The 19th season of the Indian Premier League launched in Bengaluru, underscored by robust financial health after Royal Challengers Bengaluru sold for $1.78 billion and Rajasthan Royals for $1.6 billion.
Despite reduced overseas presence early on-with Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Sam Curran sidelined-the league kicks off with all 10 teams fielding homegrown captains.
RCB begins its title defense against Sunrisers Hyderabad at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, a venue shadowed by last year’s tragic stampede that claimed 11 lives.
At 37, Virat Kohli remains the league's marquee attraction, playing a purely batting role after stepping down as captain.
Rajasthan Royals’ 15-year-old opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, fresh off a U-19 World Cup win and a 35-ball hundred last season, draws intense interest.
Batting-friendly pitches and the Impact Rule-allowing batter substitutions-are expected to fuel high scores.
Mumbai Indians chase a record sixth title, while Gujarat Titans, led by Shubman Gill, aim for their second.