Royal Challengers

Rahul Dravid:

Experience, experience, experience. The Bangalore team captain has aced all formats of the game and has developed himself into an ODI player despite being branded a Test batsman. Dravid has the leadership quality one needs when a team comprises players from different countries who have never played together before. Plus, he has a point to prove...

Shivnarine Chanderpaul:

Probably in the form of his life, Chanderpaul, 33, won the West Indies’ ODI series against Sri Lanka almost single-handedly. Like Dravid, the left-handed batsman has the experience and is a great improviser

Misbah-ul-Haq:

Misbah played a key role in Pakistan’s runner-up finish in the T20 World Cup. The vice-captain of Pakistan’s ICC World Twenty20 squad knows the short format better than many others. Plus, having been benched for some time, he will be hungry to make his mark

Deccan Chargers

V.V.S. Laxman:

If Laxman doesn’t even make it to the one-day squad, what can he do for T20? A lot. The man who has been denied ‘icon’ status has enviable experience handling top-class bowling. And at his best, few can match him stroke for sublime stroke

Andrew Symonds:

He’s one of the most dangerous cricketers around at the moment — and not just because of his mouth. His game is all about raw power. A utility cricketer, Symonds can bat at any position, bowl according to the situation and pitch (both medium-pace and off-spin) and is an electric fielder. Can he win the Indians over after the Bhajji ma ki mess?

Adam Gilchrist:

Even when Gilchrist bats in Tests, it sometimes seems as if he’s playing T20. With all the shots in the book and a shining career behind the stumps, Gilly is a match winner. And having recently said adieu to the Australian team, the 35-year-old will play without the pressure dogging the younger stars

Rajasthan Royals

MohammAd Kaif:

The street-smart cricketer that he is, this 27-year-old from Allahabad must see his chance of making a comeback to the Indian squad via the IPL route. Kaif’s fielding is a strong point

Shane Warne:

What more can we say about Warne? He will lead by example (on field, at least!) and has the ability to play well in all conditions. Here’s hoping he won’t deny us some off-field exploits either

Chennai Super Kings

MatthewHayden:

Always a big match player, if Hayden holds his ground for six or seven overs, the run rate will creep perilously close to double digits. Experience, big shots and the walk towards the bowler — that’s a good package

Mahendra Singh Dhoni:

The man who won the first T20 World Cup for India, MSD is cool under pressure, with improved skills, big shots and presence of mind as his key assets. And the girls love him!

 

Muttiah Muralitharan:

Few batsmen can handle 36-year-old Muttiah. Plus, his sub-continent experience will count, especially in this Indian summer. The highest wicket-taker in Test history may tip the balance of a match with a few tight overs and a couple of doosras

Mumbai Indians

Sachin Tendulkar:

Tendlya just can’t get enough. With a wealth of experience, the ability to change his game as the situation demands, strength on the field and even with the ball, the Little Master is the Bombay boy to watch out for (as always)

Sanath Jayasuriya:

Jayasuriya’s the man who started all this hitting in the first 15 overs! So, in a way, though he is 38, Sanath is quite a natural choice for T20. On his day, he still has the ability to take away the match. The tricky bowling is an added strength

Harbhajan Singh:

Has T20 experience. He’s a good reader of the game and is a fighting cricketer. He is also good when it comes to stifling the flow of runs

 

Delhi Daredevils

MohammAd Asif:

He’s the best of the Pakistani bowlers at present. He’s a little prone to injury, but once he gets his rhythm right, Asif can be dangerous. He also has the rare quality of moving the ball both off the pitch and in the air

Virender Sehwag:

He’s in blazing form following the 300 against SA. Though he spent most of the T20 World Cup on the bench and scored a duck in the one match he got, he could be good for the short game. Give Viru five good overs and watch him run away with the match

Glenn Mcgrath:

The best in the business when it comes to nagging, he can still bowl six balls on the same line. But at 38, he will be one of the oldest players taking the field and he doesn’t have much T20 experience

 

King’s XI Punjab

Mahela Jayawardene:

Has been in great nick ever since taking up captaincy for Sri Lanka. He’s experienced and is a great reader of the game and will be a strong support for Yuvi. Jaya has all the shots in the book and can lift the tempo if that’s what is needed to win

Brett Lee:

A lethal bowler, the young Lee now has the experience to go all out in limited-overs cricket. He has the pace and variety to fox any batsman and he’s good with the willow as well. An ideal team man for Preity & Co

Yuvraj Singh:

The star of the T20 World Cup-winning squad. A big hitter of the ball — six 6s in an over is what T20 is all about. Yuvi is also a good fielder and can chip in with the ball. On his day, there’s no better sight but as a leader, he is yet to prove himself