2015 Indian Premier League ready for lift-off with Kolkata v Mumbai
Thursday 9 April 2015 11:46, UK
The 2015 Indian Premier League begins on Wednesday with defending champions the Kolkata Knight Riders taking on the Mumbai Indians.
The opening ceremony was delayed on Tuesday by thunder, lightning and heavy rain. But when it did start, there was plenty for the crowd to enjoy, with the captains of each team present, plus the usual dancers and razzmatazz.
Live Indian Premier League
India star Rohit Sharma captains Mumbai, who are coached by Ricky Ponting. They boast three of the biggest hitters in world cricket in Australia opener Aaron Finch, New Zealander Corey Anderson and the West Indies' Kieron Pollard.
Sri Lanka fast bowler Lasith Malinga spearheads the attack, along with Australia's Josh Hazlewood.
The Knight Riders' cosmopolitan squad includes South Africa seamer Morne Morkel, Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, the West Indies' Andre Russell and Sunil Narine, and 44-year-old Australian spinner Brad Hogg.
Robin Uthappa - the leading run-scorer in the competition last year by almost 100 runs - leads the batting.
Watch each and every match in the 2015 IPL live on Sky Sports, starting with Wednesday's opener between reigning champions Kolkata Knight Riders and 2013 winners Mumbai Indians from 2.30pm on Sky Sports 2 HD.
