How will the foreign base change over the duration of the IPL? Three phases seem to exist- the initial phase with Lankans, Saffies and retirees, then the coming of the West Indians, then the coming of the Aussies, English and possibly Kiwis, then the exit of the players from those teams. This is done keeping in mind the overseas players won't choose IPL over their local league games. Here's an estimate-
Chennai can start with Hayden, Justin Kemp, Muralitharan and Albie Morkel, which will be largely constant. Once Flintoff is available, even briefly, he'll replace Morkel. I doubt if there's a place for Thushara or Thissara, since both lack striking power.
Deccan can start with Gilchrist, Symonds, Dwayne Smith and possibly Vaas. Once the West Indians are available, Vaas will make way for Roach. Fidel may not get a game this season.
Bangalore can largely play all four South Africans Kallis, Boucher, Roelof and Steyn. For that brief period Bracken is available, Steyn makes way. We don't know how much of the tournament the Kiwis will get, but recent signing Morgan may make it ahead of Kallis for the games he gets.
Kolkata, oh well, have so many overseas stars, that fitting them together is a tight one. They can start with Matthews, Bond and any two of Hodge, Hussey and Mendis. Once the West Indians arrive, Gayle will replace the batsman. Once the Aussies and Kiwis leave, you'll have Gayle, Matthews, Mendis and Bond.
Punjab, more or less an India A of the IPL, may play an overseas player less for most of the season. They'll have Sangakkara, Mahela, Abdulla and Pommersbach to start, and then briefly Brett Lee will come. Eventually, if Jerome Taylor is available, he'll play all the matches after his arrival.
Delhi will largely stick to Dilshan, AB de Villiers, Nannes and Maharoof. Vettori may play a little in the middle. This may be a toss-up between Maharoof and Parnell.
Rajasthan were hampered heavily by the absence of Watson and Tanvir, with their replacements not quite up to the mark. This time, Smith, Mascarenhas, Martyn and Warne may get the whole season, until Dimi has to leave for England, following which, Morne Morkel plays.
Mumbai have made the biggest signing, getting Kieron Pollard. However, they have to wait for his team's series against Zimbabwe to end, likewise Bravo. Until then, they have Sanath, Duminy, Napier and Malinga. When the West Indians arrive, Duminy and Malinga make way. Once Napier leaves, Malinga returns.
