Debutants mark the Difference: Analysis of CSK Vs MI, Match 1, IPL 2012.

IPL 2012 has opened up on a silent note. The opening match between the defending champions, the Chennai Super Kings and the strong contenders for the title, the Mumbai Indians was expected to be a block buster going down to the wire. But it ended up being a dump squib with Mumbai having a cakewalk over the rusty Chennai. The crowd at Chennai came with the full expectation of seeing their side end up on the right side only to be disappointed at the nature of the loss more than the loss itself.

Harbhajan, the newly anointed skipper got the first step right by winning the toss and electing to field. The first look at the Chepauk pitch did surprised many with a tinge of grass. The bounce and carry on the pitch was unknown in this city till now. And the moment the pitch seemed to aid bowlers, Mumbai appeared the better side for a more rounded bowling resources. 

The match has been won for Mumbai by two of their new comers. Ojha is among the top notch bowlers in IPL and it is a master stroke to acquire him from Deccan. Mumbai needed a spinner to compliment Harbhajan and Mumbai got the second best spinner on the land. Until Ojha’s introduction at the tenth over, Chennai was threatening to reach a big target but Ojha immediately put the brakes by dismissing well set Raina. That was the turning point of the game and Chennai never recovered from the loss. Ojha’s spell of four overs got him two wickets for a partly 19.

If Ohja was exceptional, Pollard is not to be left behind. Pollard is among the players born for this format with his belligerent hitting, spectacular fielding and useful bowling. On a day when he was never required to bat, he had already done his part in not allowing the lower middle order of Chennai that includes Dhoni, Morkel and Jadeja to score freely. The squeeze has been put and Chennai’s famed batters departed to edges. 

The amazing aspect of Mumbai’s game was the sharpness of ground fielding. Three run outs were effected. Rayadu relieved off his keeping duties sent back Faf De Plessis in the first over itself for a sharp throw from short covers when batsmen tried to steal a quick single. Dhoni’s run out ascertained the need for a sharp regular glove man and here Dinesh Kaarthik is going to be a boon for Mumbai. To beat Dhoni, a very smart runner between the wickets takes a lot. Ashwin was run out for the umpteenth time and it comes as a no surprise.

Mumbai came in to chase a partly total of 113 and man what a start they had. Levi was signed in as a replacement for Symonds. He came in with a reputation having scored a big hundred of just 45 balls against the Kiwis. The innings he played yesterday showed that it was no fluke. To watch him bat along with Tendulkar was like witnessing a “Beauty and Beast” together. Levi with unorthodox strokes can very well blend with a flawless Tendulkar. Here again Mumbai needed a proper opening partner to Tendulkar and Levi seems to fit in perfectly. His fifty on IPL debut will send message to the teams on his ability. Tendulkar retired hurting his finger and his injury may be a concern for Mumbai. But before that, playing just few balls, Sachin showed his class in that six over covers of Morkel’s bowling.

Rohit was hit by a Bollinger special and departed immediately. He is one player who has immense potential but has not lived up to it. He may want to have a strong IPL as usual since the opportunity at a stint in Indian Test side is knocking the door. Once Levi and Rohit departed, the win was a formality and Rayadu and Franklin finished the things without much fuss about it.

The game plan of Mumbai reflected that of Chennai’s usual one. Squeeze the opposition in the middle overs has been Super King’s formula throughout the years and this time they got the taste of their own medicine from Ojha’s slow left arm spin and Pollard’s sharp medium pace. Mumbai’s fielding reflected the gap between the sides. Chennai’s sharpest fielders like Raina, Vijay were all sloppy on the field. The partly score to defend did no help either.

This game also show caused the team’s choices at the auction. Mumbai had acquired a perfect opening partner for Tendulkar, a very good wicket keeper batsman and a smart spinner to support Harbhajan. All the three chinks in their armour were patched up and the three men made a big difference. Levi won the small chase in a mean time; Kaarthick not only freed Rayadu but also was very sharp behind the wickets. Ojha probably was the man who won it for Mumbai dismissing dangerous Raina and Bravo, the two Super Kings who showed signs of form. In contrast, the biggest purchase of the year Ravindra Jadeja was an utter failure. He could not make a mark with the bat despite having adequate time to rebuild the innings. His bowling was torn apart by Levi and he looked out of sorts with both bat and ball. 

Mumbai with a strong combination and a new captain looks dangerous. They had always began the IPL on style before running out of gas and it needs to be seen if they can change the habit this time. Apart from Tendulkar’s injury scare Mumbai has nothing to worry with a clinical performance while Chennai needs to reassess their strategy. Above all, Chepauk’s pitch may be very sporting but this is not what IPL needs. All in All, Chepauk has failed Chennai.

Chennai Super Kings : Hatrick on Cards?

The successful running module of a Franchisee can be learnt from the reigning champions of IPL, the Chennai Super Kings. They are owned by the man who heads the BCCI and it has led to lot of criticism from various fraternities over the ‘Conflict of Interest’. But over the years their side has been the most successful one in IPL. They were runners up in first edition and came third losing the semifinals in second edition. Since then CSK triumphed the successive tournaments. In each time, they looked down and out before their captain or his compatriots bailed the side out. They sneaked into the knock outs and once there, they were champion material. The side was formed with a clear head. They had a nucleus of players around which the side was built. Among the IPL sides, they are most bounded side.

