-and-out and with their success as leaders, the franchises have built a safety net.
What do these two bring on table?
Both Dhoni and Rohit will be the fulcrum to their sides especially since the management have looked to build around core players. With the scent of success tasted in IPL, the two experienced campaigners provide a lot of stability and balance in decision making.
SRH, Royals go the Australian way in Warner and Smith
Sunrisers Hyderabad continue to bank on Australian stalwart David Warner, who helped them to the title back in 2016. Warner's aggression and profoundness as a leader and a batsman make him the right choice for SRH. Rajasthan Royals went the SRH way and banked upon Australian Test skipper Steve Smith. Smith is a cricketing genius who led Pune to the final in 2017.
What do these Australians offer?
Both Aussies came good with the bat last season. Warner knows the SRH set-up well and is a no-nonsense skipper. Smith provides the thinking cap and will hold the middle order. The duo have a solid unit to deal with and could achieve enormous success.
RCB, DD look up to Delhi boys Kohli and Gambhir
Royal Challengers Bangalore see charismatic Virat Kohli at the helm, who has been phenomenal as India's skipper. But the same cannot be said when it comes to IPL. RCB have underachieved despite their star-studded squad. Delhi Daredevils got back their local boy Gautam Gambhir and handed him the captaincy. Gambhir has been exceptional in the IPL with guiding Kolkata Knight Riders to two trophies.
Aggression is the mantra for these two
Both Kohli and Gambhir have exactly the same challenge- bringing consistency. Gambhir had a chemistry with KKR, but now he has a difficult road ahead. Kohli's task is to get RCB perform to their capabilities. Aggression is what defines both Kohli's and Gambhir's captaincy style.
Kolkata, Punjab have untested entities in Karthik and Ashwin
Kolkata Knight Riders appointed Dinesh Karthik as their new skipper hoping he will have a similar impact like Gambhir given his experience in the IPL. DK has been in the scene since 10 seasons and this is a new chapter in his career. His Tamil Nadu colleague Ravichandran Ashwin too finds a new set-up at Kings XI Punjab and will hope to do well.
Will their inexperience hurt?
Despite no experience in managing a team in IPL, both Karthik and Ashwin could spring in a lot of surprises. Both the players have captained in domestic cricket, but IPL is a different game. Arguably, both of them are the weakest captains in this lot.
