8 IPL captains: Encore for some, opportunity for others

They will be leading their respective sides in the seventh edition of the Indian Premier League.

While some have already tasted success, for others it's been a long wait.

A look at how the eight IPL captains measure up for the upcoming 2014 season, which kicks-off on Wednesday, April 16, in Abu Dhabi.

MS Dhoni (Chennai Super Kings)

Controversy or not, the last two years were frustrating for Mahendra Singh Dhoni. 

Having captained Chennai Super Kings since its inception, he had the high of leading them to successive triumphs in 2010 and '11.

- IPL 2014 schedule

On the other hand, he had to endure failure in three finals, in the inaugural edition in 2008 and the last two seasons, 2012 and '13).

Besides, there's the spot-fixing case involving the franchise and its owner, Narayanaswami Srinivasan. 

Even the captain has come under the scanner. 

Will Dhoni defy all odds and lead CSK to a third title?

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Rohit Sharma (Mumbai Indians)

If anyone has made a smooth transition to captaincy, it is Rohit Sharma. 

Asked to step in for Ricky Ponting last season, he not only led Mumbai Indians to their maiden title, but also followed it up with a triumph in the Champions League T20. 

Moreover, the additional responsibility also helped his batting.

Can he lead the Mumbai franchise to a title defense?

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Virat Kohli (Royal Challengers Bangalore)

If any team deserves to win the IPL, but yet to win it, it is Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Twice finalists, the Bangalore franchise has struggled in key matches despite the presence of an array of talent, like Chris Gayle, AB de Villiers and their captain, Virat Kohli.

In the last year or so, Kohli has matured as a payer and captain.

Can he help RCB break the jinx?

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Gautam Gambhir (Kolkata Knight Riders)

Gautam Gambhir is not just captain of Kolkata Knight Riders. He is their key player as well. 

Since taking over captaincy at the Kolkata franchise in 2012, he is consistent with the bat in the T20 extravaganza. 

He even led them to their maiden title in 2012, after four years of frustration. 

However, the title defense was disappointing, to say the least.

Can Gambhir lead KKR to a second title?

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Shikhar Dhawan (Sunrisers Hyderabad)

In the last year or so, Shikhar Dhawan has improved leaps and bounds as a batsman. 

Entrusted the responsibility of leading Sunrisers Hyderabad, Dhawan will be leading from the front.

Well, literally. 

He happens to be their key batsman. However, he has at his disposal good bowling resources, led by the lethal Dale Steyn. 

Can Sunrisers do what Deccan Chargers did in 2009?

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Shane Watson (Rajasthan Royals)

It'll be a tough act to follow.

Rahul Dravid led Rajasthan Royals to the semi-finals last year, the franchise's best finish since Shane Warne led them to a surprise triumph in the inaugural edition. 

With controversy surrounding the team off the field, Shane Watson's task is cut out.

He has the twin responsibility of ensuring that the controversies do not affect the team's morale and also try to at least match last season's result.

On a positive note, his team is bolstered by the arrivals of Steven Smith, Tim Southee and Unmukt Chand among others. 

Will Watson help Rajasthan regroup?

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Kevin Pietersen (Delhi Daredevils)

He has been entrusted the task of leading the biggest underachievers of the IPL.

Delhi Daredevils have always had an array of talent at their disposal. However, they always flattered to deceive. 

Undeterred, the owners have made a host of signings.

Dinesh Karthik, Jimmy Neesham, J P Duminy, Quinton de Kock, Ross Taylor, Mohammad Shami, Nathan Coulter-Nile et al.

Besides, Kevin Pietersen is available for the whole season after being evicted from the England squad.

Can he spark a turnaround for Delhi?

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George Bailey (Kings XI Punjab)

George Bailey has captained Australia admirably in the limited-overs' cricket, something that probably encouraged the owners to ask him to step into Adam Gilchrist's shoes. 

The franchise's best result came in the inaugural edition, when they made the semi-finals.

With new additions like Virender Sehwag, Cheteshwar Pujara, Glenn Maxwell and Mitchell Johnson to the existing talent of David Miller, Shaun Marsh and Manan Vohra, the Punjab franchise boasts of a solid team this time around. 

Can Bailey make the most of the resources at his disposal?