IPL 2018: 5 Reasons to watch the latest edition of the annual extravaganza

In a week's time, the wait will be over... the IPL is almost upon us. The cash-rich league has always been one of the most highly anticipated tournaments in the world with expectations soaring high, as the best players from the world come together on one stage.

The high level of competition motivates players to give their best and quite naturally, spectators get to witness some memorable performances every season. The IPL has been entertaining the world for years now, and the fans will expect nothing less this year too. While there are thousands of reasons to watch IPL every year, we will look at 5 unique reasons that will make this particular season of IPL a must watch.

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#5 Introduction of DRS

Dhoni will surely be happy with the introduction of DRS in IPL

Due to the increasing errors in judgment of the umpires, there have been discussions in IPL circles about whether or not DRS should be used in IPL.

IPL governing council has put an end to this debate by introducing DRS in this season. As controversial as it may be in some circles, the DRS will help the teams challenge umpiring decisions... thus eliminating the conspiracy theories and shouts about incompetence and darker allegtions. It will be interesting to see how the teams use the review, as only one review per innings will be allowed. Overall, the introduction of DRS is only going to spice up the contest.

#4 The return of Chennai Superkings and Rajasthan Royals

Can CSK and RR recreate their magic?

Chennai Superkings and Rajasthan Royals are two of the most followed teams of IPL. While CSK has relied on superstar players, the Royals have been known for unearthing the unknown.

Hence, despite the controversial reasons for their two-year ban, the teams' unique brands of cricket have been sorely missed over the past couple of years

IPL 2018 marks the comeback of both the teams and even for a neutral that's certainly something to look forward to... MS Dhoni calmly leading his men while Suresh Raina bounces around the field like a bunny on a sugar rush, both clad in the canary yellow that's become synonymous with them, Ajinkya Rahane carving the opposition apart with that expression of calm serenity on his face and that wonderful hue of Royals blue on his person... ah, that's just what the doctor ordered.

Dhoni and Raina wearing the famous yellow jersey of CSK and Rahane opening the innings for Rajasthan Royals, are the things that have made fans hysterical.

#3 New teams, new combinations

Harbhajan will be playing alongside Dhoni for CSK

Teammates then, enemies now... will be the flair of IPL 2018. IPL teams were allowed to retain a maximum of five players through player retention and right-to-match card in the player auction, which resulted in major personnel changes in all teams.

Gautam Gambhir captaining an IPL team against Kolkata Knight Riders, Harbhajan Singh bowling against Rohit Sharma and Kieron Pollard, Virat Kohli making plans to stop Chris Gayle from scoring runs against RCB, Ravi Ashwin playing against CSK in front of a jam-packed Chepauk crowd in Chennai... the unimaginable's suddenly become reality!

#2 New year, new talent

Kamlesh Nagarkoti is touted as the next big thing of Indian Cricket

'Talent meets opportunity' is the slogan of IPL, and rightly so, as IPL provides young players with the opportunity to showcase their talent on the big stage. This year will be no different, as a lot of promising players will be playing their first season for different franchises.

International players like Jofra Archer, D'Arcy Short, Mujeeb Zadran, Sandeep Lamichhane, Lungi Ngidi have turned a lot of heads with their performances till now, and all eyes will be on them in the IPL as well.

The franchises picked up quite a few players from the victorious Indian Under 19 team at the auction and Indian cricket fans will look forward to seeing how players like Shubman Gill, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Shivam Mavi and Prithvi Shaw cope with the pressure of playing with the big boys.

#1 Comeback of MS Dhoni, the leader

MS Dhoni will lead an IPL side after a long time

MS Dhoni is one of the most celebrated cricketers of India. His craze amongst fans knows no bounds and crowds stack up the stadiums to watch him play. Forget the batting, though, forget the lightning reflexes behind the stumps, what makes MSD so special is the fact that he's the leader. He has always been loved and admired for his captaincy skills.

The charismatic skipper has lead Chennai Super Kings to glory twice in IPL and has the record of captaining an IPL team for the maximum number of matches. However, following CSK's suspension from IPL, Dhoni played for Rising Pune Supergiant for the last two years. Due to the team's dismal performance in 2016, the reign of the team was given to Steve Smith. Considering the fact that Dhoni doesn't captain the national side too, fans are thrilled to see their favourite captain lead an IPL team again.

The Leader is back.

What more do you need?