The 2023 edition of IPL is due to get underway on March 31.
Former India pacer Sreesanth has also joined the bandwagon as he predicted that Chennai Super Kings (CSK) won’t be able to lift the trophy this year.
Notably, CSK have clinched the IPL title as many as four times under the leadership of the legendary MS Dhoni. They are the second most successful team in the competition after Mumbai Indians, who have won five editions of IPL.
"I don't think so (that CSK will win IPL 2023). There is only one Mallu captain - Sanju Samson - I am supporting them (Rajasthan Royals). But it would be fun if a new team wins. I would feel great if RCB win IPL 2023. Virat (Kohli) has done so much for Indian cricket...it would be great if RCB win," Sreesanth told Sports Yaari.
RCB are yet to win the IPL trophy while they have played the final thrice. The Bangalore-based franchise’s last final appearance was way back in 2016.
Meanwhile, speculations are rife that the 16th edition of Indian Premier League will mark the end of Dhoni’s professional cricket career.
Dhoni had called time on his international career in 2020 but has continued playing for CSK and will make his return to their homeground in IPL 2023 after a nearly three-year wait.
With the COVID-19 pandemic now on decline, the tournament will go back to the home-and-away format from this season. While CSK will begin their campaign against the defending champions Gujarat Titans in the tournament opener on March 31, they will play their first home match at the Chepauk on April 3 against the Lucknow Super Giants.