The loss of last year's key performers Sohail Tanvir, Kamran Akmal and Shane Watson has not helped. Their batting has been a big let down, opener Graeme Smith failing to make any sizeable contribution (19 runs) in the three matches. Also, star batsman Yusuf Pathan, except for his match-winning performance in the 'Super Over' victory over Kolkata Knight Riders, has failed to replicate the performances of last year.

But you cannot write Warne off. His captaincy skills and ability to motivate the team were quite evident in the thrilling match against Kolkata. Rookie Kamran Khan seems to have developed quite well under his tutelage and one feels it is just a matter of one good match before Royals begin to impose themselves in the tournament.

With five points from five games, and particularly after the win over Delhi, Warne and his team are back on track. And, as they proved last year, nothing is impossible for the Royals.