Mumbai gets an unfair advantage!

I was shocked/pissed off to hear that Mumbai team are allowed to play five foreign players instead of four foreign players like other team. They were allowed this because of the injury to eight Indian players including Sachin Tendulkar. 

Whatever the reason it might have been, I am sure this is a very poor choice by the administrators. Especially considering that there are other options like the the team being allowed to get a new, unsigned Indian player. If Mumbai Indians have been allowed to play 5 players, then even the other IPL teams should have been allowed to do so. 

This is just a bad precedent and would be surely exploited by the future IPL Teams. 

P.S: Considering that the team is being captained by Harbhajan Singh, even this rule might not make a huge difference to the team's fortunes. :)

IPL Season 4 - Probable Squad

In CSK squads of yester year, predicting the playing XI was very easy. Except for 1 or 2 players, others used to pick themself. But in this season, except for 3 or 4 players, others have to perform regularly to stay in the team. This clearly shows that this squad is a much more stronger squad than the last three years. (That does not necessarily mean that the playing XI in this season would be much stronger than the last year)  Predicting the probable squad for the first match against Knight Riders

1. Murali Vijay

2. Anirudha Srikkanth

3. Suresh Raina

4. Badrinath 

5. Dhoni

6. Albie Morkel 

7. Scot Styris

8. Kulasekara

9. Ashwin

10. Shadab Jakati

11. Tim Southee

No-Brainer Selections

1. Murali Vijay

3. Suresh Raina

4. Badrinath 

5. Dhoni

6. Albie Morkel 

9. Ashwin

11. Tim Southee

So the team has to make choices only about 

1. Opening Batsman

2. Batting All-rounder

3. Bowling All-rounder

4. Medium-Fast Bowler

Opening Batsman

Options are 1. Upul Tharanga 2. Anirudha Srikkanth 3. G Vignesh 4. Abhinav Mukund - This is one of the toughest decision to be made by Chennai Super Kings Team. 

1. Upul Tharanga - He is coming after a purple patch from World Cup. It won't be a easy decision to leave him in the bench

2. Vignesh - Most Attacking Batsman of the lot. His bowling could be a vital cog for the team. And his ICL performances could not be discounted by anybody. Best fielder in the lot. But his performances in the recent domestic T20 season has been out shadowed other TN openers. 

3. Abhinav Mukund - Most talented and the only left handed batsman of the three Indian batsmen. But his T20 credentials is still not established

4. Anirudha Srikkanth - His performance in last year's Champions League can't be easily forgotten by the team. Thanks to that, I believe that Fleming would give him the first opportunity. (I would pick Upul Tharanga ahead of Srikkanth)

Batting All-rounder

Options are 1. Scot Styris 2. Faf Du Plessis

The experience of Styris dictates that he is picked ahead of Faf Du Plessis. 

Bowling All-rounder/Bowler

Options are 1. Suraj Randiv 2. Kulasekara 3. Shadab Jakati

Expect Shadab Jakati to be picked. A left-arm spinner can't be easily played by right-handers. 

Bowler

Options are 1. Yo Mahesh 2. Sudeep Tyagi 3. Suraj Randiv 4. Kulasekara

Knowing Dhoni, I would expect a pace bowler to be picked. And Kulasekara is the best of the lot. But it could be Sudeep Tyagi who might be playing if Upul Tharanga is picked as an opener. 

Who do you think should play against Kolkata Knight Riders?

Chennai Super Kings Preliminary Squad

Chennai Super Kings' Preliminary Squad for Champions League T20 has been announced. Positives are that none of CSK players have been named in any other CL T20 Squad and Freddie is included in the squad.

CSK CL T20 Preliminary Squad

1. Mahendra Singh Dhoni
2. Subramaniam Badrinath
3. Murali Vijay
4. Suresh Raina
5. Parthiv Patel
6. Ravichandran Ashwin
7. Shadab Jakati
8. Sudeep Tyagi
9. Anirudha Srikkanth
10. Lakshmipathy Balaji
11. Matthew Hayden
12. Doug Bollinger
13. Mike Hussey
14. Andrew Flintoff
15. Albie Morkel
16. Muttiah Muralitharan
17. Thilan Thushara
18. Thisara Perera
19. Joginder Sharma
20. Abhinav Mukund 


The final 15 member squad is expected to be announced on August 9. 


P.S: Four Foreign Player Rule applies in Champions League too. 

