Sunday, May 1, 2011

Who stands where at midway point in IPL 4

MUMBAI INDIANS

7 Games 10 Points

Captain Tendulkar is among IPL4's top run-getters and Lasith Malinga the leading wicket-taker with 17 scalps.

Surprise Package: Wicketkeeper-batsman Ambati Rayudu's consistent showing.

Prospects: Despite stunning loss against Raj Royals last week, Mukesh Ambani's men favoured to reach last four. Could go all the way.

CHENNAI SUPER KINGS

8 Games 10 Points

Among the finest fielding sides. Can defend low totals thanks to Dhoni's sharp captaincy. Have stifled seemingly rampant opponents, like Chargers on Sunday.

Surprise Package: S Badrinath has frequently held a shaky middle-order together.

Prospects: Far from their best but still look good enough to reach last four.

DELHI DAREDEVILS

8 Games 6 Points

Occasionally sublime, generally ridiculous. Despite notching up the season's highest score, DD are the season's biggest disappointment. No match-winning bowler.

Surprise Package: Middle-order bat Venugopal Rao is often the boy on the burning deck.

Prospects: Face stiff task of winning 4 or 5 out of remaining 6 to reach last four.

KOLKATA KNIGHT RIDERS

8 Games 10 Points

Gautam Gambhir's team is second only to Mumbai Indians in all-round balance.

Surprise Package: Batsman Manoj Tiwary has muscled his way back into national reckoning.

Prospects: Have quality and intent to reach last four and sail beyond.

PUNE WARRIORS INDIA

8 Games 4 Points

The bowling unit has misfired consistently. Firangs in the team too must do more.

Surprise Package: Nobody really. But spinner Rahul Sharma has held his own against the best.

Prospects: After dream start, in nightmarish form now.

ROYAL CHALLENGERS BANGALORE

8 Games 9 Points

Displayed great fighting abilities against KKR. But Vettori's team doesn't have a single bowler in top 15.

Surprise Package: T Dilshan. But for the wrong reasons.

Prospects: Could be a challenger for the fourth semifinal spot.

KINGS XI PUNJAB

6 Games 6 Points

Not the strongest or the most balanced of squads. Sub-par bowling and fielding unit.

Surprise Package: Opener Paul Valthaty has come up with electrifying starts and decent spells in a couple of matches.

Prospects: Need to lift their game urgently.

RAJASTHAN ROYALS

9 Games 11 Points

Warne's inspirational captaincy ensures IPL 1 winners punch way beyond their weight.

Surprise Package: Young Ashok Menaria has impressed with bat and ball. Johan Botha's batting is a revelation.

Prospects: Surprise leaders. Well in line for semifinal spot.

KOCHI TUSKERS

8 Games 6 Points

Captain Mahela Jayawardene is the team's prime mover. But the desi players must raise their game.

Surprise Package: Ravindra Jadeja is a vastly improved version of his previous self.

Prospects: Seem to have faded away after a bright start.

DECCAN CHARGERS

8 Games 6 Points

K Sangakkara leads from front but team lacks batting muscle.

Surprise Package: Leg spinner Amit Mishra and opener Sunny Sohal.

Prospects: Dim unless the IPL 2 champions show more determination and drive.

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