IPL: A Quarter Up, More To Go..

We had a few good games in the T20 IPL2. Close finishes, decent crowds but the rain Gods played their part too. Expectations from the top teams of IPL 2008 had been great. And they failed to keep up. Under performers of last year, the Deccan Chargers have begun their campaign with full throttle. The Rajasthan Royals have buckled under their own high expectations. So far. They promise to deliver. Royal Challengers came out with a new unit and a lot was expected. But now they're facing the same problems as last year. Under-performance. Team Chennai and Punjab are trying to catch their old touch. Punjab seem to be on track but Chennai are still lost. MS Dhoni inspires amazing comebacks and the same is expected this time around.

Mumbai Indians have probably the best opening batsmen any team in the world can only dream of having. Sachin Tendulkar and Sanath Jayasuriya. And both of them were at their destructive best wrecking the bowling attacks of many a teams. Both look and bat like 25 year olds when they're at the crease rather than 36. The team with good hitters in their side and looking to go nowhere are the Kolkata Knight Riders. They been in the limelight this season for all the wrong reasons including the cult blog figure, 'Fake IPL Player'. Fans spend more time reading his blog than watching KKR matches. One hopes they rise soon make a mark on the tournament which is 25% over. Delhi Daredevils meanwhile continue to move from strength to strength. They have a balanced unit and look like securing a semi-final berth for sure.

The South African crowds are enthusiastic about cricket. And with their stars in most of the teams they're out to cheer in good numbers. The Indian crowds are probably the best in the world for their love of cricket. The Protean grounds do have a few empty seats and that is disappointing but something that needs to be taken in the outsourcing stride. Lalit Modi has promised to be back next year to the IPL's birthplace.

With the tournament entering into the next stage where the teams can't afford losses to secure a place in the final four, the heat is on. Let the games continue.