Chennai Super Kings Best XI

Last year, all the pundits predicted Chennai Super Kings to be the favorites for the title. But the team fared poorly, thanks to poor team selection by Dhoni & Fleming. Hope the mistake is not repeated this year. 

With just 10 days for the tournament to begin, it is time to choose the best XI. 

Chennai Super Kings Best XI

1. Murali Vijay: For someone who started playing proper cricket at 17, he has grown by leaps and bounds. His performance in this IPL would determine his future in ODI cricket. But Dhoni might pick Parthiv ahead of Vijay.. 
2. Mathew Hayden: A batsman - all the teams would fear. If he repeats the last year's form , CSK would easily qualify for semis.
3. Michael Hussey: A Very Tough Decision to pick him above the foreign all-rounders. But prefer a batsman who contributes 35 runs per match rather than an all rounder who is neither a strike batsman nor a strike bowler
4. Suresh Raina: Expecting another great season from him
5. Badri: Another opportunity to tell the world that he deserves to be in Indian ODI Squad. Hope he makes use of this opportunity. 
6. Dhoni: Prefer Dhoni as a No:6 batsman. . 
7. Albie Morkel: His performances in earlier seasons makes him No:1 All-rounder Choice for Chennai Super Kings
8. Shadab Jakati/R Ashwin: After his performance in the last year's IPL, deserves to be picked ahead of Ashwin. But would pick Gony in seamer friendly tracks. 
9. Sudeep Tyagi: Has been knocking for an opportunity to be in the Indian Squad for a long time. Hope he makes use of this IPL to showcase his talent to Indian Public & Selectors. 
10. Balaji: Team would be hugely reliant on Balaji for his slow bowling in the final overs. 
11. Murali: Our Strike Bowler. Hope Dhoni & Fleming does not repeat the mistake of dropping him from the final eleven. Only Bowler in the Squad who will be commanding the respect of batsmen from other teams. 

Write in your preference for starting XI in the comments

Changes in Chennai Super Kings Squad

The Chennai Super Kings squad for Season 3 is out. And there are quite a few surprises. 

Biggest Surprise: Chennai Super Kings Squad in the current season is a much more smaller squad compared to IPL Season 1 and Season 2. (There are only 23 players against 29 players who participated in Season 2). For the complete list of the players, please visit Chennai Super Kings Squad. 

IN - New Players

The new players who are brought into the team

1. Thisara Perera, the Sri-lankan all-rounder. Bought in Auction

2. Ganapathy Chandrasekhar, the bowling all-rounder from TN who had a good domestic season

3. Justin Kemp, the hard-hitting all rounder from South African who never fulfilled his potential and others' expectations in international arena. Bought in Auction

4. Hemang Badani, ICL Chennai Super Stars player who took BCCI's amnesty offer. 

OUT - Injured & Others
The players who find them self out of the squad

1. Stephen Fleming - As expected, Coach Stephen Fleming is no more a member of the player's squad. 

2. Flintoff - Still recovering from the surgery, Flintoff is unavailable for this entire IPL Season

3. Joginder Sharma - A Very Good Decision. With Balaji in the squad, I don't see him adding any value to the team

4. Anirudha Srikkanth -  Another Good Decision. Any day would prefer Mukund, Vijay and even Parthiv Patel to Srikkanth

5, 6  & 7 Napeloen Einstein, Viraj Kadbe & Abhinav Mukund: Surprisingly, the team has decided to drop all U-21 players in the team. While it is understandable that Einstein and Kadbe without any domestic experience are dropped, I am not able to comprehend the decision to drop Mukund. 

8 & 9. Vidyut & Amarnath: Vidyut and Amarnath who failed to make any lasting impressions of the ample opportunities in Season 1 and Season 2 are also axed.

10. Suresh Kumar: Suresh, TN All rounder is also dropped. 

What this means?

While 10 players would be vying for the four foreign player slots (40% Probability), only 13 Indian players would be vying for 7 Indian players slots. (54% Probability). 

Update: Detailed Analysis to Follow

Final Eighteen for Second Season of IPL

With IPL shifting to South Africa, Chennai Super Kings Management has decided to cut the size of the touring Chennai Super Kings team to 18[News Source: Hindu]. To know the entire 29 member Chennai Super Kings team, visit Chennai Super Kings Squad.

