Ninth edition of the Indian Premier League is upon us with two teams
disbanded and their place being taken by two new teams. Everywhere else,
things look the same in some aspects but differs plenty in other. As
far as captains are concerned, there are two new leaders in the
previously established teams. (Fixtures | Squads)
Delhi Daredevils - Zaheer Khan
Gautam Gambhir has been leading KKR since 2009 and has lead them to two titles. KKR may not have the star power that the likes of RCB or Mumbai Indians possess but they've banked their hopes on youngsters and not-so-big-stars to get them to win.
Rising Pune Supergiants - MS Dhoni
He
had led Chennai Super Kings for eight years before being forced to move
due to CSK's suspension. He called this move difficult. "If all of a
sudden if you want me to say that I am very excited to play for a new
team, it will be wrong," said Dhoni who had won the title twice and
finished runner-up four times. This time, though, in new colours of Pune
Super Giants and a new look team, things would be very different for
India's limited overs captain. Will Dhoni's inspirational touch carry
on, it remains to be seen.
Gujarat Lions - Suresh Raina
The other new team to enter IPL-9 is Gujarat Lions who will be playing
their matches in Rajkot. He may not be performing well with the bat as
it was visible during the World T20, but IPL will give him the chance to
regain form. Moreover, Raina will get a chance to showcase his
leadership skills alongside. Raina has played the most number of matches
in the IPL and is the competition's all-time leading run scorer. Like
Dhoni, Raina also stood by CSK throughout the IPL history.
Kings XI Punjab - David Miller
Kings XI Punjab endured a tough season last year by finishing bottom of
the pile with just three seasons. George Bailey led the franchise last
season but have now handed the reigns to South Africa's big-hitter David
Miller. Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Miller said he was
looking forward to the task of leading the side and that he wasn't
seeing it as an added pressure.
After
two seasons with JP Duminy at the helm, Delhi Daredevils turned
to retired India seamer Zaheer Khan to take the team to a much better
finish than last season's second last. Delhi have had a history of good
squads with quality players but have not been able to convert it into
titles. At 37, though, the question and doubts will be on Zak's ability
to play the entire season. To add to DD's hopes, they've got Rahul
Dravid as a mentor.
Mumbai Indians - Rohit Sharma
Rohit
Sharma did not have a great World T20 barring a decent showing in the
semi-final against West Indies but IPL is a different ballgame
altogether. Ever since being appointed as skipper in 2013, Rohit
Sharma-led Mumbai Indians have won two titles. With a strong squad and
equally formidable backroom staff, Mumbai Indians are strong contenders
to defend their title.
Royal Challengers Bangalore - Virat Kohli
Chris
Gayle, Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers will be envy of any team and a
reason of concern for any opposition. Led by an aggressive Kohli, RCB
are another team who promise much - primarily with the bat - but fall
short in the end. With no titles under their belt, Kohli who is in
blazing form will look to change that.
Sunrisers Hyderabad - David Warner
In
a fantastic combination of three international captains, David Warner,
Kane Williamson and Eoin Morgan, Sunrisers call Warner as their leader.
And he needs to bring in his leadership qualities but batting qualities
after a less than fruitful World T20. Warner was appointed captain of
the team last season.
Kolkata Knight Riders - Gautam Gambhir
Gautam Gambhir has been leading KKR since 2009 and has lead them to two titles. KKR may not have the star power that the likes of RCB or Mumbai Indians possess but they've banked their hopes on youngsters and not-so-big-stars to get them to win.
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