The semifinal line up is after all a fair comment on the teams that showed more commitment on the field. Chennai Super Kings and Deccan Chargers improved vastly as fielding units and it reflected well on the score sheet. Catching has been another major contributing factor.

“We have not been spectacular but have done what is required and that is what counts at the end of the day,” said Andrew Symonds. Deccan Chargers have been well served by the young legs of T. Suman and B. Sumanth who have been quick and responsible on the field.

Of the four teams that have advanced to the second stage, Mumbai Indians and the Chargers have a dedicated fielding coach. Looks like the regimes under Jonty Rhodes (Mumbai) and Mike Young (Chargers) has made the respective units change their approach and create a better impact.

“Until I met Rhodes I did not have a clue on how an out fielder could be an attacking option,” said R. Sathish easily one of the stand out fielders in the IPL.

Suresh Raina, a livewire in the inner circle for Chennai noted on how his side turned it around when each player started enjoying his fielding. “Contrary to what has been said, we have been a good fielding side. We have only got tighter in the last few games,” said Raina.

The tournament has reached a stage where one poor act in the field can strand the team by many yards. Sourav Ganguly had reasons to be upset after Kolkata Knight Riders suffered reverses due to poor efforts on the field. “The whole world is watching, the selectors are watching and if they can’t lift their game, god save their careers,” the former Indian captain had said then.

A lot will depend on batting and bowling skills but the team that is willing to show more hunger on the field will start with an enormous advantage.