Thankfully... the team management has left the duty of picking the eighteen touring members to Dhoni & Fleming. But K. S. Viswanathan of India Cements promised that the travelling squad list would be out in two or three days.

Who do you think would be the final eighteen? Sixteen out of 29 pick themself. It is the final two that is going to cause all the headache. My Pick Below:

1. Dhoni
2. Muralitharan
3. Hayden
4. Hussey
5. Flintoff
6. Albie Morkel
7. Ntini
8. Jacob Oram
9. Parthiv Patel - As a backup wicketkeeper, he would be surely there.
10. Badrinath
11. Suresh Raina
12. Gony - Last Season's performance surely finds him a spot
13. Sudeep Tyagi - Domestic Season justify his presence
14. Joginder Sharma - His T20 Semifinal performance alone justifys his presence
15. Murali Vijay - Solves our opener problem
16. Balaji
17. Abhinav Mukund - Had a great domestic Season and would be a great exposure for him
18. R Ashwin - Team needs a back-up Indian spinner for Murali

It is sad that Thushara & Bailey would be missing out this season. Though they are talented than some of the players in the eighteen, 4 foreign player rule effectively rules them out.

Close Miss Outs

1. Vidyut - Though his all rounding abilities is a great positive, he has to do something well
2. Thushara - I still suspect Chennai Super Kings would fly him to South Africa after the departure of Flintoff

What do you think? Is this the best eighteen out of the entire 29 Member Squad.

Venkatesh Prasad Joins Chennai Super Kings

Another great news for Chennai Super Kings. VB & Co. have been successful in convincing Venkatesh Prasad to become a part of Chennai Super Kings Support Team. The move looks like a master-stroke especially after the shifting of IPL matches to international venues. I am sure Venky's expertise and experience would be of great help to Gony, Tyagi, etc. who have little experience of international pitches. Also Venkatesh Prasad would be playing a perfect foil to Stephen Fleming.

Venkatesh Prasad! Chennai Super Kings Fans, Welcome you to the squad. Hope to see a much improved Chennai Super Kings bowling Unit this season.

News Source: Hindu

Squad for Champions League

Chennai Super Kings Squad for Champions T20 League

1. M S Dhoni(Captain)
2. Matthew Hayden
3. Michael Hussey
4. Suresh Raina
5. Albie Morkel
6. S Badrinath
7. Chamara Kapugedara
8. K B Arun Karthik
9. Parthiv Patel
10. R Ashwin
11. Muttiah Muralitharan
12. Makhaya Ntini
13. L Balaji
14. Manpreet Gony
15. Sudeep Tyagi

Coach: Stephen Fleming

Overall a very strong team. Certain nuggets that V B Chandrasekar revealed,

"There is hardly any chance of having a camp"

"If Parthiv (Patel) plays as an opener, he will keep the wickets"

"In this scenario unlike in IPL, we have to make sure that we get to the semi-final"

If I am given the responsibility of picking the team for the Champions T20 League, this would be my playing eleven. [Remember there is no restriction on the team to choose only four foreign players for the playing eleven]

1. M Hayden
2. Parthiv Patel[Chamara Kapugedara is neither a batsman nor a bowler. So why play him? Arun Karthik is just a back up player. But Parthiv could provide a much needed relief from wicketkeeping to Dhoni. But if Dhoni insists on wicket keeping, we may see Chamara playing]
3. M Hussey
4. Suresh Raina
5. Dhoni
6. S Badrinath
7. Albie Morkel
8. S Tyagi [Though Gony showed his potential with bat and ball in IPL, don't forget Gony entered the team only as a replacement to Tyagi and I don't think any of the foreign players would have answers to Tyagi's inswing]
9. Balaji [Though Gony impressed me during IPL, I prefer Balaji's cool attitude and his slow balls]
10. Makhaya Ntini [If he performs badly, bring Gony on]
11. Muttiah Muralitharan

As you can see there is going to be a huge selection problem regarding the choice of medium pacers/fast bowlers and the opener. Hope Dhoni and Fleming are able to take a clear cut call on this. Expect Sudeep Tyagi to miss out the earier matches of the tournament since nobody would have seen his bowling before that. 

Though Dhoni may prefer Chamara Kapugedara's all round abilities, I am sure Chandrasekar's preference would be playing Parthiv Patel as an opener cum wicket keeper. Though Sudeep Tyagi may be a better bowler than Balaji and Gony, expect both of them to play ahead of Sudeep Tyagi because of their reputation(Balaji) and their earlier performances(Gony in IPL). I am sure Arun Karthik and R Ashwin are 'just' back ups to cover the important slots (opener and spinner).

