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.