So, the two semi-finals have been played and now we know which two teams will play for the ghastliest gold-plated trophy in world sport. I mean there’s not even a proper way to lift that thing up, like a cup or something – all you are busy looking at are the shining jewels. Meanwhile the losers two will jostle for a spot in the Champions League T20. No, wait, that is the ‘AIRTEL’ Champions League T20, keeping up the IPL’s advertisement hollering traditions.

But whichever way you look at it, the two semi-finals brought with them a few shocking conclusions and the mere thought of it all keeps one busy.

a) First up was the fact that people in Mumbai indeed did come to watch the matches, or for that matter return their tickets in Bangalore. Now the latter may have been inspired for the want of their money back, but the crowd gathering in Mumbai leaves me perplexed. For the last time, match fixing and widespread corruption in cricket was reported in such a grand scale, it took some time for the Indian fans to get back to the stadiums or even switch on their television.

Did the real cricket fan stay away then, and the stadium that was filled up and exhibited with pride by SET MAX full of people who only see the ‘paisa-wasool’ entertainment value in cricket nowadays? No would be the answer, for many I know watched the games with intent. Simply because after all the tomfoolery of the last two weeks thanks be to the heavens for some simple cricket!

b) Lalit Modi should be happy that he has created a league that is not only recession proof but probably also fixing proof. As the IT sleuths raid almost every nook and corner of his empire, he must be regretting using Twitter for his official announcements. Meanwhile it was good to see him subdued on TV for once and not looking like some one who implies ‘I own you just because you tuned in to watch my cricket’. Colorful character he is, kept us entertained for three years. Pity his time is up. We will miss him.

c) Finally for some cricket talk. Royal Challengers Bangalore and Deccan Chargers both had gruesome games and that is the cruelty of knock-out games. The simple reason that these two teams lost out was down to their obsession with their batting starts.

Bangalore experimented again with Rahul Dravid opening with Jacques Kallis. First things first, the semi-final of a high stakes tournament isn’t where you do that. And second, if they just had to experiment, why not send Robin Uthappa up? For a sedate, solid start wasn’t needed chasing 180-plus in front of a hostile Mumbai crowd. Sure, if Kallis gets out, replace him with Dravid by all means. But to get the both of them to open in a bid to keep wickets in hand is just making it difficult for the latter batsmen.

Deccan were bogged down because their top order simply hasn’t fired. They ought to have been happy that they were chasing just 140-odd and therefore could take time getting a start. But Chennai’s bowling has been looking the part over the latter half of the tournament and a slowish start which was rocked by regular loss of wickets meant disaster.

The biggest shocker though was Mumbai Indians winning, for Sachin Tendulkar got only 9 runs. They went on to get 180-plus, and then bowled and fielded as if their backsides were on fire. Rather, it was the presence of ‘Big Boss’ Mukesh Ambani in the house that must have gotten to them. The big question is: can they do it again on Sunday with the probability of Sachin not playing due to injury?

Oh by the way, Bhajji watch out and better perform in the finals. You just don’t go and airlift the richest Indian’s wife without any consequences!