With no camp (i.e.) no chance for the team to get together before the league, it would be a hell of a job for Dhoni-Fleming combo to pull off this successfully. So Special 'All the best' to them and CSK Management.. 

And don't forget to write about your choice for the playing eleven in the comments... Also voice your opinion on who will be the key player for Chennai Super Kings Squad here. 

Suggestions for Dhoni & Wessels

Since Chennai Super Kings has to win 3 of its next four matches, some suggestions for the team

1. Bring on Ntini: Our team is one of the poorest bowling sides in the tournament in the tournament[If you want statistics, check here]. In this situation, it does not make sense for preferring Kapugedera(essentially a batsman) to Ntini (a strike bowler). Ntini may not have taken a single wicket in his first three IPL matches. But he is the senior most fast bowler in the team and deserves a place in the playing eleven. Also he and Gony could form a potent pace pair.
2. 5th & 6th Over: It is a common strategy among our opposition teams to keep the wickets intact in the first 3 or 4 overs and then take on the bowlers in the fifth and sixth over. But Dhoni seems to use the same fast bowlers(Gony & Morkel) in these overs, who are plundered by the batsmen. Rather I would prefer a bowling change for those overs to keep the opposite team guessing. [Especially bringing on Murali could create doubt and confusion in the mind of the batsman]

What are your suggestions for the team?

Fleming IN Anirudha OUT

The inclusion of Stephen Fleming in the squad, replacing Anirudha Srikkanth, has set the rumour mills churning on whether Stephen Fleming would be included in the squad.

Changes in XI

If Fleming is going to play, we could expect 2 or 3 changes in the squad accompanying it. With the four overseas player rule, Fleming would be replacing Oram. (Since replacing Hussey or Hayden or Murali is pure madness). If so, we could expect one of the Indian batsman(probably Parthiv Patel) to be replaced by a bowler (probably R Ashwin or Shadab Jakati). But bringing Fleming into the squad makes sense, since he could easily counter the threat posed by Ishant Sharma. But my instinct says that Oram, if given an opportunity, would come good with the ball and bat in the match.

Badrinath - Press Conference:

Also it was good to see Badrinath given an opportunity to meet the press today. He was pretty confident and was unfazed by the prospects of facing up to Ishant. “He can bowl only four overs and I will be playing my natural game when I face him,” was the reply when asked about approach for the match.

Squad for Kolkata Knight riders Match

The 16 member squad for the Saturday's match against Kolkata Knight riders was announced today.

Squad

• Mahendra Singh Dhoni (captain)
• Matthew Hayden
• Parthiv Patel
• Mike Hussey
• Stephen Fleming
• Jacob Oram
• Suresh Raina
• Muttiah Muralitharan
• Joginder Sharma
• Subramaniam Badrinath
• Palani Amarnath
• Vidyut
• R Ashwin
• Manpreet Singh Gony
• Shadab Jakati
• KB Arun Karthik

It was good to see Anirudha Srikkanth being replaced by Stephen Fleming since the presence of Anirudha Srikkanth was giving fodder to the claims of nepotism in the squad. Critics cited the selection of Anirudha, an Under -19 player ahead of U-19 World cup players - Einstein and Mukund as nepotism. [Anirudha was not selected for U-19 World Cup Squad]

Chennai Super Kings rocks

It may not be a comprehensive victory for Chennai Super Kings, as I have predicted. But I am not complaining. Chennai Super Kings had the upper hand for most of the match(36 overs), until some lusty blows from AM Nayar and Harbhajan Singh tried to steer the match away from the home side. Anyway, a fine victory that would strengthen our position in the IPL league table.

Positives

• Batting with a purpose: I loved the way the innings was constructed around a single player who tries to stay till the end. It shows that each player understands his role in the batting order and plays accordingly.
• Gony: As predicted, Manpreet Gony proves that his pace and bounce could trouble any batsman.
• Cricket = Fun: Yesterday's match clearly showed that all the players are enjoying the game... which is good for the team as a whole.

