14 March 2019, by: Chad Petterson

2019 Indian Premier League Predictions

The 12th season of the IPL is fast approaching. The Chennai Super Kings made a remarkable comeback after serving a two year suspension, claiming their third title under the captaincy of MS Dhoni. Can they recreate that magic this year and claim a fourth IPL crown? We’re not convinced. So who are worthy contenders then?

Previous year: Finalist

Captain: Kane Williamson

Odds: 5.00

Clinical, effective and confident. That’s how you would describe the Sunrisers 2018 IPL season. However, we don’t foresee another positive campaign with the general trend of the IPL suggesting teams struggle to perform in consecutive seasons. The favourites tag and the loss of Shikhar Dhawan might just prove too heavy a burden for the returning squad.

Prediction: 5th-8th

Previous year: 4th

Captain: Ajinkya Rahane

Odds: 5.50

After a two year suspension from the tournament, the Rajasthan Royals return to action was good, but nothing to write home about. Their success was shouldered by a handful of players; most noticeably, Jos Buttler. We predict this year will follow the same trend as they still lack the x-factor to really make a strong challenge for the title. They’d be happy to walk away with a spot in the playoffs.

Prediction: 5th-8th

Previous year: Winners

Captain: MS Dhoni

Odds: 5.00

It’s no surprise to see CSK as one of the favourites this year, after claiming the title in 2018. Under their enigmatic leader’s guidance and experience, they have the capability and mentality to defend their title. Moreover, they’re the only team in IPL history to win back to back titles. In other words, at 5.00, they’re a decent shout at a great price.

Prediction: Finalists

Previous year: 6th

Captain: Virat Kohli

Odds: 6.00

10 years without an IPL title and counting… For a team that holds two of the best batsmen of the current (and past?) era, they’ve never really lived up to the hype. Often let down by a bowling department without the same sting as the men at the top of the order. Will this be the year they reach their potential? We suggest yes, but not enough to go all the way. With the inclusion of Stoinis and others, there is a balance in the squad that has been missing in past seasons.

Prediction: Semi-Final

Previous year: 3rd

Captain: Dinesh Karthik

Odds: 6.00

There’s no doubt KKR are title contenders. They have consistently entered the playoffs in the past three years. In 2018 they continued to perform even though their key players suffered serious injuries. If everyone’s fit and ready to go, there’s no reason why KKR can’t win the whole damn thing this year.

Prediction: Semi-Final

Previous year: 8th

Captain: Shreyas Iyer

Odds: 8.00

New year new name. After a 2018 tournament to be forgotten, the Capitals have put together a superstar squad looking to set the record straight. Shikhar Dhawan, Colin Ingram, Chris Morris and Kagiso Rabada, give the team a gloss not to be ignored. It will be interesting to see how they perform. It’ll take a monumental effort to turn things around, so we don’t see them making the playoffs.

Prediction: 5th – 8th

Previous year: 7th

Captain: Ravi Ashwin

Odds: 10.00

In last years edition, Kings XI Punjab fell into the most common IPL trap known as ‘overdependence’. Their biggest battle will be to play as a team and spread the responsibility to perform across the entire squad. If they get the team chemistry right, then anything is possible. At 10.00, they’re worth a little nibble.

Prediction: 5th – 8th

Previous year: 5th

Captain: Rohit Sharma

Odds: 6.00

The Mumbai Indians are one of the most consistent teams in IPL history. Squad balance, experience, big hitters, and clinical bowlers combining will be enough to make them 2019 title contenders. If that doesn’t convince you then here’s a trend that has occurred in recent years. For every season they don’t perform, they come back and win the title. Their last 6th tournaments: 1st, 4th, 1st, 5th, 1st, 5th and… 1st? They’re our pick to win it all.

Prediction: Winners

With team dynamics changing year in, year out, outright winners are tough to pick. As long as Dhoni is alive and well, he’ll be getting CSK close every year. In 2019, BET Central is of the opinion only one team can stop them. At odds of 6.00, Mumbai Indians make for great value, and we fancy them to go all the way.

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BET Contributor

Chad is the Social Media Manager and contributor to BET Central News.