As many as 13 teams have been a part of the Indian Premier League (IPL) with five of them lasting only a few years but only six of them have got their hands on the IPL trophy in these 12 years. Only two teams – Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have won it multiple times. In fact, they are the ones who’ve dominated title-wins in the IPL.

Winning IPL titles isn’t easy. We’ve seen teams being in dominant positions through the league stages and crumble in crunch situations. There are multiple factors that play a role in helping a team win the IPL. Be it squad depth, handling pressure on and off the field or performing on the big day, each one has its own importance.

Thus, as we near the 13th edition of the IPL, let’s rate the chances of all teams for this season.

8. Rajasthan Royals (RR) – 6.5/10

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-336178" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Rajasthan-Royals-5.jpg" alt="Rajasthan Royals" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-336178" class="wp-caption-text">Rajasthan Royals. (Photo: Kuntal Chakrabarty/IANS)</figcaption>

If there was one team that was remained busy throughout the off-season, then it was Rajasthan Royals (RR). They were pretty active for the most part of the trade window before the auctions for the 2020 season. They were one of the busiest teams on the auction table as well as they bought as many as 11 players, which included three India Under-19 stars along with filling the other slots, including four overseas options.

However, at the moment, looking at their squad, they don’t seem to pose a threat for the title. Make no mistake, they have absolutely top-class match-winners in Steve Smith, Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes, Sanju Samson and a couple of others. But they don’t seem to have the bowling attack in place.

Jofra Archer has been ruled out while they have the likes of Tom Curran, Andrew Tye and Oshane Thomas to fill that spot but each of them have a tendency of leaking too many runs. The Indian pace battery wears a decent look but the likes of Jaydev Unadkat, Ankit Rajpoot and Varun Aaron have flattered to deceive.

Moreover, with Krishnappa Gowtham traded, there is no firepower in the lower middle order. Most of the batsmen fit in the top-order spots and hence, RR will have a challenge in front of them to manage their resources well.

7. Delhi Capitals (DC) – 7/10

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-334661" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Delhi-Capitals-3.jpg" alt="Delhi Capitals" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-334661" class="wp-caption-text">Delhi Capitals. (Photo: Surjeet Yadav/IANS)</figcaption>

Delhi Capitals (DC) wear a solid look but there’s one problem and that’s overpopulating a particular department. And Delhi have done that with two of them. Most batters that they have in the squad can open the batting. They brought in Ajinkya Rahane through trade while they already had the likes of Shikhar Dhawan and Prithvi Shaw. Jason Roy, Alex Carey, and Marcus Stoinis – all of them are proper T20 openers and have solid records as well.

The same is the case with spinners. Delhi have four spinners who will walk into the starting XI. Ravichandran Ashwin was brought in by virtue of trade while they already had the depth with the services of Axar Patel, Amit Mishra and the Nepal star Sandeep Lamichhane.

Thus, while it does seem like Delhi have most bases covered, managing their stars will be a challenge. Moreover, they don’t really have an explosive opening batsman apart from Roy who is likely to sit out (due to overseas rule). Hence, Delhi gets a seven.

6. Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) – 7.5/10

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-337016" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Kings-XI-Punjab-3.jpg" alt="Kings XI Punjab" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-337016" class="wp-caption-text">Kings XI Punjab. (Photo: Surjeet Yadav/IANS)</figcaption>

Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) went into the auctions with the biggest purse and did well. They went out and bought some fiery all-rounders (Glenn Maxwell, James Neesham) along with the trade of Krishnappa Gowtham. Moreover, they’ve bolstered their pace attack with the inclusion of Sheldon Cottrell and Chris Jordan.

However, for the last two seasons, KXIP have had a tendency of falling apart after getting off to a very good start. The batting has been heavily dependent on KL Rahul and Chris Gayle. With Maxwell’s arrival, they will hope that the pressure is taken off from the dynamic opening duo.

But the middle-order is still a worry. They have a couple of quality all-round options who can don the finisher’s role but they will have to use their overseas slots well. With Gayle and Maxwell in the batting order and Mujeeb and Cottrell (or Jordan) in the bowling department, KXIP might struggle to fit in the likes of Nicholas Pooran and Neesham. Also, apart from Cottrell and Jordan (it’s likely that only one of them will play), there’s not a lot of T20 experience in the pace attack.

5. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) – 8/10

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-335075" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Chennai-Super-Kings-4.jpg" alt="Chennai Super Kings" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-335075" class="wp-caption-text">Chennai Super Kings. (Photo: IANS)</figcaption>

If there’s one team that you can bet on, it’s always been Chennai Super Kings (CSK). But it doesn’t really seem the case this time around. CSK have stuck with the same core despite a few big players underperforming last season.

MS Dhoni likes to have consistency and that’s one of the reasons. Moreover, CSK have bought Sam Curran who will bolster the lower middle order and offer some seam option as well. Josh Hazlewood gets his first IPL stint with CSK investing in pacers. But it’s their batting that’s once again looking like an area of concern.

Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu and Kedar Jadhav haven&#8217;t been in the best of forms. MS Dhoni hasn’t played competitive cricket since July 2019 while Shane Watson has only played a handful of games since the last IPL. Moreover, like last year, fitness will be an issue. But you can never count CSK out, they always find a way.

4. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) – 8.5/10

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-334898" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Sunrisers-Hyderabad-2.jpg" alt="Sunrisers Hyderabad" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-334898" class="wp-caption-text">Sunrisers Hyderabad. (Photo: IANS)</figcaption>

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) are one of the only three teams that filled all the 25 slots available. They picked up seven players in the auction and five of them were at their base price. But they did add some depth to their batting and all-rounders department.

It was all about the Indian domestic batters for SRH in this auction. They added the likes of Virat Singh who has done well in domestic white-ball tournaments and Priyam Garg, the India Under-19 skipper. Meanwhile, the 2016 champions also added the likes of Mitchell Marsh and Fabien Allen which enhances their options.

However, it will be up to them how they use the resources. With Kane Williamson leading the side and David Warner, Jonny Bairstow and Rashid Khan sure starters, SRH might have to leave out a game-changer like Mohammad Nabi. Also, there are two areas SRH might want to focus on. The lower middle order and the fast bowling department. While they have the pacers, but they can get a bit flat if someone like Bhuvneshwar Kumar doesn’t fire and he’s injury-prone too. But SRH does look good and they can boast of a title-winning squad.

3. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) – 8.5/10

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-338941" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Royal-Challengers-Bangalore.jpg" alt="Royal Challengers Bangalore" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-338941" class="wp-caption-text">Royal Challengers Bangalore. (Photo: IANS)</figcaption>

For the last couple of years now, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have seemed to have the squad but failed to impress. They have flattered to deceive on most occasions and have been the perennial underachievers in the history of the IPL. Once again, they seem to have the team what it takes to lift the title.

In this season’s auction, they bought a quality game-changing all-rounder, an explosive opener and an experienced pacer who can have a big influence on the team. RCB have a strong Indian bowling core and the bowling attack wears a solid look. The only problem again would be the death bowling and they don’t have a specialist death bowler.

As far as batting is concerned, they should not have any problems. The inclusion of Aaron Finch should take the load off Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers who’ve been doing the bulk of the scoring. They have Moeen Ali and Chris Morris as two explosive all-rounders. Hence, there is an all-round depth and quality and this could be the year for RCB. But if CSK are known for turning it around and finding a way to make it to the top four, RCB are known for bottling it up.

2. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) – 9/10

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-339381" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Kuldeep-Yadav.jpg" alt="Kuldeep Yadav" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-339381" class="wp-caption-text">Kuldeep Yadav. (Photo: IANS)</figcaption>

The biggest talking point ahead of the 2020 season was the money that Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) spent on Pat Cummins. The Aussie quick was paid INR 15.5 crores and he’s changed the complexion of the side. He adds some variety, experience, and depth to the pace attack which struggled last season.

Moreover, the addition of Eoin Morgan in the middle and Tom Banton at the top adds some variety in the batting department as well. With Shubman Gill, Nitish Rana and skipper Dinesh Karthik forming the Indian core along with the game-changer and X-factor Andre Russell, this turns out to be a solid batting line-up.

The only thing KKR needs to watch out for is injuries to fast bowlers. Most of them are injury-prone and they don’t seem to have enough experienced backups. Apart from that, they look good and have a proper chance of lifting their third IPL title.

