The lack of any sort of consistency in the line-ups with internationals combined with totally unknown locals, makes it hard to keep track of who is in which team. 

The apparently totally unpredictable form of the sides, some of which can be attributed to the extremely abbreviated format, but some it it seems suspciously planned out, means that every team is still in with a chance. 

Theoretically this is a good thing  as fans of every team will remain interested and there will be no “dead rubber” matches.  This is what Lalit Modi has said is the USP of his league.  That this also ensures maximum eyeballs, which translate into maximum Advertising revenue, according to him is obviously besides the point...ahem...

In reality, the IPL still doesn’t have a city based fan base, and considering India’s individualistic and hero-worshipping culture it is unlikely that that will ever be the case.  Most fans are interested in following “Star” players no matter which city they play for, and the results of the matches are not that important, as long as the “Star” does well.  So I am not so sure trying to ensure that no team is eliminated too early, is really a relevant goal. 

What is also silly in the extreme is that after a long and tedious league phase the Semifinals and finals are knock out games.  Does this make any sense?  Why not at least have best of three contests for these crucial matches, which will truly test the level of the sides, instead of relying on what may be one bad day at the office for one side, or a brilliant fluke for the other?

This is something the organizers should look into for the next edition.  Nobody wants a fluke winner, especially when the road to getting to the playoffs is so long and tortuous .

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