Who has the best Indian contingent ? (IPL Preview - Part 3)

And here is a quick take on the final three sides:

Pune Warriors:

Had an up and down time last season, and this time around, they have to do without the services of their captain and best player, Yuvraj Singh. Still relatively new in the IPL, they would be keen to put up a much better show this time around.

Key Indian players: Sourav Ganguly, Dinda, Dheeraj Jadhav (though relatively unknown, the man averages 56 in first class cricket but his T20 strike rate of 91 is a concern), Murali Karthik, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mithun Manhas, Manish Pandey (remember he scored a IPL hundred for RCB couple of years back), Rahul Sharma and of course, Robin Utthapa.

Have a couple of very good players in Utthapa, Manish Pandey and of course, Dada. But then overall, their Indian contingent is not in the league of CSK, MI etc. Overseas support would be provided by Graeme Smith, Ryder, Marlon Samuels, N McCullum and their latest signing, Micheal Clarke. Expect them to remain in contention for a play-off spot for much of the league stage. Whether they can get there might just depend on a couple of crucial games.

Rajasthan Royals:

The romance of their victory in IPL 2008 has fizzled out a long time. Since then, they have struggled to remain in contention for a play-off spot. And this year, they will have to do it without their captain, Shane Warne. In his place is the recently-retired Rahul Dravid who, for sentimental reasons alone, would get a lot of support wherever he goes.

Key Indian players: Dravid, Stuart Binny, Deepak Chahar, Akash Chopra, Pankaj Singh, Ajinkya Rahane and Sreesanth.

With Dravid, Akash Chopra and Rahane (all known for occupying the crease), the tag of a Test side might be difficult to shake off. In the overseas department, Botha, Chandimal, Collingwood, the Brads (Hodge and Hogg) and Shane Watson would be key.

Would again be reliant on a few key players. That, in itself, is not a good place to be in a 16-game league stage. Would struggle to make the play-offs, unless Dravid can do a Warne and make heroes out a couple of local players.

Royal Challengers Bangalore:

They have done the reverse of the Royals. After a forgettable first season, they have steadily climbed the ladder, reaching the final in IPL-2 and 4, only to lose out both times. Last year was memorable for the Gayle-force and an encore this year would be expected. Plus they have the hottest property in Indian cricket right now in Virat Kohli.

Key Indian contingent: Mayank Agarwal, Kaif, Zaheer Khan, Virat Kohli, Abhimanyu Mithun, C Pujara (whom I would be watching closely), Saurabh Tiwary and Vinay Kumar.

Very good Indian representation and supported by Gayle, Vettori, Dilshan and AB DeVilliers (with Murali, Dirk Nannes as backup), it makes for a very good side. Should make the play-offs.

Final thought: Should be a good season. CSK, MI, RCB and DD look to be the better of the lot with KKR and Pune Warriors to stay close on their heels.

Let the games begin !!
Cheers

Amit