The most powerful teams that can make it to the top 4 in IPL 2024

After RCB’s iconic win in WPL 2024, lifting the trophy for the first time in 17 years, all eyes are now glued on the Indian Premier League (IPL) which is ready to take off on the 22nd of March between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) & Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

As IPL 2024 approaches with its dazzling 17th season, ardent fans are already buzzing with predictions about who might be able to clinch a coveted top-four spot. 

While surprises are always lurking around the corner in the IPL, and possibilities change every now and then, let’s dive deep into the teams with the strongest historical records, and recent form.

With robust teams that are buckling up their socks to put up a tough fight this season, some seeking aggressive playing like always, while others are on the lookout for redemption, let’s see which well-rounded squads stand a chance at reaching the playoffs.

Don’t miss on the historical clashes that IPL is about to witness this year! Will Mumbai Indians (MI) be the defending champions and dominate the field with their five-time champion title?

Or will CSK put their aggressive foot forward to maintain their winning streak of IPL 2023? RCB will be under immense pressure as they need to put thorough efforts in regards to their female counterparts who lifted the trophy in just 2 seasons!

Who will rise from ashes to glory, and who will drift apart in this raging war? Watch live cricket for free only on Winexch to find out, and stay updated with every single cricket news in the town.

Familiar faces in the IPL with a hunger to win

Mumbai Indians (MI): It is impossible to talk of dominance in the IPL without MI. They are the most successful and crowned franchise in IPL history, boasting a whopping 5 championship titles. MI announced the Captaincy of Hardik Pandya for the season of 2024, though it will not be a restraining factor. 

With Rohit Sharma’s experience under the canopy of MI, the team has a knack for identifying and nurturing young talent, blending it seamlessly with veteran experience. Their hunger for victory remains unrivaled, making them an eternal threat. 

After Hardik Pandya was traded back from Gujarat Titans, now the explosive batting duo of Rohit Sharma & Pandya are an additional threat, in addition to players like Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, and Romario Shepherd. 

Chennai Super Kings (CSK): CSK, led by the talismanic MS Dhoni, has built a legacy around consistency and calculated game plans. With 5 IPL trophies and the winner of the last season of IPL, their ability to bounce back from setbacks is legendary. 

While Dhoni’s future in the league remains a matter of speculation, CSK will undoubtedly be a formidable team with their astute leadership and top batting order. 

With players like Dhoni, Rahane, Jadeja, Moeen Ali, and Ruturaj Gaikwad on the team, CSK will surely put up a neck-to-neck competition and try to defend their 5-times IPL title, specially their winning streak of last year!

Rising challengers with renewed vigor

Gujarat Titans (GT): Defying all odds and expectation, Gujarat Titans bagged a victory in their very first debut season (IPL 2022). Their triumph under Hardik Pandya’s leadership proves they are a force to be reckoned with. With a strong core of Indian players and strategic buys in the auction, GT looks poised to build on their success for the upcoming seasons, including this one. 

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH): SRH has a knack for discovering breakout stars, and they hold a reputation for having one of the most lethal and fast-paced bowling attacks in the IPL.

The combination of smart and strategic buys at the 2024 IPL auction and a focus on nurturing young talent has revitalized SRH, making them a team to watch in this 17th season of IPL. 

With Pat Cummins, Bhuvaneshwar Kumar, and Fazalhaq Farooqi on the team, the teams’ bowling lineup is deemed to be dangerous, with the ability to find loopholes and bamboozle the batting lineup of the opponent.

IPL underdogs with surprising potential

Rajasthan Royals (RR): RR, the inaugural IPL champions, are well-known for their explosive style of play. While their consistency over the period of time has been a sort of hit-and-miss, they have a clutch of young players who can turn the tide of the match in their favor in just a few overs. With a history of upsetting giants, the Royals can never be counted out.

Punjab Kings (PBKS): Long a team of unfulfilled potential, Punjab Kings have shown sparks of brilliance with their power-packed batting lineup. If they manage to find consistency, especially in their bowling, PBKS could be serious title contenders this season. 

Champions through the ages: A statistical look

Since its inception in 2008, the IPL has witnessed a mix of familiar and surprising champions. Let’s have a closer look at the trophy winners:

• Mumbai Indians (MI): The undisputed king of the IPL, have secured a record-breaking five IPL championships. Their success stems from a mix of tactical brilliance and their ability to nurture and bring out the best from young talent.

• Chennai Super Kings (CSK): CSK has paved their path to being tough contenders, in line with the MI, with 5 IPL trophies against their badges. Thanks to the remarkable consistency and tactical genius of MS Dhoni.

• Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR): KKR have emerged as 2 times IPL champions, often thriving as underdogs.

• Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH): SRH claimed their IPL title in 2016, and remains a dangerous side with their bowling attack and strategic acquisitions in the auctions.

• Deccan Chargers (now dysfunctional): The team secured an IPL win in 2009.

• Rajasthan Royals (RR): RR were the inaugural champions in 2008 under the leadership of Shane Warne, and are known for their explosive batting style & unpredictability. 

• Gujarat Titans (GT): Defying all odds in their IPL debut in 2022, GT clinched the 2022 title under Hardik Pandya’s leadership. 

The verdict – Top 4 teams who hold the potential to qualify for playoffs

The IPL 2024 season promises to be a thrilling spectacle, with several teams aiming for the coveted championship trophy. Among them, 4 franchises stand out as potential playoff contenders, boasting a combination of past success, strategic prowess, and a roster brimming with talent.

Witness the iconic battles between teams only on Winexch. Watch live cricket for free or watch cricket highlights today.

Mumbai Indians

The unmatched ‘Kings of IPL’ proudly boasts 5 IPL championship trophies. Their dominance primarily owes its roots to the system that nurtures young talent alongside experienced veterans. 

Players like Rohit Sharma, the tournament’s highest run-scorer (over 6000 runs), and Jasprit Bumrah, the leading wicket-ticker of the team (over 140 wickets), form the core of this formidable unit. Additionally, this year Hardik Pandya has been traded back to MI from Gujarat Titans, posing a serious threat to opposition teams.

In IPL 2023, the teams’ bowling attack, spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah and the deceptive spin of Rahul Chahar, proved particularly effective, restricting opponents to low totals on several occasions. 

While their batting occasionally faltered, youngsters like Tilak Verma and Dewald Brevis showcased immense promise, hitting at a bright future for MI.

Chennai Super Kings

CSK, led by the legendary MS Dhoni, is synonymous with consistency. Their five IPL championships and multiple postseason participation attest to their adaptability and strategy. The always dependable South African batsman Faf du Plessis has given CSK reliable top-order starts on a regular basis. 

The seasoned Ravindra Jadeja is still a threat in the bowling department, able to make an impact with the bat and the ball. Dhoni’s future is uncertain, but CSK is known for finding hidden treasures at auction. 

With a strong bowling attack led by the cunning Deepak Chahar and a deep batting lineup that includes players like Ambati Rayudu and Ruturaj Gaikwad, CSK is still a formidable team that is prepared to contend for another championship.

Royal Challengers Bangalore

RCB, who have made it to the finals three times, are often termed as  “underachievers” but have a strong batting order that can overwhelm any bowling attack. 

Record holder for most runs scored in an IPL season is none other than former captain and one of the greatest batsmen of all time, Virat Kohli (973 in 2016). Glenn Maxwell and Virat Kohli’s explosive combo guarantees a steady stream of runs in the middle overs. 

The team’s spin guru has been Yuzvendra Chahal, who has taken more wickets than any other spinner in IPL history—over 170 wickets. 

Still, questions remain about the general steadiness of their bowling assault. With Chahal’s expertise and batting prowess, RCB may be a strong contender in the IPL 2024 if they can address this problem effectively.

This year, the pressure on RCB will be even more high after RCB women’s historical win over Delhi Capitals in the 2nd season itself of WPL. Eyes are now stuck on the men in ‘red and black’ to secure their top position in IPL and set a benchmark for the seasons to come.

Rajasthan Royals

RR, the 2008 IPL champions, are well-known for their flashy and competitive style of cricket. Jos Buttler, who scored the most in a single innings of the tournament with 177 not out, and Sanju Samson, a local hero renowned for his daring stroke play, are the focal points of their batting attack. 

Their top wicket-taker in the 2023 Indian Premier League, Shreyas Gopal, offers them a dependable spin option. However, in comparison to other elite contenders, their bowling attack is a little shallower. 

Nevertheless, RR is a squad to keep an eye on in the IPL 2024 due to their unpredictable nature and capacity for surprise. Samson is leading their youthful core, which has the capacity to develop into a formidable force.

Conclusion

Despite the teams putting their best foot forward, the teams are sure to set the bar high this season, taking a look at the players the franchise have picked up at the auctions!

The clashes will prove to be at high-stakes, with dominating forces like MI & CSK deploying aggressive and strategic playing on the pitch, while the newbies will look forward to a more slow and steady approach.

IPL 2024 will prove to be a seasonal and iconic clash between teams that you cannot afford to miss! Watch live cricket for free or watch cricket highlights today to witness the battle for survival, and imbibe the stadium atmosphere in your home from the comfort of your couch!