IPL 2016: A glance at the eight captains in fresh colours

MS Dhoni had led Chennai Super Kings for eight years before being forced to move due to CSK’s suspension. He called this move difficult. “If all of a sudden if you want me to say that I am very excited to play for a new team, it will be wrong,” said Dhoni who had won the title twice and finished runner-up four times. This time, though, in new colours of Pune Super Giants and a new look team, things would be very different for India’s limited overs captain. (Source: Photo by Varinder Chawla)

Chris Gayle, Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers will be envy of any team and a reason of concern for any opposition. Led by an aggressive Kohli, RCB are another team who promise much – primarily with the bat – but fall short in the end. With no titles under their belt, Kohli who is in blazing form will look to change that. (Source: Photo by Varinder Chawla)

Rohit Sharma did not have a great World T20 barring a decent showing in the semi-final against West Indies but IPL is a different ballgame altogether. Ever since being appointed as skipper in 2013, Rohit Sharma-led Mumbai Indians have won two titles. With a strong squad and equally formidable backroom staff, Mumbai Indians are strong contenders to defend their title. (Source: Photo by Varinder Chawla)

Gautam Gambhir has been leading KKR since 2009 and has lead them to two titles. KKR may not have the star power that the likes of RCB or Mumbai Indians possess but they’ve banked their hopes on youngsters and not-so-big-stars to get them to win. (Source: Photo by Varinder Chawla)

The other new team to enter IPL-9 is Gujarat Lions who will be playing their matches in Rajkot. He may not be performing well with the bat as it was visible during the World T20, but IPL will give him the chance to regain form. Moreover, Raina will get a chance to showcase his leadership skills alongside. Raina has played the most number of matches in the IPL and is the competition’s all-time leading run scorer. (Source: Photo by Varinder Chawla)

After two seasons with JP Duminy at the helm, Delhi Daredevils turned to retired India seamer Zaheer Khan to take the team to a much better finish than last season’s second last. Delhi have had a history of good squads with quality players but have not been able to convert it into titles. At 37, though, the question and doubts will be on Zak’s ability to play the entire season. (Source: Photo by Varinder Chawla)

Kings XI Punjab endured a tough season last year by finishing bottom of the pile with just three seasons. George Bailey led the franchise last season but have now handed the reigns to South Africa’s big-hitter David Miller. (Source: Photo by Varinder Chawla)

In a fantastic combination of three international captains, David Warner, Kane Williamson and Eoin Morgan, Sunrisers call Warner as their leader. And he needs to bring in his leadership qualities but batting qualities after a less than fruitful World T20. Warner was appointed captain of the team last season. (Source: Photo by Varinder Chawla)