Knockout games can be cruel. Delhi Daredevils and Chennai Super Kings who were tipped to be in the final were left wondering what hit them. The scenes in the team hotel were not all pale and gloom. The vanquished had reasons to smile. Delhi was beaten by a supreme individual effort after having done consistently well in the league stage. There was no shame in that defeat.

The players made last minute alterations to their itinerary and wanted to take the first flight out. Some of them were successful while a few others had a wait a day longer. The defeat by no means stopped the boys from shopping. The players went full blast and used every minute to fill their bags. The Delhi team officials are a friendly lot and there were handshakes all around as they bade goodbye to South Africa. Even the players were willing to talk to the waiting media but tight security ensured the reporters were not allowed any where near the players.

Members of the Chennai team gathered at the lounge bar for a farewell organised by the team owners. N. Srinivasan was seen talking to each player individually. For a corporate that has run the game for four decades they accepted the result with grace. The hotel staff clapped for nearly three minutes as the players left to their rooms for a final time in this trip.

The scenes in the Deccan Chargers and Bangalore Royal Challengers camps were understandably happier. The Chargers spent some time celebrating in the dressing room before rushing to the hotel where the team gathered for dinner. Chargers are staying at the Monte Casino while the other semi-finalists were lodged at the Sandton Sun. The Challengers were all out of their rooms in double quick time and took their own routes for dinner. Bangalore and the Chargers knew they had the biggest day ahead of them and kept their celebrations low