New Delhi, Apr 6:
The Indian Premier League keeps getting bigger with each passing edition and the return of MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings and Shane Warne-coached Rajasthan Royals for the 11th edition only adds to the cult of the most popular Twenty20 league in the world.
Both Super Kings and Royals are back after serving two-year bans for their role in the spot-fixing scandal but their fans have remained as loyal as ever, especially the ones supporting the men in yellow.
The wait to see Dhoni and Co back playing for the Chennai side only made them desperate, as it was evident during a warm-up game at Chepauk where fans turned up in huge numbers.
They would be expecting nothing less than a third trophy from the Super Kings and Royals would be hoping that Warne inspires them to another triumph after 10 long years.
However, if anyone has unfinished business over a decade of IPL, it is India captain Virat Kohli. He made his intent amply clear earlier this week.
“More than the fans I want to win the cup,” said the champion batsman.
In Kohli and AB de Villiers’ presence, batting was never an issue for RCB and this time the last season’s wooden spooners seem to have enough firepower in the bowling department.
The Yuzvendra Chahal-led spin attack has been bolstered by the entry of Washington Sundar. The management still has faith in left-arm spinner Pawan Negi, for whom they used the Right To Match card at the auction.
They have a top-quality Indian pacer in Umesh Yadav who will be supported by Delhi’s Navdeep Saini and Mohammed Siraj, who made his international debut in November. (PTI)
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