The most cash rich T 20 cricket league in the world, the IPL, is just a few days away from kick-off. Cricket fans from all over the world are eagerly awaiting the start of the tournament. The league generates a worldwide interest because players from every cricket playing country participate in the league. Many newspapers, sports magazines and television channels are busy discussing and opining on the possible champions this season.
Among those who aired their opinions lately is Gautam Gambhir, the Indian ex-cricketer who has lately resigned from all forms of cricket. Gambhir has played in the IPL and has been part of teams who have lifted the IPL trophy twice in the past eleven years. In his prediction, he has chosen to neglect the reigning champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bangalore. He is of the opinion that Mumbai Indians, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Kings XI Punjab and Kolkota Knight Riders (KKR) will make it to the playoffs.
Mathew Hayden, the ex-Australian prolific opening batsman has aired his views also. He thinks that Mumbai Indians along with Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad will go through to the playoffs. Another Australian veteran, Mitchell Johnson is of the opinion that Royal Challengers Bangalore will definitely make to the playoff. The other teams who he thinks will make it to the finals are Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals. That Gautam Gambhir has chosen to leave out Chennai Super Kings from the final four comes as a surprise.
However, this kind of airing of views by former cricketers who are veterans brings about a greater involvement of cricket fans and serves to enhance the aura of the tournament. The first match of IPL 2019 will be played between Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore on the 23rd of March which is a Saturday. Chennai Super Kings will host the match at the famous MA Chidambaram Stadium. It will be an interesting contest and it will be fun to watch. Let us see who gains the first points in the IPL 2019. I for one am favouring Chennai Super Kings to win the match.
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