It is hard not to talk about the strength of the Pune Warriors batting. Here is a side which is playing in the IPL for the first time ever and what do we have? A side which is so powerful in its batting on paper, that it is not funny.

At the top of the order, there are Graeme Smith and Jesse Ryder. Smith is a tad out of form but can do a lot of good once he gets going. Ryder can take on any attack on his day.

If Manish Pandey comes back from his injury, god save the opposition at the top of the innings.

Apart from these three, there is the presence of Yuvraj Singh and Robin Uthappa, both so powerful strikers of the ball that the opponents have often been sent scurrying for cover.

In their previous game, apart from these big name players, there was a Mithun Manhas, who had batted rather well and will be difficult to replace.

The question, therefore, is whether these batsmen will be able to live up to their reputations or go kaput?