Team of IPL 2012

The season Five of IPL has come to a starling end. The good news is that despite the hurtling television ratings the stadiums had been filled and gate revenue has increased. By far this has been among the better IPLs in the past 5 years. The close finishes have been frequent with many a match being decided on the last ball. The batsmen have made merry as usual this time too but the bowlers did have their say in the initial stages of the tournament. The overall good news has been that unlike the previous seasons, most of the star performers have been the ones who had class in them rather than the slog effect of T20 Cricket.

 Now I have sit down to pick my best XI of IPL 2012. I have followed the rule of taking in four overseas players and have picked the squad based on the performance over the season. Here is my team.

Chris Gayle: There is no question on who will face the first ball in my XI. If there was one person who could be described as murderous, it was the Jamaican. The jubilant news has been his sorting out the issues with WICB during the course of the tournament. The overt differences in the number of sixes he hit against the next name in the list, the difference in the runs scored tally all point out this man to be the Power Pack Performer of the second reason in row. Despite his side’s inability to reach the next stage, Gayle was one man army for the Mallaya’s side.

Ajinkya Rahane: The surprise of the season is the Mumbaikar. Rahane was seen as a Dravid school batsman who was more suited for the longer formats. But he adjusted his game to the nuances of T20. His scores at the top kept the Royals atop in the first leg. Though his form wavered in the final half, Rahane had made enough to guarantee him a seat on the plane to Lanka for World T20. His hundred against Royal Challengers is easily the classiest innings of this IPL. There were no brash strokes or slogs. Most shots were conventional and he made it look easy. Another innings of mention was the 98 against Kings XI.

Gautham Gambhir (Captain): He made most of the runs opening the bat and almost took his side to the Knockouts. His captaincy was influential and he finally gave the city of joy what it deserved. He had a point to prove when the selectors stripped of the vice captain role from Gambhir and his form was tragic coming into the tournament. But he hit the stride soon and took his side along with him. More than anything his captaincy gave positive signals to the Indian selectors about the next skipper in line. He will also lead my side.

Rohit Sharma: The slot of Indian middle order batsman does not have many options available since all the three expected trio of Raina, Rohit and Kohli had an ordinary tournament. But this is a personal choice. Rohit once again threw his wickets making his fans shake their head “not again” but when he did score, he scored with authority. The century at Eden Gardens against the eventual champions was a master piece. His presence was pivotal for Mumbai which had top order issues. Though he could have made more runs that the eventual tally, his class keeps helps him sneak into my XI.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni (Wicket Keeper): Dhoni did not have a great IPL either but he did perform when it mattered. Above all he was easily the best keeper of IPL, better than AB De Villers or Kaarthik. Dhoni’s form was wayward until Chennai sneaked into the Playoffs by nook and crook and stroke of luck. But once there, Dhoni and Chennai were different. The Eliminator match against Mumbai witnessed vintage MSD at his best and the much lauded Helicopter was back in business. He may have not got the third win in row but Dhoni gives his side a much needed “Am here when it matters” belief. He will don the gloves in my side.

Ambati Rayadu: After a season of lull in IPL last time, Rayadu fit into the role of finisher for Mumbai winning matches from unbelievable positions. His ability to keep the scorecard ticking combined with powerful shots make him the best candidate for the role of finisher. Rayadu’s class was evident in the chases against Bangalore and Delhi. Though he did not get much opportunities to stamp his authority as he had three seasons ago, Rayadu was the best finisher from India this time around.

Dwayne Bravo: The question of all rounder has been frustrating the Indian cricket circle since Kapil Dev’s retirement and this time it was no different. Despite the ample opportunities, the trio of Pathans and Jadeja could not make it count. Bravo comes here as a go to go man for his side. His bowling in the middle overs was splendid without giving many. His lower order blitz took Chennai to the scores beyond their expectations when the batting started. Bravo played lot of cameos to underline his style. Who could forget that last ball six of Bhatia to keep CSK in the hunt? Though he was expensive in the slog, he managed to take few wickets too. He fills the all rounder slot in my XI.

