A blessing probably

In most tournaments, matches played on the last day always have some impact on the knock out stage. But there was nothing at stake on Thursday. While DD-MI had absolutely no impact, the DC-RCB match lost its impact when it was mentioned that DC have to lose by about 195 runs to get eliminated or win inside 11.2 overs to eliminate RCB. So it was just a fight to decide who will face DD in today's semifinal. And by losing the match DC took the honors. I feel this could be a blessing in disguise - they have a better chance to upstage DD than CSK - who now have Mike Hussey also in their ranks as if the current line up wasn't enough.
What the teams need to do now
KKR had the same fortune of DC from last year - losing a few close ones and looking out of sort in other matches. They will probably bounce back like DC. For MI it looks like Sachin must think again about captaincy. Nothing seems to be working for him. Bhajii would make a better captain provided he keeps his slapper.. err.. his hand in control. RR must start thinking now. Their ploy of bringing in the surprise factor by throwing totally unknown players into the fray worked for a season and half. But now they need to bring in real talent. KXIP will do better with some spirit. Yuvraj seems a bit lazy and it catches up with the team.
The semifinalists
DD have been making a march on the opposition through the tournament. But they have a lot of potential banana skins within their team - the form of Gambhir and Sehwag the most important of them. One off day for AB and Dilshan could spell disaster and that was exposed by RCB. So DD beware.
CSK have a lots of factors going their way but the same factors might backfire. Brilliant starts from Hayden have kept them competitive throughout. Raina's bowling has supported Dhoni very well. Hayden's injury might play a big part if it is serious. Hussey's return is a plus provided he is not very rusty. Murali can go for 8 runs off 4 overs on one day and 55 runs off 4 the next day. So CSK has to tread carefully.
RCB have been the dark horse. With the same "test team" from last year they have gone as high as 3rd in the league - thanks to the resurgence of Ross Taylor once KP left the scene. Kumble's captaincy hasn't been good or bad. Kallis and Taylor are very important to them now. But RCB haven't been involved in pressure chases for some time. Can they perform then?
DC must look to reverse the pattern that is emerging in their matches in today's semifinal. They begin their bowling very tightly - there is always a wicket or two to RP. There is discipline until about the 16 overs - except for the odd misfield or dropped catch. Over the next 4 overs, they lose their way. Too many runs are conceded and suddenly a decent total becomes a huge total.
While they bat, the pattern looks similar. Gilly begins in cracking fashion. Gibbs or someone in the top order too compliments the start. By the strategy break, the situation looks very bright. And then the slide begins. Barring Rohit, nobody seems to have any clue as to what to do and they finally capitulate. Hope this doesn't repeat today.