Owners: Emerging Media Group
Coach: Shane Warne
Captain: Shane Warne
Star player: Graeme Smith
Most expensive player: Mohammad Kaif - $675,000
Last year: 1st (Champions)
Odds: 13-2
The surprise package of 2008, the Royals finished top of the table and went on to reign supreme in the knock-out stages.
Led on and off the pitch by Aussie legend Shane Warne, the defending champions have lost last season's leading wicket taker Sohail Tanvir but have brought in Shaun Tait as a replacement.
South Africa's 20-over specialist Tyron Henderson and Morne Morkel are solid signings who could shine alongside South Africa skipper Graeme Smith, who will be keen to impress on home soil.
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