The Indian Premier League-IPL 2023 has become the most coveted T20 league in the world. Also, with teams battling it out in a grueling tournament that tests their skills and temperament.
The league has always been a big-ticket event, attracting the best players from around the world who put on a spectacle of cricketing entertainment for fans worldwide.
With IPL 2023 around the corner, the excitement is palpable, and cricket lovers are eagerly looking forward to another season of high-octane cricket.
In this article, we take a closer look at IPL 2023, its format, the teams, the players to watch out for, and what to expect from the league.
Format of IPL 2023
IPL 2023 is expected to follow the same format as the previous seasons. And with eight teams participating in a round-robin tournament, followed by playoffs and the final. The round-robin stage sees each team play 14 matches, seven at home and seven away, against the other seven teams.
The top four teams at the end of the round-robin stage qualify for the playoffs. Also, the top two teams play each other in the first qualifier. And the third and fourth-placed teams play each other in the eliminator.
The winner of the first qualifier goes straight to the final. And while the loser gets another chance to qualify by playing the winner of the eliminator in the second qualifier.
The teams of IPL 2023
The eight teams that will participate in IPL 2023 are the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Delhi Capitals (DC), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Mumbai Indians (MI), Punjab Kings (PBKS), Rajasthan Royals (RR), Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).
Players to watch out for
IPL 2023 promises to be another star-studded affair. Also, some of the best players in the world participate in the league. Here are some players to watch out for in IPL 2023:
- Virat Kohli (RCB): Kohli is one of the best batsmen in the world and has been a consistent performer for RCB over the years. He will be looking to lead his team to their first IPL title in IPL 2023.
- Rohit Sharma (MI): Sharma is the captain of the most successful team in IPL history, MI. And has been a prolific run-scorer for the team. He will be looking to lead his team to another title in IPL 2023.
- Jasprit Bumrah (MI): Bumrah is one of the best fast bowlers in the world and has been instrumental in MI.
Rohit Sharma’s Interview: IPL 2023
Rohit, whose side sealed a 2-1 homes series victory over the same opponents to qualify for the WTC title clash, will also explore the possibility of sending some players to Britain earlier than scheduled to prepare for the match.
The IPL kicks off on Mar 31 and the final is scheduled for May 28, while the WTC decider begins at The Oval on Jun 7. “I think it’s quite critical for us,” Rohit said. “We’re going to keep in constant touch with all our players who are going to be part of that final and to monitor their workload and what’s happening with them.”
India pacers Mohammed Siraj (Royal Challengers Bangalore), Mohammed Shami (Gujarat Titans), and Umesh Yadav (Kolkata Knight Riders) are among those expected to be heavily involved in the domestic Twenty20 competition.
Rohit said India would make sure the trio was ready for the WTC final. “We’re sending some (red) Duke balls to all fast bowlers as well,” Rohit said. “I believe in preparation and it’s again going to be key for us. Around May 21, there will be six teams who will possibly be out of the IPL playoffs, so whichever players are available, we’ll try to get them to the UK as early as possible.
” India’s success against Australia came on turning tracks but Rohit expects a different ball game at a neutral venue. “Both teams have played a lot of cricket in that part of the world and I won’t say it’ll be alien conditions,”
Rohit said. “But yes, compared to what it’s like playing India in India or Australia in Australia, it’s not going to be like that, it’ll be slightly different. I’m sure both teams will prepare for it.”
Final Words
Based on the information provided, it can be concluded that the Indian cricket team management is being cautious about the workload of its players ahead of the 2023 IPL season, keeping in mind the upcoming World Test Championship Final.
The WTC Final is a crucial match for India, and they would want to field their strongest team. However, the IPL is known to be a grueling tournament. And that can take a toll on players’ bodies and fitness levels. Hence, the team management will likely monitor the fitness. And the workload of the Indian players participating in the IPL to ensure they are fit and fresh for the WTC Final.
What is the WTC Final?
The World Test Championship (WTC) Final is a one-off cricket match between the top two Test cricket teams in the world, currently scheduled to take place in June 2023.
Why is India keeping a close eye on player workload ahead of the WTC Final?
The Indian cricket team management wants to ensure that their players are fresh and fit for the WTC Final, which is a crucial match for the team. Therefore, they are monitoring the workload of players during the IPL, which is known to be a physically demanding tournament.
What happens if a player is injured during the IPL?
If an Indian player sustains an injury during the IPL. Also, they may miss the WTC Final, depending on the severity of the injury and the recovery time required. The team management will likely assess each player’s fitness on a case-by-case basis.