1. Mumbai Indians (MI) – 9.5/10

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-341354" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Mumbai-Indians-players-1.jpg" alt="Mumbai Indians, IPL" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-341354" class="wp-caption-text">Mumbai Indians. (Photo: Surjeet Yadav/IANS)</figcaption>

Arguably, there’s no other team that has a better balance than Mumbai Indians (MI). In fact, MI are spoilt for choice. They have enough depth and experience in all departments and have multiple match-winners in each one of them.

MI had a rather laid-back time in the auction this time. The four-time IPL champions bought just six players. They’ve bolstered their top-order which was already strong as they’ve added Chris Lynn to it. And the other big addition is that of Nathan Coulter-Nile who makes the attack look even more lethal.

What makes MI the best-looking team is the all-rounders and the bowling attack and as they say, it’s the bowling that wins you tournaments. The Pandya brothers and Kieron Pollard are game-changers. Meanwhile, the pace attack looks lethal. If you have to pinpoint one weakness then it will be the spin department where they have only four spinners with three of them inexperienced. However, MI have what it takes to defend the title and they will be looking to add another one in their kitty.

As many as 13 teams have been a part of the Indian Premier League (IPL) with five of them lasting only a few years but only six of them have got their hands on the IPL trophy in these 12 years. Only two teams – Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have won it multiple times. In fact, they are the ones who’ve dominated title-wins in the IPL.
Winning IPL titles isn’t easy. We’ve seen teams being in dominant positions through the league stages and crumble in crunch situations. There are multiple factors that play a role in helping a team win the IPL. Be it squad depth, handling pressure on and off the field or performing on the big day, each one has its own importance.
Thus, as we near the 13th edition of the IPL, let’s rate the chances of all teams for this season.
<h3>8. Rajasthan Royals (RR) – 6.5/10</h3>
<figure id="attachment_336178" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-336178" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-336178" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Rajasthan-Royals-5.jpg" alt="Rajasthan Royals" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-336178" class="wp-caption-text">Rajasthan Royals. (Photo: Kuntal Chakrabarty/IANS)</figcaption></figure>
If there was one team that was remained busy throughout the off-season, then it was Rajasthan Royals (RR). They were pretty active for the most part of the trade window before the auctions for the 2020 season. They were one of the busiest teams on the auction table as well as they bought as many as 11 players, which included three India Under-19 stars along with filling the other slots, including four overseas options.
However, at the moment, looking at their squad, they don’t seem to pose a threat for the title. Make no mistake, they have absolutely top-class match-winners in Steve Smith, Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes, Sanju Samson and a couple of others. But they don’t seem to have the bowling attack in place.
Jofra Archer has been ruled out while they have the likes of Tom Curran, Andrew Tye and Oshane Thomas to fill that spot but each of them have a tendency of leaking too many runs. The Indian pace battery wears a decent look but the likes of Jaydev Unadkat, Ankit Rajpoot and Varun Aaron have flattered to deceive.
Moreover, with Krishnappa Gowtham traded, there is no firepower in the lower middle order. Most of the batsmen fit in the top-order spots and hence, RR will have a challenge in front of them to manage their resources well.
<h3>7. Delhi Capitals (DC) – 7/10</h3>
<figure id="attachment_334661" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-334661" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-334661" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Delhi-Capitals-3.jpg" alt="Delhi Capitals" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-334661" class="wp-caption-text">Delhi Capitals. (Photo: Surjeet Yadav/IANS)</figcaption></figure>
Delhi Capitals (DC) wear a solid look but there’s one problem and that’s overpopulating a particular department. And Delhi have done that with two of them. Most batters that they have in the squad can open the batting. They brought in Ajinkya Rahane through trade while they already had the likes of Shikhar Dhawan and Prithvi Shaw. Jason Roy, Alex Carey, and Marcus Stoinis – all of them are proper T20 openers and have solid records as well.
The same is the case with spinners. Delhi have four spinners who will walk into the starting XI. Ravichandran Ashwin was brought in by virtue of trade while they already had the depth with the services of Axar Patel, Amit Mishra and the Nepal star Sandeep Lamichhane.
Thus, while it does seem like Delhi have most bases covered, managing their stars will be a challenge. Moreover, they don’t really have an explosive opening batsman apart from Roy who is likely to sit out (due to overseas rule). Hence, Delhi gets a seven.

