The 18th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) begins today, Saturday, March 22nd, with defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders taking on Royal Challengers Bengaluru. This year’s tournament brings several notable changes, including a relaxation of penalties for slow over-rates.
In a significant decision ahead of the new season, the IPL’s governing body has reversed the ban on bowlers using saliva to shine the ball. This practice helps bowlers achieve reverse swing.
While the Impact Player rule has faced considerable debate, it will remain in effect for the current IPL cycle, lasting until 2027. Let’s delve into some of the key changes and new elements for this 18th edition of the popular T20 league.
Key Changes
- Saliva Use Allowed: The ban on bowlers using saliva to shine the ball has been lifted, aiding in generating reverse swing.
- Impact Player Rule Remains: Despite criticism, the Impact Player rule will continue in use through 2027.
- Over-Rate Relief: Captains will no longer face match bans for slow over-rates, though teams will still incur financial penalties for delays.
- Fresh Ball Policy: A new ball will be provided after the 11th over in the second innings, following recent discussions at a captains’ meeting in Mumbai.
Leadership and Temporary Shifts
- New Captains: Five teams are sporting new leaders. Shreyas Iyer leads Punjab Kings, Ajinkya Rahane heads KKR, Rishabh Pant—IPL’s highest-paid player at ₹27 crore—captains Lucknow Super Giants, Axar Patel takes charge of Delhi Capitals, and Rajat Patidar is the surprise pick for RCB.
- Temporary Stand-Ins: Mumbai Indians will play without captain Hardik Pandya due to an over-rate ban from the previous season, with Suryakumar Yadav stepping in. Rajasthan Royals’ Riyan Parag will lead the first three matches as Sanju Samson recovers from injury.
Notable Transfers and Coaching Moves
- Player Transfers: KL Rahul has joined Delhi Capitals, Yuzvendra Chahal has moved to Punjab Kings, R Ashwin is now with Chennai Super Kings, and Mohammed Siraj has been signed by Gujarat Titans.
- Coaching Changes: Ricky Ponting now coaches Punjab Kings, Rahul Dravid joins the coaching staff at Rajasthan Royals, Kevin Pietersen mentors Delhi Capitals, and Dwayne Bravo replaces Gautam Gambhir as the mentor for KKR.
Key Absentees
- Jasprit Bumrah will miss the opening matches for Mumbai Indians due to injury.
- Harry Brook has withdrawn and faces a two-year ban.
- Mitchell Marsh will play as a specialist batter for Lucknow Super Giants.
The tournament, which will conclude in Kolkata on May 25, opens at the iconic Eden Gardens on March 22, with KKR defending their title.