4 Teams who can make it to the IPL Playoffs this season

The biggest and most competitive T20 League of the world, the Indian Premier League is all set to set the stage on fire this season.

After the Mega Auctions and the comeback of former champions Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals, this season looks a completely different one.

It's almost a fresh start after completing 10 years of IPL. All the teams have tried to put together a balanced squad to give them the best shot at the title, but things don't always work out as planned and it has been the case with this auction too.

Although the season hasn't begun yet, not a single ball has been bowled but the teams have been put on paper and that is one thing that can not be changed.

Some Teams have managed to put together a more balanced and formidable team than others and have gained an edge.

Here we take a look at the potential candidates who are leading the race to make it to the playoffs this season.

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#4 Kings XI Punjab

Kings XI Punjab looks to finally have found the right combination

The Kings XI Punjab have been an integral part of the IPL right from the very first season, but they do not have the most dominant track records in the tournament.

In the past 10 years, they have made it to the playoffs only twice first in 2008 and then in 2014.

Punjab have always lacked the balance in the previous editions but this season could be a different story altogether.

They have got Virender Sehwag as a mentor, an intelligent captain Ravichandran Ashwin and a well-balanced squad in the dressing room.

KXIP finally seem to have got the combination right this time. Their batting lineup has got enough firepower to chase down any total with ease.

With the likes of K.L Rahul, Aaron Finch, Chris Gayle, Yuvraj Singh, Karun Nayar, David Miller and Mayank Agarwal in their batting lineup.

The Kings have also got a decent pace attack having Andrew Tye, Barinder Sran, Mohit Sharma and Marcus Stoinis in their ranks.

Whereas the spin department will be taken care of by Ashwin and Axar Patel. They have what it takes to make it to the playoffs and they could well be serious title contenders this season.

#3 Chennai Super Kings

The Superkings would look to bounce back after their two-year hiatus

One of the most successful teams in the history of the IPL, Chennai Super Kings are back after two years and they look all set to play the attacking brand of cricket they are known for.

Not only have CSK have made a comeback but they have also brought back Dhoni as their captain.

CSK have already announced their return by putting together a formidable team in this year's Mega IPL Auction.

They have got the balance right as they have brought back their core group of players back along with the team management.

CSK have a legend like Stephen Fleming as their Head Coach, the man with the Midas touch Dhoni as their captain and an experienced squad.

CSK's batting looks second to none with the likes of Shane Watson, Faf du Plessis, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, Kedar Jadhav and Murali Vijay in their ranks.

They have got proven all-rounders in Dwayne Bravo and Ravindra Jadeja and one of the most versatile spin attacks of the tournament which will prove vital for them in the seven home games that they will play on a spin-friendly Chennai Wicket.

CSK have a really strong team this season and they look well set to maintain their 100 percent track record of making it to the playoffs of every IPL season they have played.

#2 Royal Challengers Bangalore

RCB would be eyeing their maiden IPL title this season

The Royal Challengers Bangalore are one of the most followed IPL Teams and are known to play a fearless brand of cricket.

RCB have roped in the likes of Gary Kirsten, Ashish Nehra and Daniel Vettori in their support staff. Add to that the presence of the Indian captain Virat Kohli and a well-settled team.

Batting was never an issue for the RCB, but their bowling always lacked the cutting edge. This season they have put together a versatile bowling attack with the likes of Chris Woakes, Umesh Yadav, Tim Southee, Mohammed Siraj and Nathan Coulter-Nile in the dressing room.

They have also got quality spinners in Yuzvendra Chahal, Wahington Sundar and Murugan Ashwin.

The batting line-up looks strong as ever and has the much-needed firepower, with Brendon Mccullum, Quinton de Kock, Sarfaraz Khan, Manan Vohra and Mandeep Singh coming to the aid of the Kohli- Devilliers duo.

RCB seem to have finally got the combination right this season and look set to pose a title challenge this season.

#1 Mumbai Indians

The Pandya brothers will have a big say in Mumbai's chances this season

The most successful IPL team in the history of the tournament Mumbai Indians could not reach the playoffs in the first two seasons but after that they became a superpower in IPL.

They have reached seven IPL playoffs and won three IPL titles(the only team to do so). The MI Paltan look strong after the 2018 IPL auctions as they were able to get their core group of players back, also adding some new players to provide freshness to the side.

Mumbai's batting looks solid with the likes of Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Saurabh Tiwary, J.P. Duminy, Evin Lewis and Suryakumar Yadav taking charge of their batting.

Mumbai have got one of the most lethal pace attacks having the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Pat Cummins and Mustafizur Rehman in their ranks.

Adding to this they have got the dangerous trio of all-rounders in the Pandya Brothers and Kieron Pollard.

Mumbai have Mahela Jayawardene as their head coach with Master Blaster also being there as the team Icon. The Mumbai team looks all set for the title defence this season and are once again a strong contender this season.