‘I think it’s going to be Rajasthan Royals year’ - Michael Vaughan makes bold prediction ahead of IPL 2023

Former England skipper Michael Vaughan has made a massive prediction ahead of the 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL). The 16th edition of the tournament is set to begin on March 31, with the clash between Gujarat Titans (GT) and Chennai Super Kings, at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Meanwhile, the cash-rich league will conclude on May 28.

The 48-year-old said that he was looking forward to the start of the IPL 2023. Moreover, he also predicted that the last year’s runner-up Rajasthan Royals (RR) will be the champions this season. Notably, RR was defeated by the newly formed franchise Gujarat Titans in the 2022 IPL final.   
 
Vaughan took to Twitter to make a massive prediction regarding the winner of the upcoming edition of the IPL. “I think it’s going to be @rajasthanroyals year.. they will be lifting the trophy in late May .. #OnOn #IPL2023," he tweeted.

Rajasthan Royals will play Sunrisers Hyderabad in their IPL 2023 opener

Under the leadership of the Kerala-born cricketer Sanju Samson, Rajasthan Royals finished their 2022 IPL season on a high note. RR finished second in the 2022 IPL points table, winning nine of their 14 league stage matches. They were defeated by GT in Qualifier 1, and then registered a win over Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the second qualifier and entered the final. However, RR who won the IPL title in the inaugural IPL edition (2008) failed to end their trophy drought after being thrashed by Hardik Pandya and Co. in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium. 

Rajasthan Royals will be aiming to win their second IPL title this season. They have made some valuable additions to their squad, signing Jason Holder (INR 5.75 crore), Adam Zampa (INR 1.5 crore), and Joe Root (INR 1 crore), respectively, at the IPL Auction last year. Notably, the Royals will play the 2016 champions Hyderabad (SRH) in their first match at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad on April 2. Barsapara Stadium in Assam is going to debut as a venue that will host some games for the Royals.