- The 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) T20 cricket tournament has started on expected lines with the usually associated razzmatazz, buzz, excitement, innovations, improved spectator experience, and, of course, ever-improving skills of the modern-day cricketers on display. The stage offered to the world class performers to showcase their skills is nothing short of spectacular and that too in front of an adoring audience thronging to the stadiums in droves. Little wonder, none of the superstar performers wish to stay away from participating in the most lucrative and cash-rich T20 league in the world. The excitement surrounding the IPL matches must be experienced firsthand to completely comprehend the electric atmosphere prevalent out there.
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- A fortnight into the league will more or less indicate which way the teams are progressing vis-à-vis their positioning to go the entire distance. Two of the most successful franchises, viz. Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are struggling to stay afloat is the most obvious outcome so far. Star performers like Rohit Sharma for MI and MS Dhoni for CSK have not set the stage on fire yet. It must be mentioned here that Rohit’s form in the IPL over the last few years has been too scratchy. Dhoni has been sharp behind the wickets but his renowned prowess to clear boundaries with great elan is sorely missing. It hasn’t helped either with Dhoni opting to bat so late down the order. It’s not helping the cause of the CSK one bit.
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- Delhi Capitals, led by Axar Patel, are doing extremely good, winning all three matches at the time of writing this article. KL Rahul’s presence and flexibility to bat at any position adds heft to their campaign. Likewise, the Gujarat Titans appear to be sorted out on all fronts, with captain Shubhman Gill leading from the front. Their campaign appears to be on track so far, winning three out of four matches. The perennial underperformers Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have taken off with a sense of purpose to lay their hands on that elusive trophy. The talismanic Virat Kohli is determined to ensure RCB travels the distance. They have enough firepower under their arsenal to go the distance. Will they? Things will be clear when the IPL reaches the business end.
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The rest of the teams, like Punjab Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Rajasthan Royals (RR), Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), have started the campaign on a mixed note. Of the lot, SRH are known for their explosive batting right from the word go. Save for the first match, SRH batters have miserably failed to set the stage on fire as they did earlier. RR has the wherewithal to not only upset the applecart of other teams but go the entire distance as well. They need to peak at the right time, though. Last year’s champions KKR too have enough firepower to press ahead in the days ahead. LSG, led by Rishabh Pant, the costliest player in the league’s history, has had a mixed beginning. But things will change in the next couple of weeks. Watch out.
 T20 cricket tournament has begun with its characteristic excitement and spectacular performances, attracting global cricket stars to participate in the world's most lucrative league. After two weeks of play, certain teams like Delhi Capitals and Gujarat Titans are performing strongly while traditionally successful franchises like Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings are struggling, with the ultimate outcome to be determined as the tournament progresses toward its conclusion.){kind=link}