IPL 2019: How the teams stack up

Dafabet
CSK put together a fine run in IPL 2018
CSK put together a fine run in IPL 2018

The 2019 Indian Premier League is scheduled to begin in just under three weeks and excitement among fans for the tournament increases with every passing day. This is the first edition of the IPL where the full schedule of the tournament has not yet been announced, principally due to the Indian general elections scheduled to happen in April and May. Apart from that, the 2019 Cricket World Cup is also on the minds of players and teams as most internationals would be focused on being in the best shape for the biggest cricket tournament in the world.

Fans need to follow all the latest cricket news and updates to stay abreast of the remaining dates of the IPL and information on the players leaving for the World Cup. All the other latest sports news can be tracked and followed here to ensure you don't miss out on any opportunities that might profit you.

All these factors make the 2019 IPL full of intrigue where lots of detailed research needs to be done before selecting one's players; thus ensuring that one's picks can battle the odds and help win based on their performance for their franchise in the tournament. Dafabet provide great user experience and are a very easy to use website, with 24*7 live chat support to answer any queries one might have. With the PAN verification process not mandatory anymore, all one has to do is to register, deposit and start playing the odds based on the players they trust to start winning.

Here's a look at each team and the players one should count on to deliver in IPL 2019:

Chennai Super Kings

The franchise from Chennai returned to the competition last year after a two-year suspension and immediately went on to dominate proceedings. They finished second in the table, level on points with top of the table Sun Risers Hyderabad, eventually winning the 2019 IPL easily by defeating SRH in the final. Although their squad is a bit on the older side, with Mahendra Singh Dhoni leading, they have every shot of making it to the playoffs and possibly winning it all again.

Their squad looks solid again this season, as they held on to most of their key players from last year. All-rounder Shane Watson has continued his great form from IPL 2018, doing very well in the BBL this season as well as impressing in the PSL. He will come into the 2019 IPL on the back of consistently good displays and should impress once more. Suresh Raina is another name that fans would be expecting a lot from, especially as he is not expected to be part of the Indian squad for the World Cup.

This IPL season, win big and follow all the action onDafabet
This IPL season, win big and follow all the action on
Dafabet

Delhi Capitals

Focused on a new strategy, the youthful Delhi Capitals will be looking to make it to the playoffs. After a disappointing outing last time around, they would be looking to make the most of the youthful exuberance and talent in their squad. With Rishabh Pant expected to make it to the World Cup squad, the responsibility will fall on hard-hitting opener Prithvi Shaw. He bears the burden of getting the team off to a good start and consolidating their starts well.

Nepali leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichaane is a wild card in the bowling attack and would be hoping for more chances this season. He took 11 wickets in the BBL, with a best of 3/11 and should be a great option on spinning tracks in India. Avesh Khan's pace is another weapon the Capitals possess and they should try taking use of it.

Delhi Capitals will look to turnaround their IPL fortunes under their new name
Delhi Capitals will look to turnaround their IPL fortunes under their new name

Kings XI Punjab

A great start to last season was ruined by a miserable second half as they missed the playoffs. They let go of many players and revamped their team in the auction, signing many players, including English all-rounder Sam Curran and off spinner Varun Chakravarthy. Chakravarthy impressed in the TNPL and will be an interesting option in the spin department alongside captain Ravichandran Ashwin and Mujeeb Ur Rahman.

Curran gives the franchise lower order batting and the ability to bowl four overs, which is why he was so coveted in the auctions, eventually getting bought by KXIP for 7.2 crores. With talented youngsters and a dynamic coach in Mike Hesson on board, KXIP would be targeting the playoffs.

Kings XI Punjab will look to make use of their power packed squad in this IPL
Kings XI Punjab will look to make use of their power packed squad in this IPL

Kolkata Knight Riders

The Knight Riders impressed last season with their mix of Indian youngsters and experienced overseas players, reaching the playoffs. They have improved their squad depth this year and that should help them when their key players leave for the World Cup. However, their additions might not be able to compensate in terms of quality and that might leave them finding it tough in the 2019 IPL.

Lockie Ferguson is an interesting addition who will definitely add to the quality in the KKR pace department and could turn out to be a sleeper who outdoes expectations in the tournament, after having done well in patches against India recently. Another fast bowler who has a good chance to impress is Kamalesh Nagarkoti, who starred at the U-19 World Cup in 2018 and missed last season due to injury. Robin Uthappa will be crucial as both a leader and batsman and is someone who can help you beat the odds.

The two time champions will try to make it a hat-trick of IPL crowns
The two time champions will try to make it a hat-trick of IPL crowns

Mumbai Indians

A disappointing 2018 IPL saw the Mumbai franchise fail to make it to the playoffs. Although it is a World Cup year, Mumbai Indians would be keen to live up to their reputation as the most successful IPL team and will go all out to win the title this year.

The signings of Yuvraj Singh and Lasith Malinga could prove to be pivotal when players leave for the World Cup as their presence could guide a team full of youngsters in the final stages of the tournament.

Mayank Markande and Jasprit Bumrah hold the key to their fortunes in the bowling attack while captain Rohit Sharma would be hoping to have a better IPL compared to last season as he aims to take his team to the title.

MI will be led by Rohit Sharma and their bowling attack will be key
MI will be led by Rohit Sharma and their bowling attack will be key

Rajasthan Royals

The other team that returned to the IPL after a two-year suspension, Rajasthan Royals impressed with their performances under pressure last year and made it to the playoffs. Having strengthened their squad through the auction, RR will be looking to do one better and win the IPL this year.

Ajinkya Rahane is the team captain and will have to be very consistent with the bat if they are to do any damage in the tournament. Steve Smith, who will be returning from his 12-month ban, is their x-factor and the Royals will look to him to provide the dynamism and batting needed to challenge.

Steve Smith could be the difference maker as RR look to challenge for the title in 2019
Steve Smith could be the difference maker as RR look to challenge for the title in 2019

Royal Challengers Bangalore

After a disappointing campaign in the IPL last year, they have strengthened heavily and the squad looks good on paper. AB de Villiers will be their biggest weapon consistently available for the entire season while captain Virat Kohli will be key till he leaves for the World Cup.

The addition of Shimron Hetmeyer gives RCB a reliable heavy hitter who is very consistent with the bat and adds to the team's profile as one looking to play aggressive cricket. The presence of all-rounders Marcus Stoinis and Gurkeerat Singh adds to the team's strong spine and they would be hoping to make it atleast to the playoffs.

The Virat Kohli led team will look for a strong start in a bid to win their first IPL title
The Virat Kohli led team will look for a strong start in a bid to win their first IPL title

Sunrisers Hyderabad

Last year's finalists have managed to retain the bulk of their squad and would be focused on going one step farther this time and winning the 2019 IPL. The return of David Warner makes him the team's most important player and he would be expected to deliver consistently with the bat.

All-rounders Abhishek Sharma and Vijay Shankar could prove to be astute additions as they bring much-needed depth to the squad.

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With David Warner back in the fray, SRH will be a force to reckon with in 2019

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