The IPL is just a couple of weeks away, and the fixture list has already been revealed.

Cricket fans will be in for a treat as the Chennai Super Kings will kick things off and raise the IPL curtain against the Kolkata Knight Riders on March 26 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

Intriguingly, this match will be a repeat of last year’s final, where the Super Kings beat the Riders by 27 runs to secure their fourth IPL title.

Currently, all the IPL teams are being put through their paces and getting some good net sessions under their belts before the tournament begins in earnest.

If you are a Super Kings fan, then you will be delighted with how skipper MS Dhoni is looking in the run up to the competition.

Video footage has circulated recently showing Dhoni swinging freely and hitting some big sixes in Surat, and once again, he will have a key role to play if his side are going to successfully defend the title.

The IPL – which is introducing a new format this season – will stage 70 league games and four playoff games in 65 days, and this will be split across two cities – Mumbai and Pune.

Over the past few years, the IPL has become compelling viewing for cricket fans in India, and across the world. Stadiums have usually been packed out, and there is a real carnival atmosphere. Indeed, demand for IPL is showing no signs of slowing down, and as it has become more popular, this is reflected by the IPL markets. At the best betting sites in India, such as Betway and bet365, they will be flooded with betting lines, whether it be outright or in play, for bettors to try out. You will be spoilt for choice, and the likes of bet365 also offer a superb mobile app for iOS and Android users, where you can live stream matches if you don’t want to miss the action while you are on the move.

As far as the Kolkata Knight Riders are concerned, they made some notable additions to their squad during the auction last month, with Ajinkya Rahane and Sam Billings signing.

The Knight Riders have plenty of experience, and they will be looking to get off to a strong start in the competition.

However, the Super Kings have undeniable pedigree in the IPL, and with Dhoni at the helm, they are a formidable unit.

Over the course of the next couple of months, there will be plenty of fireworks and drama for fans to contend with.

But what a cracker we have to look forward to, with the Super Kings v Knight Riders. Let the games begin!