The Indian Premier League (IPL) is known for its star power and high-octane cricket matches. With the TATA IPL 2024 fast approaching, fans and followers are already discussing the potential of their favorite players and teams to win.
Yet, beneath the veneer of superstars and big-name franchises, there’s a world of underdogs waiting to steal the spotlight. In this article, we’ll have a closer look at the underdog teams and players hungry to defy expectations, topple the giants, and etch their names into the IPL history.
Defining the Underdog in Cricket
In cricket, an underdog is a team or player that is not expected to win. The odds are stacked against them, whether due to inexperience, lower rankings, lack of resources, or past failures. Here are additional factors considered for becoming called an underdog in the IPL scene:
- Limited Resources: It could happen that certain franchises don’t have the financial power to purchase bigger players anymore after retaining high-value cricketers of their own. This restricts their ability to attract top-tier players or build state-of-the-art facilities to train them.
- Unproven Talent: Underdog squads may feature lesser-known players who haven’t yet had a chance to showcase their full potential just yet.
- The ‘Chokers’ Label: Some teams consistently find themselves on the brink of greatness yet falter at the final hurdle. That’s what usually earns them an unfavorable reputation.
Why Underdogs Matter in Cricket
Remember the iconic 2007 T20 World Cup won by India? During that time, they were a team that was considered something of an underdog. Their victory was a testament to the underdog spirit, igniting a flame within Indian cricket and inspiring countless budding players.
So yes, we can all agree that it’s easy to root for the top dogs. However, deep down, we all have a soft spot for the underdog. Their stories simply captivate us for several reasons including these:
- The Relatable Struggle: Underdogs represent the human desire to overcome adversity. Their struggles and setbacks resonate with our own life experiences.
- The Power of Belief: When an underdog defies the odds, it fuels our belief that anything is possible. It shows us that success isn’t always determined by reputation or resources.
- The Element of Surprise: Underdog victories inject unpredictability into the sport. They disrupt the established order and keep things thrilling for fans.
- Inspiration for the Future: Every successful underdog paves the way for future generations. Their triumphs show young players from any background that they too can make it to the top.
Underdog Teams
The IPL 2024 might be the year when these underdogs break out of their shells and rewrite the narrative. Here are the franchises that many consider as underdogs for this year:
Gujarat Titans
The Gujarat Titans’ 2022 triumph might have been unexpected, but it was well-earned. While they haven’t made major splashes in the auction, they’ve retained a core group of solid players and made shrewd additions. This team thrives on teamwork and tactical execution.
Keep an eye on Shubman Gill, a young star on the rise, and the wily spinner Rashid Khan. New acquisition Shivam Mavi also brings pace and all-round potential to the table.
Delhi Capitals
Delhi Capitals boast a powerful mix of Indian and international talent. Yet, the IPL trophy has remained elusive for this team. This hunger could be their greatest asset in 2024.
With an impressive line-up of fast bowlers like Anrich Nortje and Mustafizur Rahman, they can demolish opposition batting orders. If their batting clicks consistently, they could be unstoppable.
Punjab Kings
Punjab Kings possess electrifying talent but have often been their own worst enemy with inconsistent performances. Shikhar Dhawan’s captaincy and steadying influence at the top of the batting order will be critical to harnessing the team’s potential.
Underdog Players
Alongside the teams, let’s not forget the underdog players who might shine unexpectedly bright. So before you check the IPL 2024 winner odds, here’s a look at the underdog players who could make an impact on the game.
- Rachin Ravindra (Chennai Super Kings): The New Zealand all-rounder bursts with potential. His composure with the bat and ability to offer overs as a bowler could make him a multi-dimensional threat for CSK.
- Devon Conway (CSK): This aggressive Kiwi batter can shift the momentum of a game. His batting style could make him a key contributor for CSK in 2024.
- Shivam Dube (CSK): Renowned for his raw power and big-hitting prowess, Dube has the potential to break games open for CSK. If he finds consistency, he could be a devastating weapon for them.
- Mustafizur Rahman (CSK): His ability to swing the ball and bowl the deceptive ‘cutter’ makes him a nightmare for batters. If fit and at his best, he could be a match-winner for CSK.
- Rashid Khan (Gujarat Titans): Rashid, recovering from a back injury, is a proven T20 star. If he regains full fitness, his leg-spin wizardry and surprising batting ability could tilt matches in GT’s favor.
Conclusion
The beauty of the IPL lies in its unpredictability, so don’t underestimate the power of the underdogs. These teams and players might just carry the spark that could ignite incredible upsets and shift the course of the tournament.
The IPL 2024 kicks off on March 22, with the final set for May 26. Be sure to catch every moment of the action on Star Sports Network, and stream the matches online on Disney+ Hotstar and JioCinema.