Dale Steyn: The best bowler in the game currently blew hot and cold this time. When he was good, he was too good but when he went bad, he went to worse. Steyn despite playing for a weak side carried the side to exceptional positions only to see his colleagues throw it away. He did get whacked sometimes but overall he troubled the batsmen more than others. His spell of the tournament against Bangalore threw them out of the tournament. His venomous spells against the best in business made him the stand out bowler of IPL.

Morne Morkel: The Purple cap’s proud owner was the man who took Delhi with him in the league stages. His omission in the Qualifier 2 against Chennai showed his ability. What should have been a 170 chase became a 220 chase. He was consistent throughout the season with the supportive home track at Kotla which had bounce and pace in it. He ended up a great economy rate and his presence inspired the battery of quicks in Delhi to punch their weight.

Parwinder Awana: Every IPL throws in a surprise element and this time it was Awana. After a fruitful domestic season for Delhi, Awana led the Punjab attack with grit and determination. While his partners were taken for runs, Awana managed to keep his head steady and ended up among the top wicket takers. He is the only unknown name in the wickets chart of this IPL. His pace and accuracy combined well to give him exceptional returns when others got plundered. He managed to outperform Praveen Kumar, India’s first choice pacer in limited overs by a long margin. He has a promising future lying ahead if he can keep up his promise.

Sunil Narine: The mystery man from Trinidad is the first bowler to win the Man of the Series award in IPL. Ever since he made his name in the last CLT20, Narine was expected to rock the Indian circuits and he did so in some style. His mystery ball was unplayable and he extracted a lot with his high arm action. He was almost unplayable by even the best players of spin. He was the mainstay of the Champion side and his ball to dismiss Tendulkar was easily the ball of the tournament. The World T20 will pose a threat from West Indies through this lanky off spinner. 

Umesh Yadav : The best Indian pacer in display this time. Umesh came of a successful tour of Australia and lived up to his promise. He was fast, furious and proved a perfect ally to Morne as they destroyed the oppositions this time. In the Eliminator when Chennai was going all guns, Umesh proved his class giving as low as 27 in his spell when the total was 222. Yadav holds the promise of Indian pace attack for future. It is unfortunate that I have to place him as the 12^th man in my side.

The side looks good with some classy batsmen who can score quickly as well as play a waiting game when the situation gets tough. The spin attack is manned by a one man army in Narsine but he is more than enough to get the opposition. The pace attack has the two best in the World with a promise from India. The lower middle order is studded with hitters who can score it big. All in all, this looks to be the best choice I could pick up. I would like to mention Mandeep Singh, Shikar Dhawan, Cameroon White, Rahul Dravid, Virender Sehwag, Lasith Malinga, Zaheer Khan and Mutthiah Muralitharan who missed the bus to the better options.

Dare Devilry of the Delhi Daredevils

The Daredevils from Delhi side in Indian Premier League has always studded with some true Devils. Their initial squad read Sehwag, Gambhir, Warner, Dilshan and De Villers. This is as best a batting line up as one can get. Yet the results have not been so fascinating. They did make it to the Semi finals under Sehwag in the first two seasons only to lose there. This was despite the crackling second season where they topped the league charts.

Provided with the option of retention, they erred in not retaining more than Sehwag. The second major auction in 2010 was a mess. They chose with hitters like Finch, Brit etc without going for solid players. Their lack of planning was obvious and with the transfer of their mentor T.A.Shekar, Delhi chose a squad with so many pacers. But the lack of proper spinner bit the side in last season. Infact the side lived and died with Sehwag. No wonder the brittle side was the Wooden Spoon holders of IPL 4.

At this juncture, return of T.A.Shekar as the mentor/manager changed the scenarios. While they still lack a proven spinner in their line up, the batting has been strengthened immensely. They made two very smart transfers during the window period. Pietersen was acquired from Deccan Chargers and Ross Taylor from Rajasthan Royals. These two buys brought the side, two big match winners.

The auction of IPL 5 was perfectly utilized by the side to add depth to their batting and pace attack. Jayawardane was added to the middle order and the value he brings to the table is beyond comprehension. They bought the promising West Indies star Andre Russell who is yet to get a game this season. Doug Bracewell was added to the pace attack which was already among the best in the competition.

