1. Dhoni and Chennai reunite
After a two-year absence from the IPL due to their involvement in a betting scandal that rocked the competition, Chennai Super Kings are back. Their return sees them reunited with their foundation player and original marquee man MS Dhoni. At 36, Dhoni – who spent the past two seasons with Rising Pune Supergiant – is in the twilight of his playing career but the dashing batsman and innovative gloveman remains one of the tournament's drawcard in a country that has deified him over the past decade. Expect him to again put bums on seats in Chennai, and provide a moment or two of his rare brand of cricketing genius.
2. Four Aussie Kings
Kings XI Punjab could be fielding as many as four Australians throughout IPL 2018, with Aaron Finch, Ben Dwarshuis and Andrew Tye joining Marcus Stoinis at the franchise. The heavy Australian influence is likely explained by the identity of the new head coach – Brad Hodge – although they will likely have been disappointed to lose Shaun Marsh and particularly former captain Glenn Maxwell from their 2017 ranks. Finch and Tye head to Punjab from now-defunct Gujarat Lions, while Sydney Sixers fast-bowling allrounder Dwarshuis, who was in Australia's squad for the recent T20I tri-series but didn't play a game, is a fresh face in the tournament.
3. Young bowling guns unite at Mumbai
Reigning champions Mumbai must be licking their lips at their fast-bowling group in 2018, having shrewdly locked in the services of three of the finest young quicks on the planet. India's Jasprit Bumrah was a key figure in the franchise's charge to the title last year, claiming 20 wickets, and he will be joined by ex-Delhi Daredevils and Australia quick Pat Cummins, as well as Bangaldeshi star and former Sunrisers bowler Mustafizur Rahman. All three have impressed in the cut-and-thrust of IPL competition with deceptive changes in pace, clever variations and accuracy in line and length, and look likely to combine to make Mumbai a leading contender for the title once again.
4. Short and Warnie at the Royals
It sounds more like a drive-home radio show but the presence of 'Short and Warnie' at Rajasthan Royals is likely to provide far more entertainment than any audio afternoon offerings. After a record-breaking season in the KFC Big Bash with Hobart Hurricanes, opening batsman D'Arcy Short was picked up by the Royals (who, like Chennai, return afar a two-year suspension) for AUD$775,000. He landed in India earlier this week and, if he can overcome the spin-heavy tactics teams are likely to try against him, looks well placed for a dominant maiden season. Warne, meanwhile, comes back to the franchise he captained and coached, this time as 'team mentor'. With Short also bowling left-arm wrist spin, he could pick up some handy tips from his compatriot throughout the tournament.
5. Ashwin set to put a spin on … spin
The Aussie collection at Punjab will also get to experience the sight of India's ace off-spinner switching it up and bowling leg-breaks throughout IPL 2018. Well, that's the plan according to the man himself anyway, who has fallen out of favour in India's shorter formats, with the rising trend of leg-spin making him a less appealing prospect to selectors. Few bowlers on the planet could happily switch from one art to another but Ashwin is a rare talent, and it will be fascinating to see how he goes unfurling his new craft. "It has been a painful ride," Ashwin said in February. "One day it will come out well in the nets, and the next day it won't come out all right. It will be frustrating. I have gone through the entire journey and have reached a place where I can land the ball where I want to."
6. Aussies can watch it on TV
With Fox Sports signing a deal to broadcast this year's Indian Premier League, Australians will be able to watch the tournament on television for the first time in five years. Fox Sports will broadcast every match of the tournament but if you don't have a subscription, fear not, cricket.com.au will have you covered with live scores, news and video highlights
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