Five things to look for in the next five days of IPL

After an enthralling first week of action in the Indian Premier League, Osman Samiuddin looks at five things to look for over the next five days in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah.

With 184 runs in two matches, Glenn Maxwell of Kings XI Punjab is the early leading run-scorer in IPL 7.

The first Chris Gayle six

Gayle was 26 runs short of being the Orange Cup winner (most runs) for a third consecutive year, in 2013. He has not played a game this season for Royal Challengers Bangalore, because of a back injury, but should he return Thursday, he will surely add to the 154 sixes he has hit in three seasons.

More ‘Big Show’ fireworks

Nobody has lit up the seventh season of the IPL like Glenn Maxwell. He has twice in succession come close to hitting a hundred and is the leading run-getter after two games. Do not miss out when he and Kings XI Punjab take on Sunrisers Hyderabad in Sharjah on Tuesday.

The return of KP

The world has been waiting for Kevin Pietersen to do something other than tweet snidely at proceedings in England. He has missed the opening three games here because of an injury to his finger he picked up practising for Surrey but might be back on Sunday.

Champions vs Giants

Last season’s winners, Mumbai Indians, are off to a bad start, losing both their games. Chennai Super Kings, perennial powerhouses, have not convinced either. Come Friday, their clash in Dubai will be one to watch and could well be a decisive one.

The Wizard of West Indies

Sunil Narine has already picked up five wickets in two games this season, taking him past 50 wickets for Kolkata Knight Riders. On Saturday, in Abu Dhabi, he will need to stop Maxwell.