By Cricket Expert

People have chosen the teams they will vouch for in the ordeal and jubilation during IPL 2009. Some choose by mode of hometown, some by working city, a few by their favorite player’s presence and yet others pick the strongest team that is likely to win. This year is a lot different from IPL 2008 edition.

Countless changes and adjustments have been made in the franchisees which are likely to influence the turn of events. The venue of South Africa poses new difficulties and surprises in terms of the conditions of the pitch and weather. India is prone to sunny weather and dry-flat pitches. South African grounds however tend to favor bowlers a tad more thus making lofty totals a bit tougher to achieve. There is no convention that fits on the 20-20 format game. Teams that are strong on paper crumble for lowly amounts and the underdogs rise to the occasion. We’ve seen that happen last year. Hyderabad was touted to be the strongest team on paper at least, but they didn’t have a good run. Remarkably it was the small fry, Rajasthan Royals which was virtually written off initially that took home the Victory Cup. So it is understood that nothing is pre-ordained and things rather occur on the spur of the moment. Teams that are ready at the right moment will reap the benefits.

So for as on 19th April we’ve seen both the winners of the cup Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings reel under an almost humiliating defeat.

The teams have used their money well to bid for players with talent during this year’s auction. Kevin Peterson was acquired by Bangalore Royal Challengers for a record setting amount. So was his country fellow picked up by CSK.

Punjab will lack the prowess of Brett Lee and Sreesanth who will not be able to play. However they are capable of putting up totals over 200 if Yuvraj Singh works his magic.

Rajasthan Royals have had fewer adjustments and rely on Warne’s crafty spin and the neutronium hitting power of Yusuf Pathan. They have the largest flock of local talent.

Delhi Daredevils is a team to look out for. They have formidable homegrown stars in their ambit. Sehwag and Gambhir could propel them to triumph between themselves. AB de Villiers is also a prospective firebrand. Glenn McGrath will sharpen the bowling attack.

CSK has vast resources of talent but unfortunately were defeated in their first match. Dhoni is spearheading this team that is composed of many great players. Mathew Hayden and Michael Hussey add force to the batting side while Flintoff takes care of the bowling domain.

Other teams too have their peculiar strengths. However no one gets lucky and nothing happens by chance. The most alert team will go home triumphant.