NEW DELHI: The Indian Premier League’s new season kicks off in Chennai on Friday with a conflict between defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and fan favorites Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). The star-studded opening match options MS Dhoni main CSK towards Virat Kohli and RCB.

Kohli makes a comeback after a two-month break from worldwide cricket, lacking India’s current collection towards England as a result of beginning of his second youngster. All eyes are on Dhoni, who returns to motion after 10 months following Chennai’s fifth IPL title win final 12 months. He had beforehand introduced his plan to retire on the finish of the upcoming season.



Faf du Plessis, the Bengaluru skipper, praised Dhoni’s management, calling him the greatest-ever captain and highlighting the impression of his time at Chennai on his personal progress as a pacesetter.

“He (Dhoni) is the greatest-ever captain, and I am very lucky that I have spent some time with him over the years,” Faf instructed host broadcaster Star Sports. “That’s probably the biggest thing in my career, my years at Chennai. It shaped me from a leadership perspective, just observing MS. As a young leader, it was special to my growth.”

Bengaluru, regardless of being three-time runners-up, have by no means clinched the IPL title, a shocking reality given the presence of record-breaking star batter Kohli. The franchise’s ladies’s crew lately broke their trophy drought by profitable the 2024 Women’s IPL trophy.

IPL 2024: A have a look at jerseys of all 10 groups

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In a big transfer, Mumbai Indians have appointed all-rounder Hardik Pandya as their new skipper, following a high-profile participant commerce with Gujarat Titans in 2023. Pandya, who beforehand performed for Mumbai from 2015 to 2021 earlier than captaining Gujarat to their maiden title, takes over from Rohit Sharma, underneath whom Mumbai secured all 5 of their IPL titles.

Sharma’s departure has stirred controversy amongst Mumbai’s fan base, marking the tip of an period. However, Pandya expressed confidence in carrying ahead Sharma’s legacy with the help of the previous captain.

“This team has achieved all its glory under him (Rohit), so it won’t be any different because he will always be there to help me out if I need his help,” Pandya mentioned on the pre-season Mumbai convention. “From now on, it will just be me carrying forward what he has started. I know he will have his hand on my shoulder all through the season.”

IPL 2024: A have a look at jerseys of all 10 groups

Shubman Gill will lead Gujarat Titans in his first main management function. Rishabh Pant, the star wicketkeeper-batter, has been cleared for high-level cricket after recovering from knee and again accidents. Pant, who was out of motion since December 2022 because of a automotive accident, will resume his captaincy for Delhi Capitals, having led them to the IPL 2020 last.

Yashasvi Jaiswal, contemporary off a powerful efficiency towards England, will companion with Jos Buttler on the prime for Rajasthan Royals.

Australian tempo duo Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins emerged as the highest two costly gamers within the IPL auctions, with Starc returning to the league after six years to affix Kolkata Knight Riders for a file charge. Cummins, however, was acquired by Sunrisers Hyderabad for a big sum and can lead the franchise this season.

The IPL last is scheduled for May 26.

(With inputs from AP)