Chennai Super Kings crowned Champions of IPL 3

The 25^th of April may have belonged to the people taking a dig at the IPL’s Chief and issues pertaining to the IPL.. But it certainly belonged to the men in yellow, The Chennai Super Kings, who have been jubilant and clear winners of the third edition of the Indian Premier League. The Chennai Super Kings have been very consistent with their performance in the first and second editions of the Indian Premier League as well but missed the title after going into the semifinals both the times. But this time, they have done it beating the Mumbai Indians in the finals of the 3^rd edition by 22 runs lifting the trophy for the first time. They have, for sure done their hard-work to stay where they are today. The team effort and outstanding spirit of the players have always been on a high. Full marks to Dhoni for his excellent captaincy and his valuable knock against Kings XI Punjab in a do or die game, which fetched them a berth in the semifinals.

We however shouldn’t forget the timely innings from Subramaniam Badrinath and Murali Vijay. The local players have won games for the Chennai Super Kings almost single handedly in the crucial games against Deccan Chargers and Rajasthan Royals respectively. In the semifinal game against Deccan, Badrinath adapted so well and quick to the low bounce and slower wicket after having played a lot of games in the Chennai wicket, which has a good bounce. He played a waiting innings, which was much needed and expected. Vijay has particularly been spectacular, be his batting or fielding. His quick-fire hundred against Rajasthan Royals was a treat to watch and that showed his ability as a T20 batsman keeping low his test-batsman image.

The Champion player for the Chennai Super Kings was indeed Suresh Raina. He has been exceptional getting all the runs on the board to put his team in a comfortable position. Though there had been some ups and lows in his career, he is back and with a bang. His consistent list of scores game by game showcases his never say die spirit and professionalism. And what a fielder he has been, completely top class. He now is also chipping in as a spinner which gives Dhoni an option to rotate his bowlers. To sum it up, Suresh Raina has had an outstanding IPL this season and he has regained his form perfectly at the right time ahead of the T20 World Cup.

The find of the season, Ashwin has clearly delivered his goods upfront for the Super Kings. His bowling in the initial overs is very crucial and he is getting the wickets too. He is a good thinker of the game and he gets the ball in the right areas, giving the much needed breakthroughs. Dhoni completely trusted Ashwin, making him bowl the crucial overs and Ashwin proved every time. So, one more Chennai boy ready to wear the Indian jersey?

The Aussies, Matthew Hayden and Dough Bollinger have played their part well. Bollinger, though joined the team halfway down the tournament, now is a sensation back here in Chennai. His ability to hit the deck hard and also swing the ball away from the batsman has been outstanding. Who can forget Doughy’s catch in the boundary line to get rid of Yusuf Pathan… an absolute blinder and it shows his exceptional presence of mind. Haydos’s form was however on and off. But it isn’t fair saying he dint score throughout the tournament and labeling him as a failure. He has been a psychological advantage for the Super Kings and every game we expect to see an attacking Hayden. Tough Luck Haydos. Looking forward seeing you go over the bowling attack in the next edition of the IPL.

Albie Morkel has been a thorough professional throughout this season’s IPL. He clearly knows what is expected of him and he delivers them. He has been a very successful T20 bowler of the tournament and he is also one of the finest all-rounders I have ever seen. Not to forget Albie’s contribution with the bat. He gives you that big blow or an odd boundary to ease the pressure and in fact he is used to playing in a pressure situation many a times and he had swung the game our way too!!

One of our prime spinners of the ball, Muralidharan has had a good time with the ball. His quota of 4 overs has been very important to the Super Kings. Sometimes he goes for runs and there are games where he has been top class as well. The best part about Murali is that, he uses his weapons, be it the dhoosra or a top spin or the normal off-break very wisely and carefully well directed against the batsman. Whatever it is Murali- You are indeed a top class rare breed spinner!!

Being in Chennai, Cheering them up when they play a game at any part of India with tons and tons of friends, brothers and sisters over the last 5 weeks has been an excellent experience and feeling. Be it a win or a lose – we look at the way Cricket is played, the entertainment relished and the support this big League has achieved in such a short span of time. As Lalit Modi said, there have been some off field mishaps- but the respect for the game and the excitement never fades out. It would have been better without them, but the intensity and entertainment never went down.. believe me. After the big win by the home team, the Chennai Super Kings, its all party time here in Chennai, and we are very much waiting for the trophy to come home!!! In the local language and to all the Chennaites out there” Namba Chennai Super Kings ku PeriyaWhistla Podu”..!!