The richest, the largest, and (some would say) the world’s best T20 league is back.This year Indian Premier League will be played in India. Now that the auction and the draw are behind us, it’s time to enjoy the action. While each of the teams has made changes in the offseason, the league is just as competitive as ever. 

Fans can start betting on who they think will win from one of the many betting sites over at BettingGuru.in. Here, we'll be previewing the chances of a handful of teams, concluding with a prediction on how we think the tournament will go.

Delhi Capitals

The Capitals will likely be the main threat to the Mumbai Indians, with many of the biggest players returning. The team has made some nice signings too. Umesh Yadav and Steve Smith provide experience, and there are some strong English players in the form of Chris Woakes, Sam Billings, and Tom Curran. It’s unsure as yet, however, how much time will be given to these three players.

With possibly the best group of Indian players of any team in the IPL, Delhi is expected to put on quite a show this season.

Mumbai Indians

The 2020 champions and IPL’s most successful ever team are the favourites to win this year’s competition. While there are no English players in the side, Kieron Pollard, Trent Boult, and Quinton de Kock are a formidable trip. Mumbai also boasts one of the best crops of Indian players, led by Rohit Sharma. While there are other strong-looking teams in the competition, it would take a brave man to bet against Mumbai.

Chennai Super Kings

After their worst-ever season (not counting the two seasons they were suspended), CSK will want a return to form and land their fourth title. Last season’s team perhaps could have used an injection of youth. The only key acquisitions they made in the auction, however, were Krishnappa Gowtham, Cheteshwar Pujara, and Moeen Ali. Their Indian stars such as Suresh Raina and MS Dhoni are not the players they were, and their international lineup won’t strike fear into the heart of the best teams. They will be unlikely to succeed and will need a rebuild before next season.

Royal Challengers Bangalore

While RCB released more players than any other team, they have retained the dynamic duo of AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli. They’ve gone for five Australian players, including Glenn Maxwell, with no Englishmen in the side. If these two players can regain their best form, RCB could have a successful season. After test cricket success, Washington Sundar will be coming to prove that he can help RCB win the IPL for the first time by being the all-rounder they need him to be. Kohili did say that this season should be more competitive, as no team will have home-field advantage

Conclusion

When considering the above teams, it’s hard to see past an ultimate showdown that doesn’t include both teams from last year’s final: Mumbai and Delhi. Yes, The Knight Riders and Sunrisers will likely face off again. That doesn’t mean that other teams, such as RCB, won’t be a threat, however, as you never know what might happen. With an abundance of abnormalities and changes this season, predicting the top wicket-keeper and scorer will be a challenge. But then it wouldn’t be surprising to see Chahal as the top wicket-keeper and Warner the top scorer. And Chahal could build on his increasing popularity. Whatever happens, we’re lucky that the tournament is happening in the first place. That doesn’t mean, however, that we shouldn’t hope for entertaining performances that will provide some pretty great memories.