The 17th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) commences today, marking the beginning of what promises to be an exceptional edition. IPL 2024 starts with a much-anticipated match between the powerhouse teams Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). On one side stands the five-time champion Chennai team, while on the other side is RCB, striving to unlock the formula for championship after 16 years. The inaugural match between these two teams will take place at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Let’s delve into what makes this IPL season particularly noteworthy.
Return of Pant after Injury Just 14 months ago
Rishabh Pant suffered severe injuries in a car accident, particularly damaging his right knee. The treating doctor, Dr. Pardeep Walia, had grimly stated that Pant would never be able to play cricket again. However, Pant asserted his resilience, proclaiming himself as the “miracle man.” Now, in IPL 2024, Pant makes a comeback, showcasing his determination and recovery from the setback.
Longest Season Yet This IPL season marks the third time the tournament is coinciding with national elections. Previously, the entire tournament of 2019 was held in India during the general elections. Similarly, IPL 2024 kicks off in conjunction with the electoral process. Starting from March 22nd, this season could extend until May 26th, potentially making it the longest IPL season yet, spanning 66 days of exhilarating cricket action.
New Captains for Four Teams
Remarkably, four teams in this IPL edition have new captains at the helm. Mumbai Indians, notably, replaced Rohit Sharma with Hardik Pandya as the team captain. Moreover, just a day before the season’s commencement, MS Dhoni stepped down from CSK’s captaincy. Rituraj Gaikwad now leads the Chennai team. Additionally, Shubman Gill takes charge of the Gujarat Titans, while Pat Cummins leads the Hyderabad team, adding an element of novelty and anticipation to the tournament.