Royal Challengers Bangalore batsman Chris Gayle plays a shot during the IPL Twenty20 cricket match at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. AFP/Indranil Mukherjee
Like last year, they had a slow start, but this year the other teams have caught up well. Sides like Rajasthan and Punjab, who hadn't
had a great last season, are quite competitive. This is where Bangalore need to be careful.
Against Mumbai, Bangalore did not allow their opponents leg room. The target of 141 was never going to be a challenging one especially when you have Gayle as your opponent.
He has this unique style of batting - patting down deliveries in the first few overs before launching himself later. It was Ojha's turn to bear the brunt this time and the three successive sixes extinguished Mumbai's hopes.
Bangalore next play Pune, who need to find inspiration.
Clarke and Ganguly are almost similar-natured batsmen and it doesn't make sense for them to bat together at the start. Ryder needs to be in the XI while Smith needs a consistent run at No 4. All said and done, Pune will find it difficult to stall Bangalore.
(The writer is a former Aussie batsman)