Delhi favourites, Mumbai dangerous

Cue pandemonium as the IPL begins on Saturday with the first round of matches in what last year proved to be a fantastic competition won by Shane Warne and the Rajastan Royals. Warne's side are unfancied this time, but you can never write him off.

Bet365 offer 8/1 against a repeat of the inaugural IPL when Warne's team won the title in dramatic style with the last ball of the competition.

Delhi Daredevils are the 7/2 favourites for the Twenty20 event, while Chennai Superkings, who have Matt Hayden back three months after retirement, are next at 4/1. Mumbai Indians - with Sachin Tendulkar at their core, are 11/2, with Kings XI Punjab 6/1.

Kolkata Knight Riders, who could pay for a shortage of genuine all-rounders, are 13/2 and you bet365 offer 7/1 against the Bangalore Royal Challengers, with Deccan Chargers bringing up the rear on 12/1.

The event, of course, has been moved from India to South Africa for security reasons and that is sure to lessen the huge crowds that attended the first IPL, but it is likely to be popular with the local fans.

I wouldn't put anything past Warne, but on paper, his side are inferior to a couple of the others, especially Mumbai Indians, who have a host of stars, led by Tendulkar, with some exceptional all-rounders - Dwayne Bravo, Ryan McLaren, JP Duminy and Graham Napier.

Delhi have a great batting line-up, led by Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir, backed up by David Warner, AB de Villiers, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Owais Shah and Paul Collingwood.

Kevin Pietersen leads the Bangalore side, while Herschelle Gibbs, Andrew Symonds and Adam Gilchrist are the stars for Deccan Chargers.

It promises to be another stunning competition, but I'd have to go for Mumbai to come good this time.