IPL 2018 Prediction: Who will win the IPL 11?
What's the story
The Indian Premier League 2018 season kicks off from April 7. Every team is undergoing rigorous preparation with the tournament starting in just three weeks time. Every franchise assembled their troops from the auction held in Bengaluru in January 2018. In this article, we rate the teams and their predicted position after the league games.
Top guns
Sunrisers Hyderabad: Rating 9/10, predicted position 1st
Heavyweights Sunrisers Hyderabad could go on to steal the thunder in IPL 11. The David Warner-led side have every base covered and given their performances in the last two seasons, they go in as the best bet. With David Warner, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Rashid Khan and Manish Pandey, they have serious match-winners. They boast of both the defending IPL Orange and Purple Cap holders.
The royal feel
Rajasthan Royals: Rating 8.5/10, predicted position 2nd
Royals went heavy in raiding the players of Rising Pune Supergiant and a pleasing business was done. Led by Smith, RR look solid and could give teams a run for their money. With the acquisition of IPL 11's costliest player Ben Stokes, the Royals have one of the most effective match-winners. Weak spin department is a worry, but that will not deter Royals' rise.
Kohli's army
Royal Challengers Bangalore: Rating 8.5, predicted position 3rd
RCB's foreign recruits give them plenty of strength. One of the most glamorous franchises in the IPL, this could be the year for Virat Kohli's side to run riot. Kohli could go on to set individual records and needs to find the right playing XI for the matches. Bowling and batting look equally solid and winning key games could see them in the play-offs.
Midas touch
Chennai Super Kings: Rating 7.5, predicted position 4th
Chennai Super Kings, the most consistent side in the IPL, have the midas touch of MS Dhoni. The celebrated skipper has the experience to lead his side into the play-offs. Based on a sound core of previous stalwarts, CSK have the potential to do well. Despite being a bit aged, the experience of the players will come handy during pivotal moments.
The fight
Mumbai Indians: Rating 7, predicted position 5th
Mumbai Indians have a strong group of core players and their all-rounders create the base. Rohit Sharma has been a part of three IPL winning teams of Mumbai and the defending champions could provide a fight to the others. In Pollard and Pandya they have class. The spin attack is thin and batting lacks strength, which would dampen their chances.
Surprise package
Kings XI Punjab: Rating 6.5, predicted position 6th
KXIP have gone for a star-studded batting line-up which revolve around experienced batsmen. They are spoilt for choices. Team selection and finding a flow will be key for new skipper R Ashwin. With Chris Gayle, Aaron Finch and Yuvraj Singh, the squad has a number of superstars. But will it all come together? Can Ashwin be a decisive leader? They have testing times ahead.
Personal
Delhi Daredevils: Rating 5.5, predicted position 7th
Gautam Gambhir will want to replicate his KKR success in IPL 11. A strong side on paper, Delhi have the resources to provide a fight. The bowling is where they have fallen short. DD can be the surprise package this season, but play-offs look unlikely.
Personal
Kolkata Knight Riders: Rating 4, predicted position 8th
Injuries to key players leave them in a tight situation and Sunil Narine could also miss the action due to suspected bowling action. Dinesh Karthik is the side's new leader. KKR are extremely thin on resources. Bowling is top notch, but that won't suffice.