JOHANNESBURG, May 20: Senior players have had an immense role to play at this second edition of the Indian Premier League. Some have fallen by the wayside after promising much. However the three teams from southern India have prospered thanks to players who are either retired or in their last stretch as an international cricketer. Royal Challengers Bangalore for example, have literally risen from the dead.

From one win in five matches to six going their way in 13, they have certainly turned a corner, powered by the supposedly old brigade and led effectively by the seniormost of them all — Anil Kumble. The unit has proved there is much more to the shortest format than fast legs and brooding forearms.

"I think I am privileged to work with four legends. Dravid, Kumble, Kallis and Boucher. They are all special in their own right. The biggest bulldog in world cricket is Boucher, Kumble is a true gentleman and a creative guy. He is amazing with the younger players he is amazing with me in how he treats me. It is a real privilege to work with a captain like that," said team coach Ray Jennings after the win against Delhi.

Kallis has also had a crucial role to play. There were suggestions he would cash in big but the consistency factor was missing. The last four games have proved the fire burns bright.

"Kallis and Boucher put my name forward and Dr Mallya offered me the job. I had said then that I need the players to back Kallis. And Kallis said to me that whatever happens he would come close to being man of the series in the IPL. And he is living up to that expectation. He is a superb cricketer with a great attitude. I respect him as a legend," noted Jennings.

The contest against the Deccan Chargers is now a virtual knock-out clash. Jennings is not the coach to look at the points table. Instead he wants to keep his boys focused on the job ahead.

"I am not even seeing the points table. I try and stay away from that.

"I started to have a look at it in the beginning, and we ended up at the bottom. We just have to make sure we concentrate our on performance and make sure we try and win every game that we are in.