Negatives

• Lack of options for Dhoni. Since there are only five bowlers in the playing XI, Dhoni has to bowl all of them, no matter how bad the bowler is on that day.
• Parthiiv Patel, the opener: Parthiv Patel failed once again as a opener. I prefer the slot to be given to Vidyut(Opener for Tamil Nadu who entered first class cricket as a bowler) since he could also give more bowling options for Dhoni. Parthiv Patel can be brought into the team once the trio - Hayden, Hussey & Oram leaves.
• Dew: Dew + Humidity in Chennai made the game a tough one for the players, especially for the bowlers. (Update: Ottayan in his blog clarifies that it is not dew but surface condensation arising because of the high humidity inside the stadium.)

But the thing that brought most cheer to me was the fact the Chennai crowd was behind the Super Kings. I believe the day when the whole crowd would be sprouting yellow (in support of the home team) is not far away.

Chennai Super Kings Vs Mumbai Indians - Preview

In today's match between Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians, we could expect to see a huge number of personal contests within the contest. Hayden Vs Harbhajan, Captain Dhoni Vs Captain Sachin, Jayasuria Vs Murali, Hussey Vs Pollock. But all these contests fade in front of the contest going on the minds of each Chennai Super Kings fans' mind. Whom to support during the match? Team led by Master Blaster or their own City Team?

Pitch

The pitch, shorn of grass is very similar to the condition of the pitch that hosted the first test match between India and South Africa in the recent series. Thanks to the pitch, Chennai Super Kings start as favourites in today's match.

 Vs  

Comparison - Chennai Super Kings XI Vs Mumbai Indians XI - Batting

Mathew Hayden Vs Sanath Jayasuria

Both are explosive batsman who could change their game on their own. Though both of them got good starts in the last match, they were not able to utilize the opportunity. So both of them would be waiting to prove their worth to their respective teams. Verdict: Equal

Parthiv Patel Vs Sachin Tendulkar (L Ronchi)

Nobody would have any doubts on this comparison. The biggest asset of Mumbai Indians towers over Parthiv Patel. But doubts still persisting over Tendulkar's ability to play, L Ronchi may come as a placement. If so, both the teams are equal with regard to the ability of Ronchi and Parthiv.

Hussey Vs DJ Thornley/Bravo

Mr. Cricket's abilities with the bat surely towers above Thornley or any of his replacements. With regard to the important No:3 position, Chennai Super Kings are hugely ahead. Verdict: CSK Hugely Ahead

Uthappa Vs Dhoni

Both are aggressive players. Both are considered by a few as over rated players. Both have the ability to clear balls out of the grounds. Verdict: Equal

Pinal Shah/Tiwary Vs Raina - Verdict : CSK Ahead

Badrinath Vs Nayar:

Considered by a huge number of cricket fans as one of the most talented players not to be given an opportunity in Indian national side, Badrinath surely scores over Nayar. Verdict: CSK Ahead

Oram Vs Pollock

Both the players have the ability to send towering sixes in the slog overs. Verdict: Equal

Comparison - Chennai Super Kings XI Vs Mumbai Indians XI - Bowling

Nehra Vs Gony

In the first match against Bangalore Royal Challengers, Nehra was only a ghost of his former self. Personally I am not expecting much from him. With the expectation that the pitch won't  be providing any assistance to bowlers, Gony's pace could make the difference. Verdict: CSK Slightly Ahead

Pollock Vs Oram

Pollock showed in the first match that his experience still counts. Verdict: Mumbai Indians Ahead

Harbhajan Vs Murali

Harbhajan may be a talented spinner but he is surely not a match for the smiling wizard. (at least not yet) Verdict: CSK Ahead

Kulkarani Vs Joginder Sharma - Verdict: Equal

Jayasuria Vs Jakati -  Verdict - Mumbai Indians Ahead

 

Summary

Chennai Super Kings have a strong batting line up considered to Mumbai Indians... thanks to their strong middle order. With Tendulkar not expected to play today's match, Mumbai Indians' batting line up looks weakened, compared to Chennai Super Kings. In the bowling department, Mumbai Indians have mustered a better lineup than Chennai Super Kings. But with the pitch not expected to provide any assistance to the bowlers, this may not be a huge factor.

 

My Prediction: A Comprehensive Chennai Super Kings Win

Parthiv Patel, the wicket Keeper

Cricinfo reports Parthiv Patel is all set to keep wickets for Chennai Super Kings. So his place in the CSK XI is confirmed, thanks to Dhoni's bruised fingers. Dhoni is expected to play in the side as a specialist batsman. On Dhoni's injury, Kepler Wessels commented that

"Dhoni has bruised fingers. We'll see how things shape up in the next couple of days, but with Parthiv there, we don't want to put unnecessary pressure on the Indian captain."

