It only seems like yesterday that Brendon McCullum lit up the inaugural Indian Premier League with 158 off 73 balls. It wasn't, it was six years ago!
Rajasthan Royals
Captain: Shane Watson
Key men: Brad Hodge, James Faulkner, Amit Mishra
Royals fans will be hoping captain Watson can emulate another Australian tactician by leading the side to their first IPL title since the inaugural year in 2008. Watson has some familiar faces around him with fellow Aussies Steve Smith, James Faulkner and Hodge also on the RR roster, however the lack of a world class spinner could prove costly.
Sky Bet's IPL outright odds - 9/1
Mumbai Indians
Captain: Rohit Sharma
Key men: Lasith Malinga, Kieron Pollard, Mike Hussey
Defending champions Mumbai have retained Rohit as captain after leading the side to title glory in 2013. The leading run-scorer in IPL 6, Mike Hussey, has joined the Indians and will shoulder most of the run-scoring responsibilities alongside his captain. All-rounder Pollard looks to have overcome a lengthy knee injury in time to play, while T20 world champion Malinga remains the best death bowler in the business.
Sky Bet's IPL outright odds - 5/1
Sunrisers Hyderabad
Captain: Shikhar Dhawan
Key men: David Warner, Aaron Finch, Dale Steyn
Not short of batting options, the Sunrisers have three of the most sought-after openers in white-ball cricket at their disposal in Dhawan, captaining the side for the first time, and destructive Australian duo Warner and Finch. Backed up by the pace of Steyn, spin of Amit Mishra and finishing prowess of Darren Sammy, Hyderabad could be a surprise package this year.
Sky Bet's IPL outright odds - 5/1
