IPL Teams Archives -

Royal Challengers Bangalore

December 17, 2020March 27, 2012 by PunterPolls

Betfair ODDs as on date

To reach final: 3.10

Winner: 6.20

For the new-look Royal Challengers Bangalore --- they retained only Virat Kohli and failed to buy back most of their players --- the pressure will be on to emulate if not better the results of the last two editions.

The fact that they were the runners-up in 2009 and the third-placed team in 2010, naturally will mean more expectations. The good news is that the new faces in the squad in many ways mirror those that the team management failed to get even after trying their near-best at the auction earlier in January.

The better news for them though could be that Anil Kumble will neither be bowling or plotting against the side he led so successfully in seasons two and three. Instead, Kumble will be joining the man most apt to take over from him in mentoring the side. On Tuesday, RCB expectedly named Daniel Vettori as the skipper.

Rajasthan Royals

December 17, 2020March 27, 2012 by PunterPolls

Betfair ODDs as on date

To reach final: 5.80

Winner: 19

Shane Warne and Rahul Dravid are a study in contrast. One is known for his flamboyant lifestyle, outspoken ways and a devil-may-care attitude; the other is disciplined, soft-spoken and a perfect role model.

For Rajasthan Royals, the most important story of IPL V could well be the transition from Warne's leadership to Dravid's captaincy . In fact, for a few youngsters who have known only Warne's ways in the past four years, this could well be a culture shock.
Rajasthan Royals, once again, do not boast of too many big guns, at least in the T20 format . However, they have the habit of throwing up heroes. If Yusuf Pathan, Ravinder Jadeja and Shane Watson owe most of their fame to the Royals jersey in the inaugural edition of the IPL, Johan Botha's prowess with the bat was a revelation last year. Warne had gone by his instincts in promoting Botha up the order, and it paid off handsomely.

Pune Warriors

December 17, 2020March 27, 2012 by PunterPolls

Betfair ODDs as on date

To reach final: 7

Winner: 15.50

Yuvraj Singh can be at his brutal best when he is hungry and angry. After a fulfilling triumph at the World Cup, it's difficult to imagine him to be too angry. But there's enough history to suggest that he can remain hungry when he leads new entrants Sahara Pune Warriors in IPL 4.

Yuvraj was captain of Kings XI Punjab for the first two seasons. Though he and co-owner Preity Zinta had no major issues, the latter's lack of knowledge about the game must not have been too pleasant an experience for the players. In the third season, Yuvraj was cold shouldered from captaincy, and worst, not retained by the Kings XI.

All this suggests he will have a point to prove with his leadership skills. And that can be a great platform for take off for Pune Warriors.

Mumbai Indians

December 17, 2020March 27, 2012 by PunterPolls

Betfair ODDs as on date

To reach final: 2.56

Winner: 5.30

So close, yet so far. That's been the story of Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL) till now. Finalists in the third season, third-placed finish in the fourth (after losing the second play-off to RCB), the franchise - that seems to be the most balanced sides in the tournament - hasn't been able to lay its hands on the coveted trophy as yet.

From practice facilities to coaching and support staff, hotels, pre-tournament hype, sponsorships deals - the works -- Mumbai Indians players have access to some of the best talent and amenities. Only a trophy in the cupboard is missing.

The franchise has quietly gone about adding meat to the line-up. So, Tendulkar will have young Ambati Rayudu coming in at No. 3, followed by Rohit Sharma, West Indies all-rounder Kieron Pollard (when he arrives), South Africa's Twenty20 sensation Richard Levi and wicket-keeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik.

Kolkata Knight Riders

December 17, 2020March 27, 2012 by PunterPolls

Betfair ODDs as on date

To reach final: 4.80

Winner: 8.60

KKR A Brand New Squad

After wallowing in mediocrity in the first three IPL seasons, the Kolkata Knight Riders appeared to have turned the corner last year.

With a brand new squad and a new captain, they succeeded in making the last-four stage in IPL 4.

And having further bolstered their foreign contingent at February's mini-auction, the Kolkata franchise will be hoping that it will be a breakthrough year for them in the world's premier T20 league.

KKR's experiment with Australian coaches continues with Trevor Bayliss taking over the reins from Dav Whatmore, who had succeeded the controversial John Buchanan after the first two seasons.

Bayliss' arrival at the Eden Gardens, home to KKR, coincides with the return to the fold of Brendon McCullum and the welcome addition of West Indies' 'mystery' spinner Sunil Narine and South African quick bowler Marchant de Lange.

Kings XI Punjab

December 17, 2020March 27, 2012 by PunterPolls

Betfair ODDs as on date

To reach final: 5.50

Winner: 19

In four seasons of Indian Premier League, Kings XI Punjab have only flattered to deceive. They have shown flashes of individual brilliance too, highlighted by Paul Valthaty last year. But mostly, they have veered from hope to hopelessness: shine brightly for a moment and then slip back to a pale showdown.

Will that change this season? We will have to wait for the next few weeks to unfold to see that. But, it does look like the team is making a serious attempt on all fronts to get rid of past baggage and bring about a change. To begin with, Adam Gilchrist will take on the role of coach, besides being the captain too. He wants to mentor the team and that is only a good sign.

The real excitement, though, seems to stem from the acquisition of Azhar Mahmood ($200,000). The other two signees, Ramesh Powar ($160,000) and James Faulkner ($190,000), too are expected to bring some much-needed vigour to the team.