<h3>6. Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) – 7.5/10</h3>
<figure id="attachment_337016" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-337016" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-337016" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Kings-XI-Punjab-3.jpg" alt="Kings XI Punjab" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-337016" class="wp-caption-text">Kings XI Punjab. (Photo: Surjeet Yadav/IANS)</figcaption></figure>
Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) went into the auctions with the biggest purse and did well. They went out and bought some fiery all-rounders (Glenn Maxwell, James Neesham) along with the trade of Krishnappa Gowtham. Moreover, they’ve bolstered their pace attack with the inclusion of Sheldon Cottrell and Chris Jordan.
However, for the last two seasons, KXIP have had a tendency of falling apart after getting off to a very good start. The batting has been heavily dependent on KL Rahul and Chris Gayle. With Maxwell’s arrival, they will hope that the pressure is taken off from the dynamic opening duo.
But the middle-order is still a worry. They have a couple of quality all-round options who can don the finisher’s role but they will have to use their overseas slots well. With Gayle and Maxwell in the batting order and Mujeeb and Cottrell (or Jordan) in the bowling department, KXIP might struggle to fit in the likes of Nicholas Pooran and Neesham. Also, apart from Cottrell and Jordan (it’s likely that only one of them will play), there’s not a lot of T20 experience in the pace attack.

<h3>5. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) – 8/10</h3>
<figure id="attachment_335075" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-335075" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-335075" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Chennai-Super-Kings-4.jpg" alt="Chennai Super Kings" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-335075" class="wp-caption-text">Chennai Super Kings. (Photo: IANS)</figcaption></figure>
If there’s one team that you can bet on, it’s always been Chennai Super Kings (CSK). But it doesn’t really seem the case this time around. CSK have stuck with the same core despite a few big players underperforming last season.
MS Dhoni likes to have consistency and that’s one of the reasons. Moreover, CSK have bought Sam Curran who will bolster the lower middle order and offer some seam option as well. Josh Hazlewood gets his first IPL stint with CSK investing in pacers. But it’s their batting that’s once again looking like an area of concern.
Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu and Kedar Jadhav haven’t been in the best of forms. MS Dhoni hasn’t played competitive cricket since July 2019 while Shane Watson has only played a handful of games since the last IPL. Moreover, like last year, fitness will be an issue. But you can never count CSK out, they always find a way.

<h3>4. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) – 8.5/10</h3>
<figure id="attachment_334898" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-334898" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-334898" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Sunrisers-Hyderabad-2.jpg" alt="Sunrisers Hyderabad" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-334898" class="wp-caption-text">Sunrisers Hyderabad. (Photo: IANS)</figcaption></figure>
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) are one of the only three teams that filled all the 25 slots available. They picked up seven players in the auction and five of them were at their base price. But they did add some depth to their batting and all-rounders department.
It was all about the Indian domestic batters for SRH in this auction. They added the likes of Virat Singh who has done well in domestic white-ball tournaments and Priyam Garg, the India Under-19 skipper. Meanwhile, the 2016 champions also added the likes of Mitchell Marsh and Fabien Allen which enhances their options.
However, it will be up to them how they use the resources. With Kane Williamson leading the side and David Warner, Jonny Bairstow and Rashid Khan sure starters, SRH might have to leave out a game-changer like Mohammad Nabi. Also, there are two areas SRH might want to focus on. The lower middle order and the fast bowling department. While they have the pacers, but they can get a bit flat if someone like Bhuvneshwar Kumar doesn’t fire and he’s injury-prone too. But SRH does look good and they can boast of a title-winning squad.

<h3>3. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) – 8.5/10</h3>
<figure id="attachment_338941" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-338941" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-338941" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Royal-Challengers-Bangalore.jpg" alt="Royal Challengers Bangalore" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-338941" class="wp-caption-text">Royal Challengers Bangalore. (Photo: IANS)</figcaption></figure>
For the last couple of years now, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have seemed to have the squad but failed to impress. They have flattered to deceive on most occasions and have been the perennial underachievers in the history of the IPL. Once again, they seem to have the team what it takes to lift the title.
In this season’s auction, they bought a quality game-changing all-rounder, an explosive opener and an experienced pacer who can have a big influence on the team. RCB have a strong Indian bowling core and the bowling attack wears a solid look. The only problem again would be the death bowling and they don’t have a specialist death bowler.
As far as batting is concerned, they should not have any problems. The inclusion of Aaron Finch should take the load off Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers who’ve been doing the bulk of the scoring. They have Moeen Ali and Chris Morris as two explosive all-rounders. Hence, there is an all-round depth and quality and this could be the year for RCB. But if CSK are known for turning it around and finding a way to make it to the top four, RCB are known for bottling it up.

