After reachings the semis last year, Kings XI are a team that should not be overlooked. Partially owned by the glamorous Preity Zinta and a collection other less glamorous people, they will do well to repeat last year's success. The bowling looks a little weak with Brett Lee just returning from injury and Sreesanth still recovering from being on the wrong end of Harbhajan's wrath. Fortunately, he has recovered sufficiently to be present at this year's tournament as the team motivator. Star man Yuvraj Singh will be feeling the pressure to perform as batsman after having a less than exemplary showing last year. Tom Moody will again be taking the position of coach, with other team members including last year's top scorer Shaun Marsh.

The defending champions, it really should have been obvious that Rajasthan Royals would win the inaugural competition. After all, they are led exclusively by Shane Warne, a man well versed in having his cake and eating it all. A triumph of team cricket, they'll be given more respect this time round, especially after gaining the celebrity backing of Bollywood honey Shilpa Shetty. Showing a ruthless streak of champions, they have cut seven players adrift before the start of this year's competition, including Mohammad Kaif and more surprisingly Paras Dogra. And in terms of personnel, Shane Warne is captain, coach, cook etc.