With Parthiv Patel in, either Badrinath or Suresh Raina is expected to miss the first match against Punjab XI Kings. Hope Parthiv Patel makes use of this opportunity and proves his selection over Chennai lad  Dinesh Karthik.

 

In other news, Yuvraj Singh wants to hype the Punjab Kings' first IPL match against Chennai Super Kings by pitching it as Yuvraj Versus Dhoni contest. [He wants a contest when there is no contest. Does he think Yuvraj Vs Dhoni will be like Ganguly Vs Dravid.  Yeah. these kind of statements shows his immaturity and his lack of ability to lead an Indian side]

Squad for the first match

Chennai Super Kings has announced the squad for their opening Indian Premier League fixture against Punjab Kings at Mohali, Chandigarh, on April 19. As expected, both Ntini and Morkel are missing from the squad. [Both the players are at home for the South African Domestic T20 tournament and are expected to join the squad for April 26th match]. Surprisingly, Balaji is also missing the match since he has not yet fully recovered from stress fracture. [Since Balaji is missing, we could expect Manpreet Gony, who impressed everyone with his bounce and pace in the practice match, to open the bowling with Oram.]

Other Absentees from the squad are Abhinav Mukund, Napoleon Einstein, Suresh Kumar and Vraj Kadbe

Squad

1. Mahendra Singh Dhoni (captain)
2. Stephen Fleming
3. Jacob Oram
4. Michael Hussey
5. Matthew Hayden
6. Muthiah Muralitharan
7. Suresh Raina
8. Parthiv Patel
9. Joginder Sharma
10. Vidyut Sivaramakrishnan
11. Anirudha Srikkanth
12. R Ashwin
13. P Amarnath
14. Shadab Jakati
15. Arun Karthik
16. S Badrinath
17. Manpreet Gony

The team is scheduled to depart for Mohali on Wednesday morning.

News Source: Official Website

Most Probable XI

As our first match against Punjab Kings is coming close, it is time we picked out the most probable XI for our team. Here goes my predictions:

1. Mathew Hayden/Stephen Fleming (I would have loved to play Stephen Fleming in all the matches. But the "4 overseas player rule" does not allow that to happen. But Stephen Fleming's Contribution during team meetings is very crucial for the success of the team. Fleming's role - Internal Consultant (Both Strategic & Tactical) to the team)

2. Vidyut S/ A Srikkanth (Vidyut has been an opener for Tamil Nadu for a much longer time and also he can roll his hands. So I prefer him. Though A Srikkanth is an explosive batsman and is a very good cover for both the openers)

3. Badrinath (He would be the one who holds the innings together + My choice for Vice-Captain)

4. Michael Hussey/ Parthiv Patel (Parthiv Patel's good domestic record in 2007(five consecutive centuries) earns him a spot in the squad. My reason for Michael Hussey's higher batting position is to utilize him the fullest during his stay here.)

5. Jacob Oram/Albie Morkel [Two Explosive All-rounders who can change a game either through their batting or bowling, single handedly]

6. Suresh Raina [Hope he sets the field on fire]

7. Dhoni (He and Oram/Morkel would float around the batting order and play according to the situation)

8. Shadab Jakti/ R Ashwin (While Shadab Jakti is a bowling all rounder, Ashwin is a pure bowler. Among them, who is going to play depends largely on the pitch and circumstances)

9. Balaji [Hope he is able to find his Midas touch]

10. Ntini/Joginder Sharma (Joginder Sharma for the first four matches and then Ntini can take over)

11. Muralitharan

 

But what surprises me about this squad is their Bench Strength which may be very crucial in the latter stages of the game.

I think this is the best squad that Chennai Super Kings can come up with. If you think otherwise, do post your comments.

Sudeep Tyagi may join Chennai Super Kings

After the auction of the big guns, all the IPL franchises are now busy, signing up promising young cricketers, especially for under-22 bracket. According to indiatimes article, Delhi Daredevils Bangalore Royal Challengers have already signed UP's all rounder, Praveen Kumar, who is now playing in the CB series and Delhi Daredevils are all set to sign UP's southpaw opener, Tanmay Srivstava, a member of the U-19 World Cup squad. .

