Hayden & Raina lead Chennai Super Kings to Victory

What a blitzkrieg from Hayden! It should have quietened the nerves of both CSK Management and the fans - still reeling from the shock of sudden injury to Dhoni. If anybody were questioning the impact of Mongoose bat, they just have to watch the innings of Hayden to see its potential. But the bat needs more innings from its users to establish itself. 

Positives

1. Hayden Vs Sehwag & Nannes

As discussed in the preview of this match, Sehwag did come good and Nannes did bowl well. But Haydos' innings was enough to negate the brilliance of both these players. Personally, expecting another great IPL season for Hayden. 

2. Raina, the batsman: Captaincy seemed to have brought a little maturity to Raina. It was good to see him play second-fiddle to Hayden. Once Hayden departed, he took charge and led the team to victory. Truly a Captain's Knock. 

3. Murali: Wickets of Sehwag and Dilshan were crucial as it turned a 200+ score to a 180+ score. 

Negatives

1. Raina, the Captain: Nervousness & Lack of Experience as a captain clearly exhibited in Raina's performance. His poor bowling changes and field placements cost at least 20 runs for the team. But it was his negative outlook as a captain that worries me the most. Team requires Raina to learn the art of captaincy very quickly. And also it would be better if he  backs his bowlers on the field. 
2. Albie, Parthiv & Kemp; All these three batsman had a horrendous outing. If Kemp does not make use of his opportunities, I am sure Bollinger/Hussey would be drafted in his place after April 1.

Fan's Man of the Match: Hayden. (Any Doubts???)

Mathew Hayden & his Mongoose

The Mongoose in title is a bat not a beast. The new Mongoose bat is supposed to give the batsman an unfair advantage. BBC calls the Mongoose bat the first major redesign since 1771. The good news for CSK fans is that they have chosen Hayden as their brand ambassador. If the bat is anything as the website touts, Haydos is bound to better his performances in the last season.

Mongoose Bat & Haydos - Perfect Combination

As per the company, the bat would revolutionize batting in T20.  Scientists have given assurance that the bat would have

• 20% more power than a conventional bat
• 5% more bat speed

In the promotional event today, Haydos has also confirmed that hew will be using this bat. I predict his strategy would be to start batting with the traditional bat and start using Mongoose bat after the first break. One thing is certain - We can expect much more DLF Maxmiums from Hayden this season. 

News Snippets - March 2, 2010

1. Chennai Super Kings considered among favorites: Betting Choice considers Chennai Super Kings as the second strongest contenders for the title after Delhi Daredevils. No Surprise that the betting sites rank these semifinalists in both the seasons ahead of others. [Source: Betting Choice]
2. Hayden arrives on March 6: Strike Batsman of Chennai Super Kings - Mathew Hayden is expected to arrive on March 6. Again he shows his commitment by being the first foreign player to arrive on town [Source: DNA India]
3. Murali announces retirement plans: Got 'Shock of the day' when i read about Murali's retirement plans. He has hinted that he might retire from test cricket towards the end of the year and might play shorter form of the game until World Cup. Hope he does not retire from Chennai Super Kings that soon. [Source: Sydney Morning Herald]

Hayden Back @ 'Home Away from Home'

Former Australian Opening Batsman Matthew Hayden arrived in Chennai on April 2. 2009 and joined the Chennai Super Kings practice session on Friday in preparations for the 2009 Indian Premier League Twenty20 tournament commencing in South Africa on April 18.

Disappointed with Shifting of Venues

That was the first words that came out of Hayden during his chat with the press yesterday at Chennai. He confessed that he would miss Chepauk especially its crowd.

Expect Fireworks

Though the bowlers would have chance in South African pitches, Hayden promised the fans there would be a lot of fireworks, thanks to smaller grounds and higher altitudes.

Music to My Ears

Hearing a star player of any sports club reassuring his support and commitment to the team is surely a great news for the fans of the club. So When Hayden in his telephonic interview confirmed in no uncertain terms that he is committed to Chennai Super Kings, it was music to my ears.

Please find Excerpts of Hayden’s Interview Below:

“My focus is now on IPL and my team Chennai Super Kings. That is the cricket left in me. I've got great passion and drive to play for Chennai. I look forward to the IPL with great anticipation.”

“I'm also very excited about the IPL and being a part of it. I'm looking forward to working with Stephen Fleming and MS Dhoni in the upcoming tournament. I'm particularly happy with the brand of cricket the team plays. The IPL was a phenomenal experience for me.”

Now that you say the IPL is your goal, are you thinking of settling down in Chennai?
Most definitely. I have great friends in Chennai and southern part of India and coincidentally, I was taken by the Chennai team. It is a wonderful experience and opportunity for me. I feel blessed.

Hayden, It is we (the CSK Fans) who are blessed that you are playing for us.

News Source: DNA

News Snippets

1. Vijay is Out: With the enormous success of IPL last season, most of the franchises have decided to do away with the film stars. Chennai Super Kings are also a part of that trend and have decided to do away with Kollywood (Chennai Film Industry) brand ambassadors. I believe the economic crisis also had a role to play in that decision. Anyway, Srikkanth would be the only Brand Ambassador for Chennai Super Kings hereafter. [Source: Economic Times]
2. Hayden is in: In the four matches that Hayden played last year, he proved that he is worth every single dollar CSK paid him. With his retirement from his illustrious international career, he is going to be there for the entire season this year. A Happy News for the entire CSK family. [Source: Hindu]