<h3>2. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) – 9/10</h3>
<figure id="attachment_339381" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-339381" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-339381" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Kuldeep-Yadav.jpg" alt="Kuldeep Yadav" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-339381" class="wp-caption-text">Kuldeep Yadav. (Photo: IANS)</figcaption></figure>
The biggest talking point ahead of the 2020 season was the money that Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) spent on Pat Cummins. The Aussie quick was paid INR 15.5 crores and he’s changed the complexion of the side. He adds some variety, experience, and depth to the pace attack which struggled last season.
Moreover, the addition of Eoin Morgan in the middle and Tom Banton at the top adds some variety in the batting department as well. With Shubman Gill, Nitish Rana and skipper Dinesh Karthik forming the Indian core along with the game-changer and X-factor Andre Russell, this turns out to be a solid batting line-up.
The only thing KKR needs to watch out for is injuries to fast bowlers. Most of them are injury-prone and they don’t seem to have enough experienced backups. Apart from that, they look good and have a proper chance of lifting their third IPL title.

<h3>1. Mumbai Indians (MI) – 9.5/10</h3>
<figure id="attachment_341354" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-341354" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-341354" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Mumbai-Indians-players-1.jpg" alt="Mumbai Indians, IPL" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-341354" class="wp-caption-text">Mumbai Indians. (Photo: Surjeet Yadav/IANS)</figcaption></figure>
Arguably, there’s no other team that has a better balance than Mumbai Indians (MI). In fact, MI are spoilt for choice. They have enough depth and experience in all departments and have multiple match-winners in each one of them.
MI had a rather laid-back time in the auction this time. The four-time IPL champions bought just six players. They’ve bolstered their top-order which was already strong as they’ve added Chris Lynn to it. And the other big addition is that of Nathan Coulter-Nile who makes the attack look even more lethal.
What makes MI the best-looking team is the all-rounders and the bowling attack and as they say, it’s the bowling that wins you tournaments. The Pandya brothers and Kieron Pollard are game-changers. Meanwhile, the pace attack looks lethal. If you have to pinpoint one weakness then it will be the spin department where they have only four spinners with three of them inexperienced. However, MI have what it takes to defend the title and they will be looking to add another one in their kitty.

As many as 13 teams have been a part of the Indian Premier League (IPL) with five of them lasting only a few years but only six of them have got their hands on the IPL trophy in these 12 years. Only two teams – Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have won it multiple times. In fact, they are the ones who’ve dominated title-wins in the IPL.
Winning IPL titles isn’t easy. We’ve seen teams being in dominant positions through the league stages and crumble in crunch situations. There are multiple factors that play a role in helping a team win the IPL. Be it squad depth, handling pressure on and off the field or performing on the big day, each one has its own importance.
Thus, as we near the 13th edition of the IPL, let’s rate the chances of all teams for this season.
<h3>8. Rajasthan Royals (RR) – 6.5/10</h3>
<figure id="attachment_336178" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-336178" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-336178" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Rajasthan-Royals-5.jpg" alt="Rajasthan Royals" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-336178" class="wp-caption-text">Rajasthan Royals. (Photo: Kuntal Chakrabarty/IANS)</figcaption></figure>
If there was one team that was remained busy throughout the off-season, then it was Rajasthan Royals (RR). They were pretty active for the most part of the trade window before the auctions for the 2020 season. They were one of the busiest teams on the auction table as well as they bought as many as 11 players, which included three India Under-19 stars along with filling the other slots, including four overseas options.
However, at the moment, looking at their squad, they don’t seem to pose a threat for the title. Make no mistake, they have absolutely top-class match-winners in Steve Smith, Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes, Sanju Samson and a couple of others. But they don’t seem to have the bowling attack in place.
Jofra Archer has been ruled out while they have the likes of Tom Curran, Andrew Tye and Oshane Thomas to fill that spot but each of them have a tendency of leaking too many runs. The Indian pace battery wears a decent look but the likes of Jaydev Unadkat, Ankit Rajpoot and Varun Aaron have flattered to deceive.
Moreover, with Krishnappa Gowtham traded, there is no firepower in the lower middle order. Most of the batsmen fit in the top-order spots and hence, RR will have a challenge in front of them to manage their resources well.
<h3>7. Delhi Capitals (DC) – 7/10</h3>
<figure id="attachment_334661" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-334661" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-334661" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Delhi-Capitals-3.jpg" alt="Delhi Capitals" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-334661" class="wp-caption-text">Delhi Capitals. (Photo: Surjeet Yadav/IANS)</figcaption></figure>
Delhi Capitals (DC) wear a solid look but there’s one problem and that’s overpopulating a particular department. And Delhi have done that with two of them. Most batters that they have in the squad can open the batting. They brought in Ajinkya Rahane through trade while they already had the likes of Shikhar Dhawan and Prithvi Shaw. Jason Roy, Alex Carey, and Marcus Stoinis – all of them are proper T20 openers and have solid records as well.
The same is the case with spinners. Delhi have four spinners who will walk into the starting XI. Ravichandran Ashwin was brought in by virtue of trade while they already had the depth with the services of Axar Patel, Amit Mishra and the Nepal star Sandeep Lamichhane.
Thus, while it does seem like Delhi have most bases covered, managing their stars will be a challenge. Moreover, they don’t really have an explosive opening batsman apart from Roy who is likely to sit out (due to overseas rule). Hence, Delhi gets a seven.