CSK is led by a clear headed M.S.Dhoni. His captaincy credentials in limited over cricket needs no introduction. He had steered Team India to World Cup wins in T20 and ODIs and has led the side to No 1 ranking in Tests. His record with the franchisee includes two IPL wins and a Champions League title. Apart from being a smart skipper, Dhoni is among the best keepers in Cricket right now and is considered by many to be one of the best finishers in Limited over Cricket. Being a cool customer even at the most demanding situation, his attitude has rubbed onto the team. No wonder they manage to score high points on ‘Fair Play’ table.

The side is not the best on paper. But in the field they are totally different especially at their den, The Chepauk and in knock out matches. The side is chosen with the home conditions in the mind and has a perfect blend of youth and experience. The local flavour of Tamil Nadu cricketers is a big factor and three of the key players – Vijay, Ashwin and Badrinath hail from Chennai. The squad may not have many genuine bowlers but the immense strength of allrounders in the team is unmatched in IPL.

Batting is opened by Murali Vijay. He is one of the IPL success stories. He has failed to hold on his place in the national team but in IPL, Vijay is altogether different. He has altered his game to suit the needs of the side and hits the ball very well. In Indian conditions his form will be the key. With him at helm is Mr.Cricket Mike Hussey. Hussey who never opens for Australian side is astonishing surprise for CSK. At one drop, Raina walks in. He can play both the waiting game and can hit the ball out. He may be tested abroad but in India, Raina is among the joys to watch with the bat. At No 4,Badrinath walks in. Unlucky to miss out a place in test squad, Badri is among the prolific scorers in domestic cricket and he balances the hitters of the side with his natural game. When the side is under stress, expect Badri to accumulate and lead the game.

Next batsman is Dhoni who can change the match in few balls. He has been the backbone of batting and can win matches from unexpected situations. The allrounders like Styris, Dwayne Bravo, Albie Morkel all make the batting go deep. The latest addition Jadeja is another utility player and expects him to sizzle given that his place in the national side is under question. The backup players include Srikanth junior Anirudha who can hit out, talented Mukund, inform Vasudevadas and Australia’s Bailey. ICL recruit Ganapathy Vignesh is a amad slogger. Expect him to make it count if he gets a chance.Even their standby keeper Saha, Ashwin and Kulasekara can slog out.

The strength of the side is the presence of too many allrounders. Albie Morkel has been exceptional performer for Chennai over the years opening the bowling and his lower middle order slogs. Dwayne Bravo is another dual performer with both bat and ball. Styris adds to the variety with his ability to play big innings and chip in a few overs. Jadeja can bowl his spell and cart a few boundaries. Raina has been judiciously used with the ball by Dhoni and Ashwin can hit few boundaries. Faf de Plessis is a potential star in making for South Africa and he adds depth. Jogninder Sharma, famous for his last over in successful T20 World Cup circa 2007 is also with Chennai. In all they have the best allround talent in IPL. 

Spin bowling has been their strength. Ashwin’s spells in powerplays against powerful hitters will go down the folklore of IPL and he is the best spinner in India at the moment. To aid him, Chennai has Jadeja with useful slow left arm variants and Randhiv, the off spinner with talent and potential. Jakathi has made name for himself in IPL with his accurate bowling and is probably one Goa player to make the state proud.

Pace bowling has always been the weakest link of Chennai. But smart pickings have strengthened the side along with the abundant pace bowling all rounders. Bollinger is all but a Chennaite and he has been the vital cog in Chennai’s wins in last two seasons. He will be partnered by his team mate Hilfenhaus who made life hard for India down under recently. Kulasekara is a branded ODI specialist and he has a key role to play in Chennai’s campaign. Albie will open the bowling. He might be expensive but chips in with useful wickets. Bravo and Styris add to the medium pace bowling options. Indian pacers have been a problem for Chennai perennially. Tyagi and Yo Mahesh have a chance to prove it otherwise this time.

Summing up, with a balanced batting line up that bat deep and blessed with hitters, accumulators and enforcers, Chennai will create trouble for the opponent bowlers. Their spin attack is known to squeeze the opposition and check the flow of runs while Ashwin attacks with the ball. Pace bowling is not the best in competition but has been more than adequate for winning matches. Ground fielding has been a revelation so far. Above all, Dhoni’s captaincy makes them a Champion material and one may not be surprised with a hatrick of win this season. Remember that they will get to play the knock outs at their den if they make it and they have not lost at home in the recent times in IPL. Powerful batting, excellent spinners, adequate pace attack, Dhoni’s smart captaincy combined with almost unbeatable home record backed by loyal supporters in the stands makes it too hard to right Chennai off. Hatrick of wins can be on cards this time too provided they play to their potential.

Best XI : Murali Vijay – Mike Hussey – Suresh Raina – Subramaniam Badrinath – Mahendra Singh Dhoni – Dwayne Bravo – Ravindra Jadeja – Albie Morkel – Ravichandran Ashwin – Nuwan Kulasekara – Shadab Jakati.