Bhubaneswar: After a fresh auction earlier this year, the 11th edition of the cash-rich Indian Premier League is new in many ways. Many franchisees have roped in new players and after two years of suspension Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings are back replacing Gujarat Lions and Rising Pune Supergiants.
Now, the eleventh edition of IPL is one such season which might see Indian players leading all the eight teams competing in the tourney.
After the recent ball tampering scandal during the Cape Town test between Australia and South Africa, the Aussie skipper Steve Smith first and then his deputy David Warner stepped down as captains of Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad respectively. Rajasthan Royals have already announced Mumbaikar Ajinkya Rahane as their skipper while Sunrisers are expected to give the responsibility to left-handed opener Shikhar Dhawan.
The captains of all other teams are Gautam Gambhir (Delhi Daredevils), Ravichandran Ashwin (Kings XI Punjab), Rohit Sharma (Mumbai Indians), Virat Kohli (Royal Challengers Bangalore), Mahendra Singh Dhoni (Chennai Super Kings) and Dinesh Karthik (Kolkata Knight Riders).
After leading the KKR successfully, left-handed Gambhir is all set to lead his home team while Tamil Nadu cricketers Ashwin and Karthik will be leading an IPL side for the very first time in their career. With CSK coming back for this edition after completing a two-year ban, MSD will be seen again in his 'Captain Cool' Avtar whereas after leading India to victory in Nidahas Trophy T20 series Rohit Sharma will be keen to defend the title. Aggressive Indian skipper Virat Kohli will try his lady luck to win the trophy for the first time for the Royal Challengers.
The very popular Indian Premier League is all set to commence from April 7 with the opening game to be played between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings at Wankhade Stadium, Mumbai. The final is also scheduled to be played at the same venue on May 27.