NOW FOR THE KNOCK OUT STAGE

A Look at the Semis

It has been an exhausting month of non-stop action. There have been plenty close games, great performances on the field, drama off the field, controversies, and great crowds in the great South African grounds - which I think was the most surprising; but it is definitely great to see that the IPL has been a HUGE hit in South Africa. Kudos to the organizers.

We are now at the business end of the tournament, and the best 4 teams will be locking horns to reach the Finals on Sunday. Delhi, the pre-tournament favorites, are still the favorites to grab the glittering trophy. Chennai have probably been the best batting side and are the favorites to take the other spot in the finals. Deccan and Bangalore were the worst teams last year but have gone against all odds to make it to the semis this year.


Review of the league stage

Kolkata

They had a terrible time this IPL, on and off the field. Their coach was talking about having multiple captains, but the captain for the whole tournament was one who had no previous experience in the post and was subsequently blamed for the team's poor performances.

Nevertheless they did very well in their last two games to end on a high - in the process knocking out defending champions Rajasthan out of the competition. If they can sort out their problems, have a different captain, and field a much better team next year, they can definitely do better.

Why they missed out - They were most probably distracted by the many controversies that were unnecessarily surrounding the team. Shah Ruh Khan should have made a better effort to raise the team's spirits (or rather, he should have made some effort). They had too many coaches (yes, unsurprisingly). And they didn't field a very good team - Agarkar was given too many chances though he failed in the beginning of the tournament. Langevelt wasn't given a chance till his last game. Mendis should probably have been used in more games.

Best Players - KKR were good in their batting, esp Hodge who was their most consistent. Mccullum played well too in their last few games, esp their game against Chennai when we saw flashbacks of his 150 in IPL's very first game.

Mumbhai Indians

They were definitely the under performers this year, because on paper they probably had the most balanced team. When they won, they did so convincingly. They lost too many close games, much like last year, and it is proven by the fact that their net run rate at the end of the league was almost the same as Delhi's - the best team. They were IPL's chokers.

Why they missed out - Had they won those close matches, Mumbhai would definitely have been in the semis. Their bowling was good, but their batting too inconsistent, with alot of reliance on Tendulkar and Jayasuriya to give them a good start - the latter being their biggest disappointment.

Best Players - Duminy was their best batsman, and even made 5 half centuries - 3 in losing causes. Malinga was a Purple cap holder for a few games during the tournament as he was one of the most difficult bowlers to hit the big shots against, esp at the death overs.


Rajasthan Royals

The fairy tale couldn't continue this time. The Royals were too inconsistent in the tournament and though their players still showed the same skills and hunger to win as last year they failed to meet expectations, right from their first game when they made 50-odd against Bangalore.

Why they missed out - Their batting was weak, esp with Asnodkar and Greame Smith not firing at the top. Yusuf Pathan was devastating during the first half of the tournament but lost form at the crucial second half.

Best Players - Warne was still the astute captain he was last year, and was Rajasthan's highest wicket taker. Ravindra Jadeja showed that he is a good all-rounder, while Y. Pathan showed that he is one of the most dangerous batsman in T20 cricket.

Kings XI Punjab

They were the secont best team in the league stage last year, but this year they were a weaker team. They did put together some good performances, and I think their best was when they almost chased down 180-odd against Chennai; even though they lost it showed their immense self belief and hunger for victory.

Why they missed out - Inconsistency of their players was the reason for their downfall. They also missed Jayawardena who was injured and didn't play their last few games.

Best Players - Jayawardena was their best batsman, which was why he was deeply missed during the business end of the tournament. Irfan Pathan, though better with the ball, showed his worth as an all-rounder. Yuvraj Singh was inconsistent with the bat but when he scored, he was brutal. He also showed that he is a handy bowler by doing the unexpected feat of claiming two hat-tricks in the tournament.


Deccan Chargers

They won their first 4 games, but got inconsistent after. They do have match-winners in their team and they have shown more confidence than last year.

Strengths - They have strong performers who can make Deccan win against any team - RP Singh and P. Ojha with the ball; Gilchrist, Symonds, Gibbs and Sharma with the bat. On paper they have a strong line-up.

Best Players - RP Singh is the tournament's purple cap holder, while Ojha has been very good too. Their top order batsmen have made contributions in the tournament, esp Rohit Sharma who played a couple of gems when the going was tough.


Bangalor Royal Challengers

They are definitely the surprise package in this year's edition. They didn't have a good start to the tournament but once Anil Kumble vbecame captain things turned around amazingly for the Royal Challenges. Consecutive victories towards the end of the tournament ensured that they go into the semis as one of the teams in form.

Strengths - They have got a balanced side, with different players contributing to the team's success. Kallis esp has been consistent as an all-rounder and is well supported by the other batsmen and bowlers. Anil Kumble's captaincy has also been the catalyst for their resurgence.

Best Players - Kallis is their main all-rounder, Kumble their main strike bowler. Ross Taylor and Boucher have also made important knocks with the bat.


Chennai Super Kings


They didn't have the best of starts to the tournament, but with M.S. Dhoni you can always expect a change in fortunes to occur at any time. He has led them well, and has got the tournament's highest scorer. They are favorites to go to the finals.

Strengths - They are a batting-heavy side.

Best Players - Definitely Mathew Hayden, who is showing very good form. Dhoni and Raina have also been good with the bat.


Delhi Dare Devils

They have been the most consistent performers with the bat and have lived upto the tag of being the pre-tournament favorites. They have a good all-round team and having players like McGrath and Vettori warming the bench just shows how strong their team is.

Strengths - Last year it was their openers. This year it is their middle order. A.B De Villiers has been outstanding, with Dinesh Karthik and esp T. Dilshan giving him good support. Their opening bowlers - Dirk Nannes and Ashish Nehra, have also done well.

Best Players - Nehra is their best bowler, and has consistently taken wickets at the beginning of the innings, while A.B De Velliers and Dilshan have been their best batsmen.