Let the Battle Begin! A preview to the IPL Season 2

The most anticipated and exciting tournament of the year 2009, the Indian Premier League Season 2! However, it’s a bit weird considering the “Indian Premier League” is being played in “South Africa.” Oh well, I guess it’s safety first, perfectly summed up by Ross Taylor of New Zealand:

If you’re dead you can’t earn any money. Life’s obviously more important than earning cash

The tournament is sure to be packed with great excitement and entertainment – whether it’s a four, six, wicket, sledging or even aggression. For those of you who have forgotten in last year’s tournament, there was aggression between Harbhajan Singh and Sreesanth – to the extent that a Harby slapped Sressanth in tears. Harby was rewarded for this efforts with a 6 – game ban. Who said Cricket was just a game?

The Lowdown

Mumbai Indians underperformed last year. This time around they will look to turn it around with some handy recruitments. They now have the services of Duminy and Khan. Both are potential matchwinners – evident by their performance for their country. With players like Tendulkar, Jaysuria, Bravo and H. Singh in the side, they will not be short of passion and enthusiasm. It’s time to convert money to win. Prediction: 2nd

Kings XI Punjab suprised all when they finished second in the tournament last year. This time they face a big challenge with the losses of Lee and Sressanth – two of their most fired up players. Marsh was superb with the bat last season, such that it earnt him a call-up to the Australian side. They will definitely need a repeat of that this year. They also need Y. Singh, Jayawardene and Sangakkara to stand up as the seniors of the team. It will be interesting to see how well they can contain/handle the batting of the other sides, which may well determine whether they make the semis. Prediction: 6th

Kolkata Knight Riders looked completely hopeless without the services of McCullum. Thankfully, they will have his services for the whole tournament which will be mighty good years this year. However, one must consider the chances that Kolkata will win a game if McCullum doesn’t fire. Their cause will be helped with the additions of the power-hitting Gayle and spin-sensation Mendis. Another 150 + score for McCullum wouldn’t hurt. Prediction: 5th

Rajasthan Royals were the most underrated team last year. They spent the least amount of money but were able to win the competition. This time round, the task will be harder with the limited availability of Watson (player of the tournament) and the omission (Canceling of IPL contracts of all Pakistan players) of Tanvir (bowler of the tournament). However, there is still hope with the likes of Warne, Smith and Mascarenhas still in the team. Surely, the losses of their two best (performing) players severely dent their chances at defending the title? Or will the lesser lights in the team shine? Prediction: 4th

Deccan Chargers were the biggest disappointments last year, spending the most amount of money yet finishing dead last. This season, they will be under new coach Darren Lehman and hopefully he can turn the fortunes of a side that has all the potential in the world. Unless Gilchrist and Gibbs play absolute blinders and their bowlers are consistent, they will struggle to achieve anything. Prediction: 8th

Delhi Daredevils played well until the semi-finals. However, this year they have arguably the most destructive top order in the tournament. Their top order: Warner, Sehwag, De Villers, Gambhir. What more could you want? To top it off, they have the best Twenty20 bowler in the world in Vettori and a matchwinner in McGrath. Unlike last year, they will have the services of Vettori for the whole tournament which is very good news. Prediction: 1st

Chennai Super Kings were so close to winning the tournament last year. Had Balaji  not bowled a wide and Patel collected the ball cleanly, Chennai might of won. However, this will fire the side up to go one step further. They have the potential to with the likes of Muralitharan, Flintoff, Dhoni and A. Morkel – all in quite good form. However, it remains to be seen how well the other bowlers in the side will perform, especially from the local players. Nonetheless, the IPL brings out the best of players and the rising of potential stars. Prediction: 3rd
Royal Challengers Bangalore were the other major disappointments last year, which was well summed up by Dale Steyn of South Africa:

the IPL was only four overs a game and it was like a paid holiday; you only had to work hard if you felt like it, which is probably why we finished second-last

This time round, they have the services of two explosive batsmen in world cricket in Pietersen and Ryder, topped with the full availability of Taylor, a real slogger in Twenty20 and we have a fairly strong batting line-up. On the bowling front, they have Steyn, Kumble, Bracken and P.Kumar so overall, they have a balanced team. However, the hard part is putting it altogether. Unless Piertersen’s leadership can inspire side that lacks enthusiasm and passion, then it could well be a long tournament for Bangalore. Prediction: 7th