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.
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.
