Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni. © AFP

Chennai ready for Mumbai in crunch battle

On-field action will vie for spotlight with spot-fixing’s looming shadow in first qualifier

Sunrisers Hyderabad would be hoping for their batsmen to complement the bowling attack. © BCCI

Hyderabad masters of their own destiny

Kolkata, then outgoing champions, will hope to end their underwhelming campaign on a high

Pune Warriors India will be dependent on their top order to help them finish a poor season with a win. © BCCI

Battle to avoid the wooden spoon

The only aim for both Pune and Delhi would be to avoid the ignominy of finishing last

An in-form Adam Gilchrist, who has announced that this would be his last IPL, will be key to Punjab's fortune against Mumbai . © BCCI

Punjab eye win and a lot of luck

Mumbai will look to end their pre-playoffs campaign in style while Punjab fight to remain in contention

Chris Gayle , AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli. © BCCI

Bangalore set for must-win clash

Chennai will look to wreck Bangalore’s playoff ambitions, which also hinge on the outcome of two Hyderabad matches, at the Chinnaswamy

Rajasthan Royals.  © BCCI

Rajasthan seek on-field boost

Royals have task cut out against motivated and hungry Sunrisers side

Adam Gilchrist, R Sathish. © BCCI

Punjab, Delhi clash in Dharamsala

With Gilchrist back in form, a reinvigorated Punjab will look to make short work of down-and-out Delhi

Steven Finn, James Anderson and Stuart Broad. © Getty Images

England bank on swing at Lord’s

England will bowl a lot better at home, says Broad; New Zealand wouldn’t like to be just an entrée for the main course, says Hesson