IPL CRICKET MATCH 2010 ROYAL CHALLENGER

WILL THE ROYALS RULE

AT HOME AGAIN ?

STRENGTHS: The form of Yousuf Pathan will be a great boost to the side. The all rounder is now in the middle of a purple patch with a sterling 210 in the Duleep Trophy final and carried his form into the ODIs against South Africa. Aussie speedster Shaun Tait is in good rhythm too. But the real plus for them is the captaincy of the tactical master Shane Warne.

WEAKNESSES: The absence of in-form all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, who has been banned from the league for a year, will hit the side hard. Shane Warne will also have to cope without Shance Watson for a large part of the tournament as the all-rounder will be on international duty in New Zealand.

OPPORTUNITIES: Offie Johan Botha and Proteas pacer Morne Morkel are fresh from their tour to India, so adjusting to conditions won't be an issue for the duo. Batsman Abhishek Jhunhjunwala, who had a good stint in the Indian Cricket League, will be the man to  watch out for in season Three.

THREATS: Royals will play four of their 'home matches' in Ahmedabad and that will mean to home advantage for the shane Warne-led side. The squad has no Indian player of repute to boast of apart from Yusuf Pathan. Paceman Munaf Patel, who is out of the national side now for quite some time, needs to get his confidence back.

2008: Champions; 2009: Finished 5th.