The weakness of the side has been the lack of genuine spinner. Here the advent of Shabaz Nadeem stepping into the role of key spinner is pivotal. He has been instrumental in minding the middle overs and has been thus far very successful. If things go well, he may do a Rahul Sharma for Delhi this season. By the fifth match he has 6 wickets but more importantly the economy rate of 4.88 which is second only to the T20 specialist Malinga’s in IPL 5. His ability to squeeze the scoring rate has been critical in Delhi’s campaign. However he has always been given the cushion of bowling against circumspect batting, thanks to the menacing pacers. Van der Merwe has been useful in the couple of matches he played.

Pace attack of Delhi is so far miles ahead of the other sides. In five matches, they have managed to crumble two big sides for partly scores. Irfan Pathan is getting back his mojo and that is good news not just for Delhi but India too. Umesh Yadav, the revelation of the wretched tour Down Under is continuing the good work giving little space for the opponents to get away the pressure created by Morne Morkel. Morne is in the firing mode. Currently holding the Purple Cap, he has been unplayable by any means. 12 wickets at an average of 9.33 and economy of 5.89 are just amazing. Skipper cannot ask for more. The fifth bowler has been a problem with Agarkar going for a plenty as usual. That is something that Sehwag needs to address.

Finally, coming to their strongest forte, Delhi’s batting line up is the best in the competition. Bangalore may have a more terrorizing line up and Chennai may have a more solid one, but Delhi’s is more menacing and consistent one. Sehwag is yet to fire his usual self but then the side is not in need of it too so far. Everyone knows what could happen if he fires. Jayawardane is someone who can score runs without making the opposition aware of it. 

Pietersen has just scored a spectacular century and his shots stamp its authority. Ross Taylor can be destructive when he gets his groove and it has been seen earlier in IPL and Champion Leagues too. Naman Ojha is a chirpy customer who can play some big shots as well. Pathan is a useful all rounder. The class of top order has been such that Delhi can play five regular bowlers in their team. This adds a big advantage to the side’s strength.

In the first five matches, apart from one game against Royal Challengers where they lost before the arrival of the big three in the middle overs, Delhi’s game plan has been the same. They have chased in all matches, mostly their bowling attack gives a lesser work to their batsmen. So far their batting is yet to be tested except in the game against Chargers but given the class of the batsmen, it is not going to be a big deal. 

Smart selection and clear planning has taken the side to the top of the table. They have just one loss and four wins in five. The bowling has been menacing and batting classy. The run rate they have a notch above the others. If they maintain the same form, Sehwag could very well lift this IPL. Afterall, Dare Devilry is in their name itself.

Calypso Kings : The Rock Stars of IPL

The music of the calypso is so sweet to the ear; so are the West Indies team on cricket field. A team that is a mixture of different countries from a common culture, West Indies have a great tradition in the cricketing annals. Their side of 1970-80s are rated as the best side to play the game ever. However the maladministration and mismanagement from the Board and some insensibility from the players have marred the game in the region. Yet the side produces some Legends like Brian Lara, Curtly Ambrose, Courtney Walsh and Shivnaraine Chanderpaul over the years when the side was not in great form.

West Indies’ loss has been Indian Premier League’s gain. The fabulous West Indians are adding to the glory of IPL by leaps and bounds. The reluctance of the Board to give in to the players and vice versa means that quite a few champions who must have been troubling the Australians right now are enjoying the glitz in India.

The first two big names of West Indies cricket are two of the most sought after T20 players. Chris Gayle and Kieron Pollard have time and again proved why they are in the radar for every T20 side and franchisee. Infact, the two with Dwayne Bravo play T20s all round the globe. The latest addition to the list of West Indies stars have been Kevin Cooper. He has added depth to the strong Rajasthan Royals side this season.

