Chennai Super Kings ready for a super start

Chennai Super kings is easily the best franchise in the first three seasons of the mega blockbuster T20 event IPL – This statement at least in my eyes does not need any further proving. Anyway let me relate to you CSK’s eventful journey till this season.
In the inaugural IPL season in 2008, CSK started as an obvious favourite owing to its magical skipper MS Dhoni who already had tasted success as the Indian T20 captain in inaugural T20 WC in year 2007. Based on some consistent performances from both the skipper and the young gun Suresh Raina, the Men in Yellow saw themselves battling in the Final which unfortunately did not go their way and they lost by the closest possible margin.
In 2009 too, a lot was expected from the Men in Yellow. They gave their best shot yet again, to occupy the second position in the points table at the end of the league stage, thanks to the old lion Matthew Hayden and the hurricane named “Suresh Raina”. This time, though, the yellows lacked blaze against the Royal Challengers Banglore and were knocked out in the semis. Though thoroughly dejecting, the bitter truth had to be gulped down.
In the much awaited third season, the Superkings had the worst possible start, keeping their past record in view, missing out completely in a few games because of their shoddy bowling attack. However, midway through the tournament, two men greatly enhanced the bowling strength and add a lot of stability to the XI – Ravichandran Ashwin and Doug Bollinger. Chennai’s beloved Suresh Raina stunned us yet again by becoming the only player scoring an aggregate of 400 runs in each season of this county tournament. In spite of all going-ons, the Superkings once again booked a semifinal berth as they saw off even the DDD – dangerous Delhi Daredevils in the hunt :P. The knockout games from there on are always a sort of lottery – depends hugely on luck. Thanks to Mother Fortune’s bountiful showers, for Chennai despite posting a relatively low score, nicked away the game to qualify as the finalists for the second time in three years. In the finals though they would be facing the injured, still much dreaded mighty Sachin Tendulkar and his 10 other ‘invincible’ mumbaikars of the season – definitely a big task in hand. The more than handy partnership between the skipper and his deputy Raina helped CSK post a good total and later defend it easily to covet the title of “IPL CHAMPIONS 2010”.
Making it to the CL T20 2010, there too they displayed their humungous magical talent and were eventually crowned as the “Champion of the Champions” for the year winning this tournament in a charming style.
But IPL 2011 will be a fresh journey with two more teams adding to Chennai’s woes. Because of the fresh auction, almost every other team appears a total stranger now. However, CSK holds an upper edge over other sides when it comes to performing as a unit since most of the members were either retained or regained in the auction (though the spinning magician Muralidharan will be missed from the core of the heart this time) and thus, each member understands the playing style of the other very well. Time for a look at this year’s terminators ;).

Squad-
Batsmen:

MS Dhoni (c and wk), SK Raina (vc), M. Vijay, S. Badrinath, M. Hussey, A. Srikkanth, Vasudeva Das, G. Bailey, A. Mukund, W. Saha (wk)

Bowlers:

D. Bollinger, R. Ashwin, S. Tyagi, J. Sharma, S. Randiv, T. Southee, S. Jakati, N. Kulasekara, Y.Mahesh

All rounders:

A. Morkel, F. du plessis, D. Bravo, S. Styris, G. Vignesh

The Thundering Trump Cards:

1. MS Dhoni
Captain Flamboyant will undoubtedly be the centre of all ups and downs. His usual composure will steer his side’s rudder in a welcome direction otherwise direct it to the sea of despair. His batting form could be equally game changing… Don’t ever commit the blunder of being oblivious of his uncanny ability to send any ball over the rope.

2.Suresh Raina:

This tireless run machine has never upseted his countless fan clubs yet. Be it electrifying fielding or huge and easily noticeable contributions to the team total or serving as an indispensible part time spinner, he is someone who never ever fails in making his presence felt.

3.Doug Bollinger:

Coming as a welcome entry to the squad, he changed CSK’s fortune completely helping them sail to the trophy last year. Being a wicket taking seamer, he definitely has a great deal depending on his performance.

4.Albie Morkel:

CSK’s genuine all rounder whose significant contribution with the bat has often rescued the team in times of crisis. Better known as the opener bowler for the side, wrecking the opposition with early break throughs solely depends on his shoulders.

5.Ravichandran Ashwin:

Last year, aided by Bollinger, he rescued Chennai by his noteworthy economical bowling. Now that, the yellows are gonna miss Muralidharan, the entire load is on Ashwin’s right arm both of restricting runs and grabbing wickets. Will he live up to the expectations?

Well, here was the Chennai Superkings unplugged totally for you. Abiding by theory, they should findreserving a semi final slot more than easy. But its too early to predict anything. One thing is certain,the defending champions yellows are coming to prey once again and make life really difficult for theoppositions! CHEERS to the SUPERGUYS…CHEERS to the SUPERKINGS!!

GUEST AUTHOR: Pallavi Mohapatra