<h3>6. Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) – 7.5/10</h3>
<figure id="attachment_337016" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-337016" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-337016" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Kings-XI-Punjab-3.jpg" alt="Kings XI Punjab" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-337016" class="wp-caption-text">Kings XI Punjab. (Photo: Surjeet Yadav/IANS)</figcaption></figure>
Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) went into the auctions with the biggest purse and did well. They went out and bought some fiery all-rounders (Glenn Maxwell, James Neesham) along with the trade of Krishnappa Gowtham. Moreover, they’ve bolstered their pace attack with the inclusion of Sheldon Cottrell and Chris Jordan.
However, for the last two seasons, KXIP have had a tendency of falling apart after getting off to a very good start. The batting has been heavily dependent on KL Rahul and Chris Gayle. With Maxwell’s arrival, they will hope that the pressure is taken off from the dynamic opening duo.
But the middle-order is still a worry. They have a couple of quality all-round options who can don the finisher’s role but they will have to use their overseas slots well. With Gayle and Maxwell in the batting order and Mujeeb and Cottrell (or Jordan) in the bowling department, KXIP might struggle to fit in the likes of Nicholas Pooran and Neesham. Also, apart from Cottrell and Jordan (it’s likely that only one of them will play), there’s not a lot of T20 experience in the pace attack.

<h3>5. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) – 8/10</h3>
<figure id="attachment_335075" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-335075" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-335075" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Chennai-Super-Kings-4.jpg" alt="Chennai Super Kings" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-335075" class="wp-caption-text">Chennai Super Kings. (Photo: IANS)</figcaption></figure>
If there’s one team that you can bet on, it’s always been Chennai Super Kings (CSK). But it doesn’t really seem the case this time around. CSK have stuck with the same core despite a few big players underperforming last season.
MS Dhoni likes to have consistency and that’s one of the reasons. Moreover, CSK have bought Sam Curran who will bolster the lower middle order and offer some seam option as well. Josh Hazlewood gets his first IPL stint with CSK investing in pacers. But it’s their batting that’s once again looking like an area of concern.
Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu and Kedar Jadhav haven&#8217;t been in the best of forms. MS Dhoni hasn’t played competitive cricket since July 2019 while Shane Watson has only played a handful of games since the last IPL. Moreover, like last year, fitness will be an issue. But you can never count CSK out, they always find a way.

