NEW DELHI: The Indian Premier League's new season kicks off in Chennai on Friday with a clash between defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and fan favorites Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). The star-studded opening match features MS Dhoni leading CSK against Virat Kohli and RCB.
Kohli makes a comeback after a two-month break from international cricket, missing India's recent series against England due to the birth of his second child. All eyes are on Dhoni, who returns to action after 10 months following Chennai's fifth IPL title win last year. He had previously announced his plan to retire at the end of the upcoming season.
Faf du Plessis, the Bengaluru skipper, praised Dhoni's leadership, calling him the greatest-ever captain and highlighting the impact of his time at Chennai on his own growth as a leader.
"He (Dhoni) is the greatest-ever captain, and I am very lucky that I have spent some time with him over the years," Faf told 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, despite being three-time runners-up, have never clinched the IPL title, a surprising fact given the presence of record-breaking star batter Kohli. The franchise's women's team recently broke their trophy drought by winning the 2024 Women's IPL trophy.
1/10:IPL 2024: A look at jerseys of all 10 teams
Agencies
2/10:Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
<p>The jersey features a sleek design with vibrant blue fabric accented by striking orange lining along the sides, adding a dynamic and modern touch to the ensemble.</p>Agencies
3/10:Delhi Capitals (DC)
<p><u></u>Delhi Capitals seemingly retain their jerseys from the previous season, with no official announcements regarding changes.</p>Agencies
4/10:Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
<p>KKR's jersey for IPL 2024 incorporates blue mixed with gold throughout the ensemble, reflecting elegance and sophistication.</p>Agencies
5/10:Rajasthan Royals (RR)
<p>RR surprise fans with an all-pink jersey, celebrating women empowerment during their match against RCB, showcasing solidarity and inclusivity.</p>Agencies
6/10:Gujarat Titans (GT)
<p>GT opt for simplicity, revealing their new jersey for IPL 2024 through social media posts and replicas for sale, maintaining a minimalist approach to design and branding.</p>Agencies
7/10:Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
<p>SRH kick off IPL 2024 with a unique jersey featuring an ensemble of orange diamonds, reminiscent of their SA20 jersey, showcasing innovation and vibrancy.</p>Agencies
8/10:Punjab Kings (PBKS)
<p>Punjab Kings' new jersey for IPL 2024, unveiled by co-owner Preity Zinta and captain Shikhar Dhawan, retains its core dark red color but incorporates blue accents.</p>Agencies
9/10:Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
<p>CSK's yellow jersey with hints of blue remains consistent for IPL 2024, as revealed through replicas available on their website.</p>Agencies
10/10:Mumbai Indians (MI)
<p>MI's new jersey for IPL 2024 maintains its iconic blue and gold color scheme, as seen in a video featuring Rohit Sharma, symbolizing continuity and strength.</p>AgenciesIn a significant move, Mumbai Indians have appointed all-rounder Hardik Pandya as their new skipper, following a high-profile player trade with Gujarat Titans in 2023. Pandya, who previously played for Mumbai from 2015 to 2021 before captaining Gujarat to their maiden title, takes over from Rohit Sharma, under whom Mumbai secured all five of their IPL titles.
Sharma's departure has stirred controversy among Mumbai's fan base, marking the end of an era. However, Pandya expressed confidence in carrying forward Sharma's legacy with the support of the former 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 said at the pre-season Mumbai conference. "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."
1/8:From RCB to DC: IPL teams who changed their names
Agencies
2/8:CSK vs RCB
<p>As the 17th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) starts from March 22, the season opener will see last year’s champions, Chennai Super Kings (CSK), facing off against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).</p>Agencies
3/8:RCB Unbox event
<p>With Virat Kohli’s RCB changing its name in their unbox event on March 19, it was yet another addition to teams who had decided to change their name over the years.</p>Agencies
4/8:Royal Challengers Bengaluru
<p>Notably, RCB have undergone a significant change, transitioning its franchise name from Royal Challengers Bangalore to Royal Challengers Bengaluru.</p>Agencies
5/8:Franchises altering their names
<p>This isn’t the first instance of a franchise altering its name in the IPL; previously, Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings, and Sunrisers Hyderabad have made similar changes.</p>Agencies
6/8:Deccan Chargers
<p>Sunrisers Hyderabad, earlier called Deccan Chargers, changed their name to Sunrisers Hyderabad back in 2013.</p>Agencies
7/8:Delhi Capitals
<p>Following Sunrisers Hyderabad, there was also a rebranding of Delhi’s team. In 2018, the Delhi Daredevils franchise was transformed into Delhi Capitals.</p>Agencies
8/8:Punjab Kings
<p>Prior to RCB, the most recent instance of a franchise altering its name occurred in 2021. Kings XI Punjab rebranded themselves as Punjab Kings ahead of the 14th season.</p>AgenciesShubman Gill will lead Gujarat Titans in his first major leadership role. Rishabh Pant, the star wicketkeeper-batter, has been cleared for high-level cricket after recovering from knee and back injuries. Pant, who was out of action since December 2022 due to a car accident, will resume his captaincy for Delhi Capitals, having led them to the IPL 2020 final.
Yashasvi Jaiswal, fresh off an impressive performance against England, will partner with Jos Buttler at the top for Rajasthan Royals.
Australian pace duo Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins emerged as the top two expensive players in the IPL auctions, with Starc returning to the league after six years to join Kolkata Knight Riders for a record fee. Cummins, on the other hand, was acquired by Sunrisers Hyderabad for a significant sum and will lead the franchise this season.
The IPL final is scheduled for May 26.
(With inputs from AP)
