Delhi's next game against Bengal at Kolkata should prove crucial in more ways than one for both the former champions. While Delhi, still looking for that elusive outright win, are eager to get maximum points to earn the second semi-final berth from Group A, Bengal’s presence in the Elite Division would depend on their performance in this game. Bengal are on level with Railways and MP.Mumbai have so far played true to their top billing (as reigning champions) and have already qualified for the semi-finals. Punjab, too, have shown remarkable improvement with each game to make it to the semis. But one team that has been a total disappointment have been Bengal.The top scorer and the most wicket-taker after five rounds so far belong to teams that may not ultimately figure in the semi-finals. Which goes to prove that superb individual performances do not always matter in a team game like cricket. Niraj Patel of Gujarat, with an aggregate of 555 in 10 innings (Avg: 51.53), and Ranadeb Bose of Bengal who has claimed 27 wickets (6-75 being the best effort) may in all probability end up on sides that hit the drawing boards.Gujarat, who surprised Bengal earlier, suffered an innings defeat in the hands of Mumbai in the fifth round and face MP (at home) and Andhra (away) in the final two games. Their main rivals for the second spot from Group A will be Delhi (also on 8 points). Delhi have two away games and only an outright win could take Delhi ahead of Gujarat.
