The IPL returns this weekend for the 17th edition of the premier T20 competition in the world. Many have tried to match its success, but the Indian tournament is still the biggest and best show in town.
Here is a look back at what happened in the 2023 IPL season and a preview of what will come in 2024.
2023 IPL Season Recap
The 2023 IPL season finished with a familiar name lifting the trophy. The Chennai Super Kings won their fifth title, their first since 2021. This saw them draw level with the Mumbai Indians, with five titles each. The Super Kings have played 14 seasons for the 16 Indians. These are the two most successful franchises in the IPL, with the Kolkata Knight Riders and their two titles third on the winner’s list.
Last season was the first time in four years that the traditional home and away format was used. This was due to the COVID-19 pandemic changing the format, and it was seen as a welcome return by all.
The Super Kings faced off with Gujarat Titans in the final. The Titans had topped the regular season log with 20 points, three points ahead of the second-placed Super Kings. While the Titans came close to retaining their 2022 title, they lost by five wickets to an inspired Super Kings squad.
2024 IPL Season Preview
2024 IPL Odds To Win (BetXchange)
- Mumbai Indians – 7/2
- Chennai Super Kings – 9/2
- Royal Challengers Bangalore – 15/2
- Rajasthan Royals – 8/1
- Gujarat Titans – 17/2
The format remains the same for 2024. The teams are split into two groups. They then play every team in the other group home AND away and in their own group home OR away. This means each team plays 14 matches before the playoffs.
The Kolkata Knight Riders signaled their intent in the auction when they bought Mitchell Sratc for an IPL record of $3.1 million. This mark surpassed the $2.4 million Sunriser Hyderabad paid for Pat Cummins in 2024.
The favorites for 2024 are the Mumbai Indians. They had their worst campaign in ever 2022, finishing at the bottom of the log. The Indians bounced back last year as they made the playoffs, and they will be strong contenders to win their first IPL crown since 2020 this season. Their pickup of Hardik Pandya from the Gujarat Titans strengthens the Indians while weakening a rival.
The Super Kings will be tough to beat come playoff time, thanks to the all-around squad they have built. There are no obvious weaknesses, but they will miss Devon Conway until he returns from injury later in the year. The New Zealander was the team’s top run-scorer in 2023.
Royal Challengers Bangalore will also be in the running. Their squad features Faf du Plessis, Glenn Maxwell, Muhammad Siraj, and other household names. How this squad has failed to win the IPL in its history despite having Virat Kohli in his prime is anyone’s guess.
2024 IPL: Opening Matches Preview
Chennai Super Kings VS. Royal Challengers Bangalore
This is a huge chance for RCB to show their championship credentials against the 2023 champions. CSK owns the head-to-head record in IPL matches, winning 20 to 10 for RCB. RCB’s biggest weakness is their lack of a pure spinner. That will be their undoing here.
Punjab Kings VS. Delhi Capitals
Punjab Kings will open the season in their new stadium, which they hope will become a fortress over time. The Delhi Capitals have their ace back, with captain Rishabh Pant returning after missing the entire 2023 season due to multiple injuries he sustained in a car accident. Pant trumps a new stadium. I like the Capitals here.
Kolkata Knight Riders VS. Sunrisers Hyderabad
The Knight Riders are 4-2 in their last six season openers. They might be without Shreyas Iyer, who is suffering from back spasms. Iyer is their anchor, so having him out of the lineup would be a huge miss. Sunrisers will be ready to unleash new captain Pat Cummins on the league. Their newly appointed captain will do enough to get them over the line, with his fast bowling a major key to their win.
