END OF THE FIRST HALF

Last year, half-way into the IPL we had an idea who would be the teams to beat in the competition. This year, 7 teams have a realistic chance of making the top 4. Contests have been tighter and every match is vital to all teams.

PROBABLE SEMI FINALISTS

Tough to say at this moment. Pre-tournament favorites Delhi have done well to keep that tag as they have lost the least number of matches. If they keep their momentum going they can end on the top of the table.

Deccan had a wonderful start, then lost their way by losing 3 games in a row but with their last win against Mumbhai they have shown that they are very determined to reach the final four.

Chennai didn't have the best of starts in the beginning of the tournament, but have won their last 3 games and seem to have finally decided on their perfect combination, team-wise.

Rajasthan have shown the magic they show-cased in last year's tournament, despite not being as consistent. The possession of some very talented cricketers, no less Yusuf Pathan, continues to make Rajasthan a powerful force in the IPL.


BIGGEST FLOP(S)

Enough has been said about Kolkata's mis-fortunes this season. They have won only one game, and it is very unlikely that they will make the top 4. I think Ganguly should be given the reins back - he is one player who has the ability to lift a team as he has shown in the past.

A number of players too have disappointed this season, either on the base of their reputation or form last year. Andrew Flintoff and Pieterson, bought for huge chunks this year, have not performed to standard. Jesse Ryder was tipped to be this year's Shane Watson but he has been no-where close. Jayasuriya has had a good strike rate but his average is poor. Greame Smith had a bad tournament until his last game. Harbajan has not been among the wickets, and Gony hasn't been as effective as last year.

Probably the biggest flop is McCullum, who really hasn't made any worthy contribution since his 100 in the IPL's very first game.


PLAYERS MISSING IN ACTION

Most Aussies have been missing due to their tournament against Pakistan, but would be joining their respective teams after it is over. The English and West Indians just left to play against each other. Non of the Bangladeshis have got a game.

Mcgrath hasn't had a chance to play yet due to Delhi's good bowling attack. Ntini hasn't played a game as well as Dhoni wants to stick with his current quartet of foreigners.

And of course, Pakistan.



BIGGEST SURPRISES

Who said T20 is not a place for spinners? Anil Kumble and P. Ojha have been among the wickets, and not many would have expected them to be tough bowlers in this format. The same goes for the unknown Jakati, who has grabbed two 4-wicket hauls in just two games.

Kallis had a terrible tournament last year, but is amongst the runs this year, thereby defying critics who have said that he is not suitable for this format. Dilshan is said to be one of the most underrated batsmen and he has shown why by being Delhi's best batsman in a team full of other big names at the top of the order.

For me, the biggest surprise is Hayden. He had a horrible time with the bat just before retirement, but at present he is batting like the Hayden of old. One of the most important wickets to get in the IPL.


MY BEST XI

(4 foreign players only allowed in team)

Hayden
Tendulkar
Raina
Dilshan
Y Pathan
MS Dhoni (wk/c)
Jakati
RP Singh
P Ojha
Malinga
Y Abdulla