The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 has been a major success so far. A lot of games have gone right down to the wire and there have been a lot of humdingers. The 16th edition of the cash-rich league has lived up to its billing and there have been several talking points.
All teams have started to get a hang of the entire process and their strengths and weaknesses. While Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) are sitting at the top of the table, the likes of Delhi Capitals (DC) and Mumbai Indians (MI) are yet to get a win under their belt.
We went through a few major talking points and we have tried identifying 3 contenders for the elusive IPL trophy.
In this article, we take a look at 3 contenders who could win IPL 2023:
1. Rajasthan Royals (RR)
Perhaps one of the most competitive teams in the mix, RR have gotten off to a flying start in IPL 2023. The balance and depth in their squad has been thoroughly visible in the tournament and they have been playing a good brand of cricket.
Skipper Sanju Samson has been good with his tactical nous and has been a phenomenal leader. Last year’s Orange Cap winner Jos Buttler has been in the thick of things and has already won a player of the game award. In 3 games, the English batter has scored 152 runs at a blistering average of 50.67. His partner in crime, Yashasvi Jaiswal too has been solid at the top and has mustered 125 runs in 3 games.
In the bowling department, Yuzvendra Chahal has been at his usual best, picking up 8 wickets in 3 matches so far.
2. Punjab Kings (PBKS)
It is high time, Punjab get their bearings right and lay their hands on the silverware. One of the 3 original franchises to have yet won an IPL trophy, Punjab have their best shot at winning the trophy in this season.
Their new skipper Shikhar Dhawan played unarguably one of the best IPL innings ever in the previous game of Punjab. He single-handedly led the team and scored 99* runs. The total team score was 143 runs.
Arshdeep Singh has been lethal with the ball and has taken 6 wickets in the tournament so far. With several stars and quality players in their team, Punjab would be fancying their chances of going all the way.
3. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
Every single season, teams break their bank to secure the services of Nicholas Pooran. He fails to leave an impression every time and that calls for criticism. When Lucknow bought him at the auction for Rs. 16 crores, several pundits said that it would be a big blunder.
But Pooran has proved all his naysayers wrong and has been consistent with the willow. In the previous game against the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Pooran played a deadly innings that knocked out the wind off the sail of the Lucknow bowlers.
His 19-ball knock of 62 runs was laced with 4 fours and 7 sixes. The other players in the form of Mark Wood, Krunal Pandya and Ravi Bishnoi too are in the form and Lucknow could be a strong contender to win IPL 2023.
Last year, the Super Giants lost to RCB in the Eliminator and this time, the KL Rahul led side looks like a formidable force to reckon with.
Also read: IPL 2023: 3 Reasons Why Varun Chakravarthy Could Have A Good IPL Season
