The Latest IPL Cricket 2024 Predictions: Unveiling the Potential Dark Horses and Title Contenders

The hotly anticipated Indian Premier League’s (IPL) 17th season is almost here and fans are no doubt looking forward to some thrilling cricket action. Reigning champions Chennai Super Kings are hoping to defend their title at the coveted event, which is set to take place in India from March 22 until May 26.

With formidable all-rounder Rachin Ravindra in the squad, the Super Kings are undoubtedly in a strong position to take the trophy. But the team faces stiff competition according to predictions. The Mumbai Indians’ recent acquisition of rising star Gerald Coetzee has seen the team’s odds of winning increase. As a result, the Super Kings and the Mumbai Indians, both of whom are five-time IPL winners, are joint favourites to scoop the win at this year’s season.

Competition

Although the Chennai Super Kings and the Mumbai Indians are hotly tipped to win the title, there are a number of other contenders predicted for the win. Strong competition is expected from last year’s finalists the Gujarat Titans, as well as the three-time runners-up Royal Challengers Bangalore. But who are the potential dark horses of this season’s IPL?

The Kolkata Knight Riders could emerge as unlikely serious competitors. The team recently acquired Mitchell Starc for $3.1 million, the highest purchase for a player in the entire history of the IPL auction. Could this latest development give the team the edge? The Australian bowler is a formidable force with his killer inswinging yorker and reverse swing. Following his most recent successes on the field, Starc seems to have great odds to be the highest wicket taker in this year’s event.

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Underdogs

The Rajasthan Royals are also tipped to be strong contenders, according to Indian Premier League (IPL) betting and odds on 10bet. The Rajasthan Royals are well known for the most famous underdog story in the history of the IPL. Under the captaincy of the legendary Shane Warne, the team batted to victory at the 2008 event, an inaugural triumph that delighted fans and commentators alike. They were also finalists in the 2022 IPL event and took runner-up place in the 2013 Champions League Twenty20. However, their loss of all-rounder Daryl Mitchell to the Chennai Super Kings at the December 2023 auction could put the Royals at a disadvantage.

Other underdog squads who could be potential competitors for the coveted title are the Lucknow Super Giants, Punjab Kings, Delhi Capitals, and Sunrisers Hyderabad.

The Lucknow Super Giants might only be a couple of years old, but the Uttar Pradesh team have already made quite an impact within the cricketing world. Having come third in both the 2022 and 2023 seasons, could it be third time lucky for LSG? The team has a strong squad which could help them triumph over their competitors. One of their strongest players is all-rounder Arshin Kulkarni, who has shown quite the skill with both bat and ball. The young player’s all-round potential and adaptability could make him a dark horse within the player performance odds this season.

Despite failing to sustain consistency over the last few seasons and having never won an IPL title, the Punjab Kings have shown enormous potential on the field recently and have a strong squad. For instance, they have all-rounder Mandeep Singh, who can spin and pace well and is reliable as a batter.

Like the Punjab Kings, the Delhi Capitals have yet to win an IPL. However, Rishabh Pant, appointed the team captain two years ago, is one of the Punjabi Kings’ most impressive contenders. Pant is a strong player who is renowned for his consistency in scoring runs, and also made IPL history in 2018 when he gained the highest individual score by an Indian player. The team also has veteran player David Warner, who is considered to be one of the best batsmen of the era. As captain, Warner led Sunrisers Hyderabad to their first and only IPL victory in 2016.

Sunrisers Hyderabad haven’t won the IPL since 2016, but in their 12 years of existence, the team have reached the final a total of six times. Could 2024 be their year?

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Conclusion

Although the Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians are the current favourites to win the 2024 IPL, they are up against strong opposition with the Gujarat Titans and Royal Challengers Bangalore. The Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals have promising squads and could be potential dark horses for the win. It would also be interesting to see underdogs, such as the Lucknow Super Giants, Punjab Kings, Delhi Capitals, or Sunrisers Hyderabad, win the title.