The commencement of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 is scheduled for March 22. Currently, only the initial phase of the IPL itinerary has been unveiled, comprising 21 matches. The remainder of the schedule will be disclosed following the announcement of the dates for the general elections in India. Chennai Super Kings (CSK), reigning champions, are slated to kick off the tournament against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in Chennai.
In anticipation of the commencement of IPL 2024, experts and former cricketers have begun offering predictions and analyses. Recently, Robin Uthappa, a former India cricketer and an IPL stalwart, expressed his thoughts on the team he hopes will clinch the title this season.
Robin Uthappa reveals his pick
Uthappa, who previously played for the Super Kings in IPL 2021 and 2022, was a member of the victorious squad in the 2021 season. This Karnataka cricket stalwart also tasted success during his tenure with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Expressing his preference, Uthappa revealed his desire for his former team, KKR, to emerge victorious in the upcoming edition of the prestigious tournament.
Uthappa reflected on the passage of time since his departure from the Knight Riders. Despite the considerable duration since he last played for KKR, Uthappa expressed a lingering affection and loyalty towards the team.
“It’s been long since I left KKR but my love for the team is still there. I obviously want them to win the IPL again,” Uthappa told Bengali news outlet Anandabazar Patrika.
Also READ: Robin Uthappa picks 4 players who could fetch ₹100 crore in a cap-free IPL auction
KKR’s quest for IPL glory
Notably, KKR haven’t clinched the IPL title since 2014, a year when Uthappa was a member of their squad. In 2021, under the captaincy of Eoin Morgan, the two-time champions reached the final but faced defeat against MS Dhoni‘s CSK. Uthappa, who was representing CSK at the time, played a vital innings, contributing 31 runs in the championship match.
Strong KKR squad and potential for success
Regarding IPL 2024, KKR have successfully assembled a formidable squad. With players such as Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Shreyas Iyer, Rinku Singh, Sunil Narine, Andre Russell and Mitchell Starc, they are optimistic about their prospects. Despite the recent withdrawal of their star batter Jason Roy due to personal reasons, the Knight Riders possess ample talent and the potential to secure the championship.
Also READ: England batter Jason Roy reveals why he pulled himself out of IPL 2024
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