Rajasthan Royals
Best Result
Champions 2008
Strengths
They’ve got some of the best next-gen T20 all-rounders in Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer. There’s also stellar batsman Sanju Samson, who shone in Steve Smith’s absence last season, and could very well do it again.
Weaknesses
RB’s best talent is foreign – meaning they have no back-ups if those players are recalled midway through the season for the ICC World Cup in May. They also have no match-winner, if Smith (reinstated after last year’s international ban) doesn’t recover from that elbow surgery.
Players to watch
Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes, Jofra Archer
Predicted Finish
They’ll struggle to get out of the bottom 3
Mumbai Indians
Best Result
Champions 2013, 2015, 2017
Strengths
Besides knowing how to stay in it to the end, MI possess some of the league’s biggest hitters
(Rohit Sharma, Yuvraj Singh, Evin Lewis and Kieron Pollard). And, well, Jasprit Bumrah.
Weaknesses
If Bumrah doesn’t get the green light to play (the jury’s still out on whether he’ll be rested for the World Cup), MI’s bowling attack takes a big hit (don’t count on Malinga). Lacklustre auction buys don’t add any promise, either.
Players to watch
Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, Ishan Kishan
Predicted finish
A play-off spot is a long shot
Royal Challengers Bangalore
Best Result
Finalists 2009, 2011, 2016
Strengths
Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers. And, this year, yet another good roster to back the two superstars up.
Weaknesses
Consistency: RCB have the sort of luck that makes them invincible in one game, and fall apart the very next – which is the sole reason why they haven’t yet won a season. They’ve also placed all their bowling bets on spinner Yuzvendra Chahal.
Players to watch
Virat Kohli, Virat Kohli, Virat Kohli. Plus, new hitters Shivam Dube and Shimron Hetmyer
Predicted finish
It’ll be another almost-there season