MUMBAI INDIANS
■ Strengths
After a disastrous and nightmarish campaign in 2022, this time the Mumbai Indians would be eager to rebuild their reputation as the most successful IPL team. For that, they will have to bank on their power-packed batting line-up. Not just captain Rohit Sharma and explosive Ishan Kishan at the top of the order, Mumbai have other batters who can mint runs at an impressive rate. Suryakumar Yadav remains the mainstay in the middle. His recent slump notwithstanding, “SKY” is expected to take to T20s like a duck to water. And if the likes of Tilak Verma, Dewald Brevis and Tim David fulfil the promise they come with, Mumbai can batter sides with their batting muscle.
■ Weaknesses
The home and away system returns to IPL this time, and while the conditions will vary from venue to venue, spinners will probably play a key role on most pitches. But Mumbai look thin on their spin power. Piyush Chawla is a skillful spinner, but at 34 age might play tricks with him. Kumar Kartikeya, Hrithik Shokeen, Shams Mulani and Nehal Wadhere are the other spinners in the squad. Heard of them?
■ X-factor
Kieron Pollard used to be a pillar in all the success that Mumbai have earned in their IPL years. But the Caribbean all-rounder is no longer there and to fill his big shoes, Mumbai have roped in Cameron Green. The Australian’s all-round talent is unquestionable, and if fit, he can turn matches both with bat and ball. If Green can adapt well to the ways of the IPL, captain Rohit can have his smile back.
■ Key signings
Cameron Green, Piyush Chawla, Duan Jansen, Shams Mulani
■ Last year: Tenth
■ Best finish: Champions (2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2020)
CHENNAI SUPER KINGS
■ Strengths
Like Mumbai Indians, CSK too had a forgettable 2022, finishing second from the bottom. But this year, they will be playing their home matches at their favourite Chepauk, the fortress which transforms MS Dhoni’s team. To speak of Dhoni, he remains CSK’s biggest strength. At 41, he will probably take his final bow this year. Dhoni the batter has lost a bit of shine, but as captain he remains as shrewd as ever. Add to that the support he enjoys within the team and beyond, and you know why “Whistle Podu” sounds like a formidable battle cry. Besides Dhoni, CSK boasts a fine army of top-class all-rounders. Moeen Ali, Ravindra Jadeja and Ben Stokes — it can’t get better than that.
CSK talisman Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Picture courtesy IPL
■ Weaknesses
There is a definite lack of youthful energy in the CSK squad. Barring Ruturaj Gaikwad, there’s not many young first-choice players. Dhoni, Ajinkya Rahane, Moeen, Jadeja, Stokes, Ambati Rayudu or even new recruit Devon Conway, they all are ripe with experience but don’t have young legs. Will that matter? We don’t know, because there’s too much class in the above names.
■ X-factor
Though Stokes’ addition to the squad means that a lot of the spotlight will be on the English all-rounder, one feels it is CSK’s spinners who might turn out to be their trump card this time. Jadeja will have New Zealander and fellow left-armer Mitchell Santner for company, with Moeen too capable of bowling quite useful off-spin in T20s. There’s also Sri Lankan Maheesh Theekshana, who can be a surprise weapon on the Chennai pitch.
■ Key signings
Ajinkya Rahane, Ben Stokes, Sisanda Magala, Nishant Sindhu
■ Last year: Ninth
■ Best finish: Champions (2010, 2011, 2018, 2021)