IPL season 18 starts with KKR vs RCB match

The 18th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to begin this Saturday. The first match will feature the defending champions, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), facing the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at Eden Gardens. Suresh Raina, a former Indian cricketer, shared his thoughts on the league's significance in shaping young talent in Indian cricket. Raina is one of the best players in IPL history, having scored 5,528 runs in 205 matches. He has won multiple championships with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Raina noted that the IPL is a global festival and praised emerging stars like Tilak Varma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Rinku Singh. He emphasized the importance of young players staying focused and consistent. According to him, every IPL season provides a chance to evolve and improve skills. Another former player, Robin Uthappa, who also played for KKR and CSK, highlighted the rapid changes in cricket due to the IPL. He remarked that the league has elevated the sport to new levels and has transformed the game’s pace and excitement. Uthappa predicts this season could feature spectacular moments, such as record-high scores or extraordinary individual performances. He believes that the IPL continues to surprise fans, promising more thrilling action ahead.