MS Dhoni’s tactic against Jasprit Bumrah’s yorkers, Virat Kohli’s strategy to counter Kuldeep Yadav’s googlies, Steve Smith’s desperation to show his footwork, the 12th edition of Indian Premier League (IPL) will be all these and much more.

The annual cricket carnival, like every other edition, will display a few unexpected heroes, who will be the topic of 9 p.m dinner table discussions as India’s cricket fanatics prepare themselves for two months of 8 p.m binge-watch.

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This edition of the league will bear special significance with the mega ODI World Cup starting only two and half weeks after the final on May 12. In 2011 and 2015, the World Cup was held before the IPL and this is the first time that it will be held post the tournament. With skipper Virat Kohli stressing on workload management for all World Cup hopefuls, it promises to be an interesting IPL. On the one hand, players will need to stand up to the expectations of their franchises who are paying big money, and on the other, will be the commitment towards a country which expects nothing short of trophy from the ‘Men In Blue’.

The IPL has always carried a different meaning for different players, especially the eight captains.

Heavy legacy

For Dhoni, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) is an extended family where he always seemed to be in control. He has created a legacy in IPL with three titles - a legacy he has to defend. Who knows whether these are the last seven games at the Chepauk where CSK fans will watch their beloved ‘Thala’ in his canary yellow jersey.

Virat Kohli has nothing to prove as a batsman after his heady accomplishments over the years, but eight years as Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) captain without an IPL title, sticks out like a sore thumb.

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