So the Indian Premier League's 9th season starts today and the first match is between the defending champions Mumbai Indians and the MS Dhoni led brand new franchisee Rising Pune Supergiants.

But this time, it's Rohit Sharma who will go into the match as captain of the favourites.

Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma with coach Ricky Ponting | Source: PTI

Here's a lowdown on Mumbai Indians, and why you should support them.

THE SHEER FIGHT: Starting with four consecutive defeats is a terrible record. But at the end of the tournament last year, Mumbai Indians were so good that they beat the mighty Chennai Super Kings in the final by a massive 41 runs. This was a story of redemption par excellence, and if nothing, the Mumbai spirit.

ROHIT SHARMA: Exemplary leadership in the previous campaign went against the belief that Rohit doesn't have it in him to rally a team. He scored 482 runs and finished seventh in the list of top-scorers. His 50 off just 26 balls in the final was the cherry on the cake. Who says he's not talented?

Representational image | Source: PTI

THE SQUAD: It's a star-studded squad so there's guaranteed entertainment for MI supporters. Right from Rohit to Corey Anderson, Kieron Pollard, Hardik Pandya and Jos Butler, this is a squad made of the big names. They fail, you wonder. They win, you revel.

Rohit Sharma, Parthiv Patel and Harbhajan Singh | Source: PTI

THE YORKERS: With Jasprit Bumhrah and Lasith Malinga in one team, expect the stumps to fly in all directions. Imagine seeing them in tandem, going for the block-hole. Pure pleasure.

Nathu Singh | Source: BCCI

NATHU SINGH: Who? That's what we all thought when Nathu Singh was snapped up by MI in the auction for a cool Rs 3.2 crores. The pacer from Rajasthan can become the latest in the line of rough diamonds which sparkle on the highest stage. Nathu's presence will add intrigue to a team made out of the predictable.

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