The Indian Premier League is nine games old and the Sports Pundit Fantasy IPL team ‘Cool Challengers’ comfortably leads the pack with 135 points to the team’s name. In fact, such is the difference between him and the second-placed team, that it does seem a trifle difficult for the rest of the teams to catch up with it. Except that there are no subs left for the topper and there are another six games for the period to end! 
This piece is about the preview to the Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals game which happens tomorrow.
The Kolkata Knight Riders will be a happier bunch from their previous match after beating the Kings XI Punjab on the back of an inning to savour from Chris Gayle. And Gayle is precisely that one batsman I will continue having in my team – or get in if I have the available transfers – for the next couple of games at least. Not only is his batting a crowd-puller – along with being a Sports Pundit IPL Fantasy favourite – but his bowling should soon be an asset in conditions which may not be as rainy as the ones found previously. Gripping the ball should become easier for this all-rounder soon.
From amongst the bowlers, I wouldn’t be surprised if M. Henriques gets replaced by Ajantha Mendis and that, in turn spins a web of intrigue around the batsmen. Yet, one may need to be cautious about getting Mendis in, after all, his form in the nets would have been closely monitored and based on it, may not have been chosen in the side.
It is too early to comment, but the Royals looked like they were in a disarray after their first loss; despite having a similar start to their first edition of IPL. Still, this could just be the best chance of picking up someone from the Rajasthan team when the others have already under-estimated the team and its players. Some of those who could be given a second thought are the likes of Graeme Smith – yet to get his feet going – Swapnil Asnodkar – again, looked out of touch –and Ravindra Jadeja. I also suggest looking at Morne Morkel as an option, instead of Tyron Henderson, who hasn’t found the going too easy for him just yet. Morkel is a local guy and will understand the conditions much more than any of the rest, making it easier for him to adjust.
The other bowler who I think could make it to the playing XI is Siddhartha Trivedi and hence could be a reasonable option to choose.