IPL 2013 nearly here

The umpires are dusting off their hats, the owners suiting up and Danny Morrison warming up his vocal cords, this can only mean one thing. Its back, IPL 2013, starts Wednesday 3rd April. It may not be every ones cup of tea but it seems for now the competition is here to stay. I for one love the competition and will be watching with interest. I will nail my colours to the wall and state my liking for Delhi Daredevils. 

I was very disappointed last season when they fell short in the semi-final despite being the best team in the competition. This year we have a change to the team names, what used to Deccan Chargers are now Sunrisers Hyderabad. In my opinion this was a farce, the team had been punished and were thrown out because the owners problems. It would have made more sense to award the contract to another city, like Ahmedabad. 

The usual suspects will be in the running for the tournament, Mumbai Indians will want to show they are more than a team who are perennial losers, either in the semi final or final. On the other hand Chennai Super Kings will want to get back to winning ways, being the most successful team. If Delhi falter this year then they could be labelled the new Mumbai Indians. Last years surprise winners Kolkata Knight Riders will want a repeat of last year, while all the other teams will need to rise to the challenge. 

I have below listed a few predictions:

Winners: Delhi Daredevils - They were the best team last year, topping the group. A star studded team with many top international players. They threw away the semi-final last year by not playing Morne Morkel the leading wicket taker in the semi final for tactical reasons. 

Leading Wicket Taker: Lasith Malinga - He has been there and there about in this category since IPL 1 and there is no doubting that he will take many wickets. 

Most sixes: Chris Gayle - When thinking of this category only one name came to mind. Others who could possibly challenge him are fellow West Indian's Pollard and Marlon Samuals. 

Player of Tournament: Virat Kohli - As this is a guessing game, I have gone for my favourite player. He has not always lived up to his potential in the past IPL's and for that reason I think he will fire. He is also the captain of RCB now, which is a big stepping stone for the Indian captaincy in the future. 

Player to watch out for: Nathan Coulter-Nile - A young Australian bowler who is very highly rated. He could be good if Mumbai Indians play him. He will be under the guidance of players such as Ponting and Tendulkar. 

Click on the team names below to go the team page:

- Kolkata Knight Riders
- Chennai Super Kings
- Mumbai Indians
- Royal Challengers Bangalore
- Delhi Daredevils 
- Rajasthan Royals
- Punjab Kings XI
- Pune Warriors India
- Sunrisers Hyderabad