3 teams which can potentially win IPL 11 title
The Indian Premier League 2018 season kicks off on April 7 with defending champions Mumbai Indians facing Chennai Super Kings. The two-day auction for the IPL 11 was completed last month and most teams look good on paper to provide a spark. Here, we analyse three franchises that could actually go on to win the coveted IPL trophy.
CSK have the 'Dhoni' factor
Chennai will be looking to prove a point after returning to the IPL post their two-year suspension. With MS Dhoni at the helm, CSK have a skipper who has won it all including two IPL titles. The base looks strong with several familiar players in the side. Chennai's record in IPL have been noteworthy and they have the resources to go big.
Key facts- CSK
With 3,560 runs in 159 matches in the IPL, Dhoni will be on familiar turf at CSK. Trump cards for CSK: Suresh Raina and Shane Watson. Exciting talent: Lungi Ngidi CSK are over-reliant on spinners with some big names. Dhoni's handling of them is crucial.
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Mumbai Indians have a habit of winning
Under Rohit Sharma, the Mumbai Indians look extremely formidable and strong. Mumbai have made it a habit of winning the IPL with three titles to their name. They are the defending champions and are dependent on the core players to deliver this time. Under coach Mahela Jayawardene, the side can once again go berserk.
Key Facts- Mumbai Indians
With 4,207 runs in 159 matches in the IPL, Rohit knows what it takes to be consistent. Trump cards for MI: Kieron Pollard and Jasprit Bumrah. Exciting talent: Ishan Kishan. The all-rounders of the MI side will be expected to take their team ahead.
Rajasthan Royals the most complete unit
The Royals have a dangerous unit after making the right choices in the auction. With Australia's Steve Smith as their leader, RR have built a side around Rising Pune Supergiant stars. The franchise have kept it simple by building the team around Smith and Ajinkya Rahane. They dished out the costliest purchases for both foreign and domestic recruits in Ben Stokes and Jaydev Unadkat.
Key facts- Rajasthan Royals
With 3,057 runs in 111 matches in the IPL, Rahane will be their go to player atop. Trump cards for RR: Ben Stokes and Steve Smith. Exciting talent: Jofra Archer. Their side is well-balanced as they have got their basics right for an interesting challenge.
