Our experts have their say on the IPL's runners and riders...
Monday 6 April 2015 14:28, UK
VVS Laxman and Jacques Kallis will not be wielding their bats in the 2015 IPL, but they will play fundamental roles as mentors for Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kolkata Knight Riders respectively.
Laxman and Kallis headed to Sky Studios during the World Cup to offer their expert opinion and showcase their skills in The Zone and, while they were here, we asked the cricketing legends about their IPL commitments for the latest Sky Cricket Podcast.
Laxman, who played in the IPL for Deccan Chargers and Kochi Tuskers Kerala, detailed how he will help a Sunrisers side captained by David Warner and featuring England's Eoin Morgan and Ravi Bopara.
The ex-India star also spoke about how the IPL has transformed cricket, what innings from the tournament’s seven editions he remembers most fondly, and how well the Sunrisers can fare in the 2015 competition.
Plus Kallis – who Laxman feels will be a big miss on the playing front for Kolkata – discussed why he felt compelled to accept a mentoring role with the Knight Riders and what he considers to be his career IPL highlight.
And, in good news for Morgan after a trying World Cup, Kallis explains why England’s one-day skipper can flourish in the IPL – and then take that form into the international arena.
Click this link to listen to the latest Sky Cricket Podcast and then watch each and every game in the 2015 IPL live on Sky Sports, starting with Wednesday's opener between reigning champions Kolkata Knight Riders and 2013 winners Mumbai Indians.