Chris Gayle is among the first names one would like to zero in on for his T20 side. He has been in trouble with the administration for a long time, thanks to his unyielding ego and an equal one from the opposite side. But Gayle is a force to reckon with in 22 yards. He was initially with Kolkatta Knight Riders but did not make much of the news with the passionate side. However after a snub in the IPL Auctions 2010, a freak injury to Dirk Nannes landed him for Bangalore and since then they had a cloud nine period. Runs flowed never ending from his bat and he ended up winning the Orange Cap for the most run scored by miles. He was the only player to crack two centuries in single edition of IPL and the only time he failed was in the final when Ashwin trapped him in the first over and ended the chances of Mallya’s side. Gayle can be handy with his off spin. The bludgeoning sixes and a cool smile aftermath symbolizes the man. Dhoni may be cool under pressure but Gayle appears as the coolest man in the field. He never lets way for emotions to be shown. After all, is it not the privilege of the bowlers who get whacked by the burly Left hander.

If Gayle is destructive, Dwayne Bravo is clinical as ever. A highly utility player, Bravo can hit some out of the park and his medium pace is as sharp as his batting. Initially with the Mumbai side, Bravo could not get many chances thanks to the presence of his fellow Trinidadian. Chennai took him up at the base price and today he is the integral part of Chennai’s starting XI. His medium pace is providing excellent support to Ashwin and his phalanx of spinners in Dhoni’s armory. Bravo is adding depth to the Chennai’s power packed hitting and one need not be surprised if he could deliver again for the Defending Champions, are they to make it to the Knock outs.

The biggest gain of IPL has been Mumbai’s Kieron Pollard. In 2009, the inaugural Champions League announced the arrival of a big hitting giant for Trinidad and he was immediately snapped by Mumbai for a huge sum in the following auction. What a debut season he had. Mumbai until 2009 was faltering to deceive. But Pollard’s presence in the XI lifted the side. He can bat and bat big. Those sixes are just carved out of his bat with unusual niche. His bowling in the middle overs has been crucial. He time and again comes with a breakthrough for the richest IPL side with his gentle medium pace. That he is the second name in the batting and bowling cards of this IPL is a evidence of his abilities. If not for anything, Pollard can walk into a side for his fielding alone. The level of commitment he shows in the field is amazing to say the least. He is known for his athletic ground fielding and is quite an incredible catcher in the outfield. Jonty Rhodes will be a proud fielding coach of this man. Mumbai is served on three grounds by this huge man.

Kevin Cooper adds to the list of Calypso kings in IPL. Like his senior Pollard, CLT20 2011 was his launch pad in India and he is among the smartest buys of IPL auction 2012. Rajasthan Royals are served dually with is his hard hitting abilities lower down the order and penetrating bowling. He is the find of this IPL. Cooper is similar to Pollard on all grounds. He hits the ball high and long back into the stands, chips in some useful wickets with his medium pace and is an excellent ground fielder.

Another new name in IPL this season is Sunil Narine. He did have an ordinary outing on his IPL debut but the man is still remembered here for his spells in CLT20 2011. Narine specializes with his mystery ball to go with his leg spin and is a very economical bowler. Last time Chennai found the hard way to get across him in CLT20. Mind you, Chennai boasts of some incredible batsmen for the sub continental conditions and spin bowling in Raina, Dhoni and Hussey. As and when he gets his chance, Narine is sure to rock for Kolkatta.

Other names from the West Indies are Jerome Taylor who was terrific for Pune last season in their failed campaign, Fiedel Edwards was giving a big boost to Deccan when they won the Championship in 2009. Marlon Samuels is now a solid middle order batsman for Pune and we need no introduction on his ability. Andre Russell is yet to play for the power packed Delhi but he is another of those never ending stream of hard hitting, pace bowling all rounders from the far West. Bharath despite all the talent failed to have a great IPL and he can correct in future. Darren Bravo when he joins Deccan is likely to boost their weak batting. Sarwan played a few matches but he has been more a test batsman.

Given the wealth of the rock stars, it is really a sad thing that West Indies side is struggling in International arena while their players are integral part of many domestic teams. The shabby administration filled with selfish people is here to blame for the poor performance of the side. But for a tournament like IPL where performers are recognized West Indian stars feel at home. No wonder that quite a few of them chose IPL over the Team West Indies. Sri Lankans, South Africans have all been integral part of many an IPL side. Australians and Kiwis have added depth too. But the ones who bring glamour and variety to the IPL sides have been the Calypso Kings! Truly the Rock Stars of Indian Premier League!!!

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.