IPL 2021: 3 teams that can lift the trophy in the upcoming season

It is that time of the year again in India as the summer dawns. The T20 extravaganza, the Indian Premier League (IPL), is all set to return to the cricket-loving nation. The COVID-19 pandemic meant the previous edition had to be played in UAE and the return is expected to be grand. All teams are now set with their squads following the auction which was held on the 18th of February in Chennai.

Former Winners

In 13 seasons played so far, the IPL has been won by six different teams. Mumbai Indians (MI) dominate the tally with five trophies which are followed by Chennai Super Kings (3), and Kolkata Knight Riders (2). Rajasthan Royals, Deccan Chargers, and Sunrisers Hyderabad have one title each to their name.

Season 2008

Winner: Rajasthan Royals

Runner-Up: Chennai Super Kings

Season 2009

Winner: Deccan Chargers

Runner-Up: Royal Challengers Bangalore

Season 2010

Winner: Chennai Super Kings

Runner-Up: Mumbai Indians

Season 2011

Winner: Chennai Super Kings

Runner-Up: Royal Challengers Bangalore

Season 2012

Winner: Kolkata Knight Riders

Runner-Up: Chennai Super Kings

Season 2013

Winner: Mumbai Indians

Runner-Up: Chennai Super Kings

Season 2014

Winner: Kolkata Knight Riders

Runner-Up: Kings XI Punjab

Season 2015

Winner: Mumbai Indians

Runner-Up: Chennai Super Kings

Season 2016

Winner: Sunrisers Hyderabad

Runner-Up: Royal Challengers Bangalore

Season 2017

Winner: Mumbai Indians

Runner-Up: Rising Pune Supergiant

Season: 2018

Winner: Chennai Super Kings

Runner-Up: Sunrisers Hyderabad

Season 2019

Winner: Mumbai Indians

Runner-Up: Chennai Super Kings

Season 2020

Winner: Mumbai Indians

Runner-Up: Delhi Capitals

There were various big-money buys that were made by sides as they sought to plug the holes in their squads. Following an action-packed auction, speculations are rampant about how the franchises rank on paper. On the same lines, we bring to you our prediction of the three teams who are front runners for lifting the prestigious trophy in the 14^th season.

3. Sunrisers Hyderabad

The Sunrisers Hyderabad have been one of the most consistent teams in the league. And they have a knack for bouncing back. It will be no surprise if the David Warner-led side goes on to lift their second title this season. SRH boasts of a great batting lineup featuring the likes of Warner, Jonny Bairstow, Kane Williamson and Manish Pandey.

They are undoubtedly a side one of the best bowling attacks in the competition. With a perfect balance and variety, Sunrisers have their bases covered when it comes to the bowling department. Having said so, the only thing they lacked last season was consistency. And with some great signings in the auction, they will be fancying a shot at the title.

2. Delhi Capitals

Years of investment in the youth paid dividends for the Delhi Capitals (DC) as they played their first IPL final last season. While they performed exceptionally well in the league stage, lack of consistency saw them stumble in the knockouts. With some tricky signings in the auction, the Capitals will be looking to get their hands on their maiden title.

With openers Shikhar Dhawan and Prithvi Shaw returning to form in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, the Capitals have one less thing to worry about. In the middle order, the likes of Marcus Stoinis and Shimron Hetmyer have the firepower to support captain Shreyas Iyer. In the bowling department, new signings Umesh Yadav and Lukman Meriwala bring the much-needed variety which they lacked last season. With virtually no chink in their armour, the Capitals have a good chance of getting their names on the shinning IPL trophy.

1. Mumbai Indians

Without a spec of doubt, Mumbai Indians will be the hot favorites for making a hat-trick of title wins in the upcoming season. While the defending champions have always been a balanced team, a great auction saw them bolster their side. The star-studded batting lineup is a perfect balance of technique and power.

On the bowling side of things, their bench looked thin in the previous season. And the Indians left no stone unturned in trying to fill the gaps. They procured the services of Nathan Coulter-Nile, Adam Milne and Marco Jensen to make up for the lack of variety in the pace battery. On the other hand, they roped in Piyush Chawla to groom Rahul Chahar and back him up in case he continues his poor run of form. All in all, the Indians are a perfectly balanced team and this might yet again be their year in the cash-rich league.

Punjab Kings – The Surprise Package

Going into the auction with the heftiest purse, Punjab Kings were busiest team in Chennai. The newly renamed franchise bought some big names in the auction. And given their performance last season, they are a team which can spring a surprise this time around. While there batting order looks solid, they have a void when it comes experience in the bowling unit.

With only senior pros, Chris Jordan and Mohammed Shami, in the side, the Kings are all set to repeat their horrid show with the ball. But ten again, their new signings in Jhye Richardson and Riley Meredith can spring a surprise. The Australian duo dela in express pace and it can very well be x-factor. In the batting unit, inclusion of Shahrukh Khan and Dawid Malan has given them a huge boost.

Having said so, the Punjab Kings is a young and exciting team on paper. And they might very well be the ones to turn the table and script a glorious underdog story this season.

Also Read | IPL 2021: Points table prediction for the upcoming edition