Will the champions have their day again, despite injuries and suffering the loss of Pakistani players?
The "Underdogs" certainly had its day in the first edition of the IPL. Led by one of the most charismatic men ever to have graced the cricket field, and having in its line up some of the best exponents of the T-20 game, Rajasthan Royals were certainly the surprise package of the IPL in its inaugural year.
While they have added much by way of star value to their line up this year, Shilpa Shetty as co-owner was indeed a pleasant surprise, and has already done her part in the much talked about music video she has shot for the Royals, on the field they have lost a bit of zip with key players suffering from injury. Pakistani players' not being permitted to play in the IPL has affected the Royals more than any other team. Sohail Tanvir, best bowler in IPL one, isn't available and his replacement, Shaun Tait, is also out injured. Shane Watson, one of the key players for the Royals in season one, is undergoing rehab and it is a million dollar guess if he will be fit to bowl at the start of the season. Greame Smith though, is back from injury and in home conditions will surely give the Royals the start they need. But as in season one, at the start of season two the Royals look heavily reliant on the brilliance of Yousuf Pathan and skipper Shane Warne.
