If you’re a cricket fan, then chances are you will already be looking ahead to this year’s edition of the Indian Premier League. It’s the biggest domestic T20 competition on the planet and one that will always attract the best limited overs players in the world.
Increasing demand for the IPL has seen the introduction of two brand new franchise teams for 2022. It promises to be the best tournament yet so let’s see who’s in the frame.
Eight Becomes Ten
Teams from Lucknow and Ahmedabad have been added to the roster and that leaves us with ten sides in an expanded competition. We welcome on board Lucknow Super Giants while Team Ahmedabad have yet to give themselves an official name.
Also on show are the existing franchises. Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals, Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore will all be returning for another tilt at the title.
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The Teams to Beat
In 14 previous editions of the Indian Premier League, two teams have dominated. Mumbai Indians are the most successful side with five titles while the Chennai Super Kings are close behind with four.
Of the five remaining trophies, Kolkata Knight Riders have two victories while Rajasthan Royals, Sunrisers Hyderabad and the now-defunct Deccan Chargers have one win apiece.
While we wait for squad lists to be confirmed, the betting markets have yet to fully fill up. According to the best betting sites for 2022, early indications suggest that Chennai and Mumbai will be among the early favourites.
The odds are supplied via sources close to Sbo.net and that market will likely show Bangalore, Delhi and Kolkata to be the closest challengers. Once the auction is finished and the playing rosters are confirmed, the market will soon become complete, and any changes will be clearly shown.
Visitors to the Sbo.net site can also keep up to date with any breaking news relating to the tournament and to the cricket world in general. If they feel happy to take things one step further, each of the sportsbooks on the recommended panel are ready and willing to take on new customers.
In most cases, there will be a welcome promotion plus ongoing deals can often be found for existing customers. A set of deposit methods can get the account moving while efficient customer service and a choice of other sports are also in place.
It’s a good site to follow for anyone interested in the IPL but let’s now look at the players who can alter the destiny of the competition.
Top Players on Show
With two new teams competing, there is an IPL mega auction coming up. The majority of the best T20 players in world cricket have made themselves available and teams will be bidding against each other to get the best talent on board.
Players set a base price and, unless a team meets that figure, they will go unsold. Among those who have put themselves in the highest price bracket of INR 2 Crore are R Ashwin, Shikhar Dhawan, Faf Du Plessis, Pat Cummins, Kagiso Rabada, David Warner, Steve Smith, Krunal Pandya, Dwayne Bravo and Mitchell Marsh.
Other big names have been retained by their franchises: They will not be part of the auction but will be there to help this become the biggest IPL yet.
The Verdict
Who will win the 15th edition of the Indian Premier League? Much will depend on that auction and the make up of the sides but it’s hard to look beyond the established franchises. Both Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings have enjoyed successes that follow the same blueprint.
Like all franchises, Mumbai and CSK look to bring in the best overseas players but they are both based on strong domestic talent. They are led by Rohit Sharma and MS Dhoni respectively and they aim to fill their roster with Indian players of similar quality.
Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings have set the standard for other teams to follow. They will have increased competition in 2022 but, as the IPL returns, they remain the sides most likely to lift the trophy.
