The IPL has always been full of expectations, as teams are always on the verge of winning. Especially teams that have high potential and are capable of delivering outstanding performances and match-winning results consistently. Often, there are also small targets that fans expect a team to comply with. Different teams have different expectations to live up to. Many times, expectations are also let down by teams if they are not able to fulfil the task of performing well in the IPL.
1. CSK To Win The IPL
Chennai Super Kings have always been one of the most beloved teams. CSK is also the most consistent team in the history of the IPL, as it has reached the playoffs in the most amount of time compared to any other team. Despite having a poor outing last year, the fans are expecting CSK to roar back, and one of the major reasons for it is that this season may be MS Dhoni’s last, and all wish that MS would retire with a last-season final victory in the IPL.
2. RCB To Play The Best Of Their Game
As with CSK, Royal Challengers Bangalore is also one of the most loved and followed teams in the IPL. Despite not winning the title a single time in their run till now, they have a massive fan following, and each year they are expected to do something out of the box. This year too is expected to be a special one, and the primary reason for it is Virat Kohli’s comeback to international cricket in terms of his run-making power in the past six months. As shown by his ability in the T20 format, the fans have high expectations from RCB and Virat Kohli this season.
3. GT To Retain The Title
The Gujarat Titans took the IPL by storm when they won the title in their debut season. GT now has a massive force of expectations and hopes behind them that they can retain the IPL title. GT is looking strong this season, as they have won all their league games to date. The likes of Rashid Khan, Shubman Gill’s stellar opening form, and David Miller’s finishing with many other vital parts are the reason for GT’s expectation.
4. Delhi Capitals To Find A Proper Replacement For Rishabh Pant
Rishabh Pant met with a fatal accident earlier this year, and this has been a blow for both India and the Delhi Capitals. DC has found a new captain in the likes of David Warner, but they are yet to find a proper wicketkeeper and middle-order finisher batsman who can replace Rishabh Pant and fill that missing spot in the squad. DC has tried players from the domestic circuit, but even after their extensive effort and scouting, not all the boxes that Rishabh Pant checked are properly filled and ticked.
5. Mumbai Indian’s Pace Attack
Mumbai Indians have been known for the quality of bowling they bring in, especially during the death overs. This year their plans came to a sudden halt as their deadly pacer duo got disbanded as Jasprit Bumrah got injured and will miss the IPL. Jofra Archer is their strike bowler, and he is expected to perform and fulfil many tasks and expectations. In the opening game itself, it has been seen that if the bowling is weak, then the opponent teams can uproot the Mumbai Indians and their game plans.
6. The Big Price Tag Players
This year’s IPL auction was a big one in terms of the players who were sold at a high price. Even though this is a mini-auction, there has been high bidding on players as there are players who have been extraordinary in the world cup or on the international platform and have been brought by the teams at very high prices, and all expect the teams and those players to have a phenomenal IPL.
7. Players From Small Nations
This year’s IPL has seen teams focus on the potential of players who are coming from small nations and their abilities to change the game. Players from Zimbabwe, Hong Kong, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka have been brought in by many teams in every department of the game. Fans are also expecting to see this player perform and make a mark for themselves and their country.
8. The Unsold Players
Many good players who went unsold in the IPL performed brilliantly at the international level. As many starting players have gotten injured during the initial stages of the tournament itself, many replacement players have been called upon to play for a team’s side. Like many times in the IPL’s history, the players have performed unexpectedly well for their teams. This replacement player can also become the X factor for a team, especially when the rule of impact substitution is in play.
9. The First Timers
Many great players have not played in the IPL. However, in this year’s IPL, many players have been picked up by the sides, with a good amount of expectation behind them. Many first-time players have just begun their careers in international cricket, like Cameron Green, Dewald Brevis, and Tim David. Some are also veterans who will be joining the IPL, such as Joe Root and Dasun Shanaka.
10. Domestic Players
The IPL has been a stage for domestic players to come and perform their best in the game in front of great players from the cricket world. Many players would like to compete in their game and grab a chance to perform on the international platform. Every year, there are domestic debutants who try to make an impact in the IPL. This year, the domestic players have shown glimpses of their talents in the domestic leagues, and due to this, they carry hopes and expectations. The franchises that bid for them always hope that these players can make an impact in the matches.
