The eighth edition of the Indian Premier League, gets underway tonight, at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The first match of IPL 8 will be played between defending champions Kolkata Knightriders (KKR) and Mumbai Indians (MI). A total of 60 games will be played across 12 venues, before the final on May 24, which is also scheduled to be played in Kolkata.
The city has been experiencing thunderstorm activity since past few days. It also witnessed heavy downpour last night, which delayed the start of the IPL 8 opening ceremony. More weather activity is expected today evening. Rain, strong winds, and thunderstorm may cause delay in start of play. Conditions are expected to improve as the night goes on.
Gautam Gambhir’s Kolkata Knightriders will surely pack a home advantage as they meet the Mumbai Indians tonight. Rohit Sharma will lead the men from Mumbai in a game which is fit to be termed as the ice-breaker for the domestic T20 league. Kolkata Knightriders look more balanced than ever. The likes of Gambhir, Uthappa, Shakib-al-Hasan, Yusuf Pathan, and Umesh Yadav bring experience, power, and form to the team. Also, with spin marauder Sunil Narine receiving a clean chit, KKR look stronger than ever.
The Mumbai Indians feature some big names in their line-up. Rohit Sharma, Lasith Malinga, Harbhajan Singh, Kieron Pollard, Aaron Finch, Josh Hazlewood, and Corey Anderson are MI players who can win a match on their own. Not to forget, the team’s coach Ricky Ponting is a natural tournament winner. The team has done well in the last two editions. In 2013, MI lifted the IPL trophy and in 2014, the team qualified for the Playoffs.
Statistically speaking, Mumbai Indians have an upper hand. Out of the 14 games played between KKR and MI so far, the men from Mumbai have won 10. But the last two games between the two sides were won by KKR. It’s even-steven as Kolkata gets ready to host the opener of the IPL 2015. Skymet will keep you updated on cricket, weather, and more as celebrations at India’s biggest festival continue.
