IPL 2020: Mumbai Indians the strong favourites once again

Dubai - Nothing is perfect and all teams do have their strengths and weaknesses. And that's the beauty of sport

And then, there was one. But the question is who will be the one? As we count down the hours, minutes and seconds before the first ball is bowled in this season's Indian Premier League (IPL), the question worth asking is who will hold aloft that prized trophy, come November 10.
Everyone will have their own favourites for that coveted piece of silverware depending on which city they belong or have an affinity to. The strong favourites obviously are the Mumbai Indians, gunning a record fifth and not too far behind them are Chennai Super Kings, eyeing a fourth.
But the other six teams too are contenders for the throne. Like the past 12 instalments of the League, all teams have well-rounded squads and look strong on paper. But then, being strong on paper is one thing but going out there and getting it done is another.
Nothing is perfect and all teams do have their strengths and weaknesses. And that's the beauty of sport.
Mumbai Indians, the defending champions, have always had a squad to flaunt, and their batting and fast bowling looks almost bullet-proof. But it remains to be seen how much they will miss Lasith Malinga. It is the spin department where they look a tad light.
The Chennai Super Kings, MS Dhoni's 'dad's army' are rich in experience although whether those ageing legs can last the distance is up for question. Suresh Raina's absence leaves a gaping hole at the top of the order and so too Harbhajan Singh's guile when it comes to spin.
The Kolkata Knight Riders are well stacked with overseas players and tick the boxes when it comes to batting and bowling. But what could hurt them is the lack of Indian batsmen.
Rajasthan Royals have an exciting squad with some good additions but their situation almost mirrors that of the Kolkata Knight Riders with an over-reliance on their foreign imports.
The Sunrisers Hyderabad look almost flawless with explosive openers, a decent middle-order, and pace and spin. But it will be their finishing that they will have to look into,
Royal Challengers Bangalore have always flattered only to deceive. They boast some classy firecrackers at the top but they will hope for their middle and lower order to fire as well.
Kings XI Punjab look fantastic batting-wise and have a good depth but their bowling seems a little light, especially when it comes to spin.
The Delhi Capitals could be the dark horse of the tournament and have a good mix of Indian and foreign players which will provide them a selection headache. The missing link is the absence of a good Indian all-rounder.
All teams have their strengths and so too, the chinks, but it all depends on how they negotiate that on the day.
May the best team win.
james@khaleejtimes.com
 
 

• IPL 2019