<h3>4. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) – 8.5/10</h3>
<figure id="attachment_334898" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-334898" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-334898" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Sunrisers-Hyderabad-2.jpg" alt="Sunrisers Hyderabad" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-334898" class="wp-caption-text">Sunrisers Hyderabad. (Photo: IANS)</figcaption></figure>
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) are one of the only three teams that filled all the 25 slots available. They picked up seven players in the auction and five of them were at their base price. But they did add some depth to their batting and all-rounders department.
It was all about the Indian domestic batters for SRH in this auction. They added the likes of Virat Singh who has done well in domestic white-ball tournaments and Priyam Garg, the India Under-19 skipper. Meanwhile, the 2016 champions also added the likes of Mitchell Marsh and Fabien Allen which enhances their options.
However, it will be up to them how they use the resources. With Kane Williamson leading the side and David Warner, Jonny Bairstow and Rashid Khan sure starters, SRH might have to leave out a game-changer like Mohammad Nabi. Also, there are two areas SRH might want to focus on. The lower middle order and the fast bowling department. While they have the pacers, but they can get a bit flat if someone like Bhuvneshwar Kumar doesn’t fire and he’s injury-prone too. But SRH does look good and they can boast of a title-winning squad.

<h3>3. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) – 8.5/10</h3>
<figure id="attachment_338941" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-338941" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-338941" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Royal-Challengers-Bangalore.jpg" alt="Royal Challengers Bangalore" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-338941" class="wp-caption-text">Royal Challengers Bangalore. (Photo: IANS)</figcaption></figure>
For the last couple of years now, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have seemed to have the squad but failed to impress. They have flattered to deceive on most occasions and have been the perennial underachievers in the history of the IPL. Once again, they seem to have the team what it takes to lift the title.
In this season’s auction, they bought a quality game-changing all-rounder, an explosive opener and an experienced pacer who can have a big influence on the team. RCB have a strong Indian bowling core and the bowling attack wears a solid look. The only problem again would be the death bowling and they don’t have a specialist death bowler.
As far as batting is concerned, they should not have any problems. The inclusion of Aaron Finch should take the load off Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers who’ve been doing the bulk of the scoring. They have Moeen Ali and Chris Morris as two explosive all-rounders. Hence, there is an all-round depth and quality and this could be the year for RCB. But if CSK are known for turning it around and finding a way to make it to the top four, RCB are known for bottling it up.

<h3>2. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) – 9/10</h3>
<figure id="attachment_339381" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-339381" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-339381" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Kuldeep-Yadav.jpg" alt="Kuldeep Yadav" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-339381" class="wp-caption-text">Kuldeep Yadav. (Photo: IANS)</figcaption></figure>
The biggest talking point ahead of the 2020 season was the money that Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) spent on Pat Cummins. The Aussie quick was paid INR 15.5 crores and he’s changed the complexion of the side. He adds some variety, experience, and depth to the pace attack which struggled last season.
Moreover, the addition of Eoin Morgan in the middle and Tom Banton at the top adds some variety in the batting department as well. With Shubman Gill, Nitish Rana and skipper Dinesh Karthik forming the Indian core along with the game-changer and X-factor Andre Russell, this turns out to be a solid batting line-up.
The only thing KKR needs to watch out for is injuries to fast bowlers. Most of them are injury-prone and they don’t seem to have enough experienced backups. Apart from that, they look good and have a proper chance of lifting their third IPL title.

<h3>1. Mumbai Indians (MI) – 9.5/10</h3>
<figure id="attachment_341354" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-341354" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-341354" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Mumbai-Indians-players-1.jpg" alt="Mumbai Indians, IPL" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-341354" class="wp-caption-text">Mumbai Indians. (Photo: Surjeet Yadav/IANS)</figcaption></figure>
Arguably, there’s no other team that has a better balance than Mumbai Indians (MI). In fact, MI are spoilt for choice. They have enough depth and experience in all departments and have multiple match-winners in each one of them.
MI had a rather laid-back time in the auction this time. The four-time IPL champions bought just six players. They’ve bolstered their top-order which was already strong as they’ve added Chris Lynn to it. And the other big addition is that of Nathan Coulter-Nile who makes the attack look even more lethal.
What makes MI the best-looking team is the all-rounders and the bowling attack and as they say, it’s the bowling that wins you tournaments. The Pandya brothers and Kieron Pollard are game-changers. Meanwhile, the pace attack looks lethal. If you have to pinpoint one weakness then it will be the spin department where they have only four spinners with three of them inexperienced. However, MI have what it takes to defend the title and they will be looking to add another one in their kitty.

For the 13th edition of IPL, let’s rate the chances of all teams for this season.

Rating the title winning chances of all teams in IPL 2020

Winning IPL titles isn’t easy. We’ve seen teams being in dominant positions through the league stages and crumble in crunch situations.