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The biggest T20 cricket league in the world, the Indian Premier League (IPL) is commencing its 13th season on March 29. Only about a month is left until this year's IPL starts and fans all over the world are buzzing with excitement. The players will be excited as well as they look to gain momentum for the upcoming T20 World Cup which is going to be held in Australia later in the year.
The teams have strengthened themselves for the upcoming tournament during the auctions. While some big names went for huge money, like Pat Cummins to KKR for INR 15.50 crores, Glenn Maxwell to KXIP for INR 10.5 crores, others were bought for their base price as Delhi roped in Chris Woakes for just INR 1.5 crores.
Teams like Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians acted very judiciously and only pounced on the right opportunities during this year's auction. However, alike previous seasons, some teams look a bit stronger than others this year as well. With that in mind, let's have a look at the three teams most likely to win this year's tournament.
#3 Kings XI Punjab
The Preity Zinta co-owned franchise was one of the most active franchises during this year's IPL auction. Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) spent INR 26.20 crores on filling their weak spots and strengthening the squad.
The Punjab-based side had some of the most destructive batsmen in the last edition of the tournament and they have only added further to the core this term. They roped in destructive Australian batting all-rounder Glenn Maxwell and he is certainly the finisher they lacked last season.
The franchise also has a strong Indian presence with the likes of KL Rahul who has been a great form of late and could provide a massive boost to the team at the top-order. Experienced campaigners like Mandeep Singh and Mayank Aggarwal would provide much-needed stability to the team's middle order.
Also see – Indian Premier League 2020 schedule
In the bowling department, they have the likes of Mohammed Shami, Sheldon Cotrell and Mujeeb Ur Rehman to call in crunch situations. With a bit of luck, KXIP could go all the way in this season's tournament, all they need is a bit of luck with injuries to their bowling department as the team seems to be lacking depth in that area.
Note: Views are of the writer and not those of Sportskeeda's
#2 Delhi Capitals
After finishing third in last year's edition, the team from the north has strengthened significantly this year. Delhi's roster for this year looks like a side that is capable of winning the tournament.
The Delhi Capitals (DC) have the right balance of youth and experience in their squad. Delhi has formed a good fore of quality Indian players. The team roped in Ravichandran Ashwin and Ajinkya Rahane during the trade window, two players who have played at the highest level. The team is one of the most balanced sides in this year's edition and has the right combination of quality batting and bowling attack.
One thing that the team lacked last year was quality finishers of the game. They have addressed to it by bringing in Shimron Hetmyer. The squad has proven matchwinners who can change the course of a match single-handedly. Barring any significant loss of form, the Capitals could be up for the title this time.
#1 Mumbai Indians
Such is the strength and quality of this side that it's difficult to see past them making it all the way to their fifth IPL title this year. The Rohit Sharma led side has immense depth in all departments along with an impressive pool of quality Indian players.
The Mumbai-based franchise has added destructive Australian opener Chris Lynn to their side this term. As far as the middle order is concerned, they have the destructive duo of 'Pandya brothers' along with the ever-present hard-hitting Kieron Pollard to call up to. Alongside all these power-hitters, Suryakumar Yadav could play a key role in the side's middle-order.
Just like any other department, Mumbai has immense depth in their bowling department as well. The team has the likes of world no.1 bowler Jasprit Bumrah, Nathan Coulter-Nile, and Kiwi pacer Trent Boult who was traded in from Delhi Capitals. Mumbai Indians surely are a side capable of defending their crown.
Also read | IPL 2020: 3 things that can help KKR improve their chances of winning this year
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