Ever since it started in 2008 the IPL has turned into a carnival that everyone awaits to come back every year with more promise, flair, redemption story, and a new superstar. The brainchild of Lalit Modi has turned 18 this year and it has grown into quite a spectacle that now every cricketer aspires to be a part of. So much so that the number of overseas player participation directly resembles the success of their home Nation. So what is new this season one would ask.

1.Vaibhav Suryavanshi, a 13 year old prodigy was grabbed up by Rajasthan Royals in the Auction last year, will be waiting for a chance at the big stage.

2.Nitish Reddy, The Sunrisers Allrounder ever since he came up last year is on the climb up to glory with fantastic performances last year at the IPL and later on the Australian Tour down under showcasing his temperamental side of cricket brain has put everyone hopes high.

3.Ajinkya Rahane, the Knightriders captain for this season, was bought at his base price after being unsold in the first round which indicates that he wasn't a first-choice player in the team roster. But now he is at the helm and in charge of the charismatic team and himself coming from a good domestic season has a point to prove that he hasn't thrown the towel yet.

4.Ishan Kishan, the pocket-size dynamite, will be plying his trade for Sunrisers Hyderabad this season and no one has any doubt how much he wants to show everyone that he is among the best if not the best. After enduring a turmoiled 2024-25 cricket season he has fallen out of the radar of Indian selectors with nowhere near around the Indian cricket in any format.

These are a few of many stories waiting to be written in golden words and waiting for glory. All the best to all the 10 teams that will entertain us, give us new heroes, sprout new stories, and build excitement for the next three months. Ladies and Gentlemen, the carnival is here.