Punjab Kings' the worst franchise in IPL? Star Sports' experts discard Punjab-based franchise as their top teams for IPL 2024

The IPL 2024 kicks off with the CSK vs RCB rivalry resuming at the Chepauk on March 22. Chennai Super Kings are the champions of the last season winning the IPL title for the fifth time. 

CSK and Mumbai Indians are the two most successful teams in the league with 10 titles between them. RCB, on the other hand, are still looking for their maiden IPL title. Recently the RCB women won the WPL breaking the deadlock of their trophyless rain. 

A day before the game, MS Dhoni stepped down as the CSK captain. He was replaced by Ruturaj Gaikwad who has been a consistent run-scorer and a batting mainstay for the side since IPL 2020. 

RCB, on the other hand, changed their name from Royal Challengers Bangalore to Royal Challengers Bengaluru keeping in sync with the name of the city. Virat Kohli is back for the franchise after staying away from the game for nearly two months. He headlines RCB’s campaign as they look to win their maiden title. 

Meanwhile, as is the norm every year, the panel of experts and commentators at Star Sports picked their final four. The likes of Steve Smith, Daye Steyn, Tom Moddy, Irfan Pathan, Murali Vijay, and S Sreesanth were the ones who picked their top four sides. 

Also Read: CSK Playing 11 vs RCB- IPL 2024, Match 1

Star Sports Experts Panel Picks IPL 2024 Top 4

The Top 4 predictions by Legends on Star Sports for IPL 2024:

Smith – MI, LSG, DC, CSK
Steyn – SRH, CSK, MI
Tom Moody – MI, SRH, LSG, RR
Irfan – MI, CSK, LSG, KKR
Rayudu – CSK, KKR, RCB, MI
Vijay – MI, CSK, RR, RCB
Sreesanth – CSK, RR, MI, GT pic.twitter.com/Ja87Lios2i

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) March 22, 2024

Steve Smith picked MI, LSG, DC, and CSK to start the discussion. Meanwhile, former SRH coach Tom Moody predicted MI, SRH, LSG, and RR as his top four sides. Former SRH bowling coach Dayle Steyn predicted only three teams to make the last four SRH, CSK, and MI. He was not sure about the fourth team. Between Rayudu, Irfan, and Murali Vijay the CSK was the common franchise. 

However, none of the experts named Punjab Kings as one of their options for the last four. The team made the final only once in 2014. Since then, the Kings have been consistently finishing sixth or below on the points table. Shikhar Dhawan who has been one of the top-scorers in the league since IPL 2020 will lead them once we gain this season. They will play at a new stadium at Chandigarh’s Mullanpur stadium. 

Over the years, the franchise has tried everything over the last 16 years to win the title but nothing has worked in their favor. From changing captains, almost every season to changing the support staff change has been the only constant for Puinjab Kings but nothing positive has yielded it so far.

MS Dhoni Steps Down As CSK Captain Ahead Of IPL 2024 Opener

MS Dhoni’s stepping down as the CSK captain has been making the headlines since Thursday. CSK coach Stephen Fleming said it was an emotional moment for everyone in the dressing room when MS Dhoni “broke the news”. 

“(When Dhoni broke the news) there was a lot of emotions. A whole lot of tears. There wasn’t a dry eye in the dressing room. Everyone was moved. Last time (when CSK changed the captain) we weren’t as prepared for MS to move and for a change in leadership. There was also a round of congratulations to Ruturaj. He isn’t the most vocal person, but he has qualities to lead us in the right direction,” said Fleming.

Also Read: RCB Playing 11 vs CSK- IPL 2024, Match 1