Another promising young bowler from UP, Sudeep Tyagi, who was the highest wicket-taker in the just-concluded Ranji season, has confirmed that "there is a strong possibility of him playing for Chennai Super Kings". He has received offers from Kolkata, Bangalore and Chennai and still has not made a concrete decision.

With no academy-backed training, without a reputed coach and no godfather, Sudeep Tyagi has done very well in his debut Ranji season. Hope his well-developed in-cutter - a delivery that has given him good purchase this Ranji season, gives him success in Indian Premier League too. DNA has a special article on him - Latest Pace Ace.

Update 1: According to indiatimes article, Sudeep Tyagi has signed with Chennai Super Kings. If the news is true.. Sudeep Tyagi! Chennai Super Kings Fans welcome you.

Chennai Super Kings Squad - Analysis

The dust has settled down after the bidding frenzy yesterday. And for Chennai Super Kings fans, it is time to analyse the players picked by VB Chandrasekhar, the chief selector for Chennai Super Kings. [Sadly only cricinfo has already made an analysis - 'How the teams stack up', while the other newspapers and web portals are still screaming "Chennai Super Kings snaps up Dhoni for $1.5 Million".]

Indian Players: MS Dhoni, Parthiv Patel, Joginder Sharma and Suresh Raina

MS Dhoni:
According to me, MS Dhoni was a fine choice and deserves the huge pay package. Read my reasoning @ 10 Reasons why Chennai Super Kings bought Dhoni. He also provides the opportunity for the team to be built around him.
Verdict: Excellent Decision

Joginder Sharma: A bowling all rounder, he became an immediate hero in many Indian homes after an awesome final over in the thrilling India Vs. Australia T20 Semifinal. He proved that it was not a one-off performance when he bowled the final over in T20 finals too. But his limited international experience is not enough to provide a clear picture of his ability and hence it is better to wait and decide his utility to Chennai Super Kings later.
Verdict: Though Risky, looks a fine choice at a bargain price

Suresh Raina: His stint at Indian Cricket team was not enough to satisfy the selectors. An electrifying fielder known to hit stumps regularly, his abilities in field does not compensate for such a high price. Though he has age on his side(21 years), he still has a long way to go with regard to his performance.
Verdict: $650,000 Price Tag is costly for him.

Parthiv Patel: I am not able to find the logic for bringing Parthiv Patel into the team. He may be an attacking batsman and also provides the option of a reserve wicket keeper + opener. But still I would have prefered Dinesh Karthik in the team. If they wanted a reserve wicket keeper batsman, Chennai Super Kings could have picked up Tatenda Taibu for a bargain price rather than bidding such a high price($325,000) for Parthiv Patel.
Verdict: A Very Poor Decision

----------------------------------

Non-Indian Players: Muralitharan, Hayden, Oram, Fleming, Morkel, Ntini and Michael Hussey.

With the upper cap that only 4 overseas players could be a part of the starting XI, the value of an overseas players decreases considerably compared to Indian Players. But still VB Chandrasekhar has made a few good choices over here.

Muralitharan: One of the most successful players in the game, He comes to Chennai Super Kings at a bargain price of $600,000, especially if you compare it to the high price ($950,000) that Kolkata paid for Ishant Sharma. With the huge success that T20 offers to slower bowlers, Muralitharan will be the major strike bowler for Chennai Super Kings. A Tamizhan, He also boasts a pretty good economic rate in T2o matches and would be available for the whole series.

Verdict: Excellent Choice

Hayden: Though Matthew Hayden may not play in this year's IPL, he still makes a fine choice if somebody takes the future into account. His high T20 Batting average stands testament to the fact that his batting style suits T20. A fine catcher in the gully and the slips, Chennai Super Kings has gotten him for a bargain price of 0.375 Million USD

Verdict: Bargain Price

Jacob Oram: The fact that he would not be available for this year's premier league matches makes it tough to justify his 0.675 Million USD price tag. But still, his multi skills as a batsmen, bowler and fielder makes him a valuable player for any franchise he plays in.

Verdict: Tough to justify the high price. But a good player taking future into account.

Stephen Fleming: Recognized as the one of the most innovative captains ever, Stephen Fleming will be available for all the matches played by Chennai Super Kings(thanks to his retirement from one day and test cricket). We can hope that he not only gives Chennai Super Kings a solid batting performance in the top of the order but also helps the captain in the field.

Verdict: Good decision, though only a few more years of cricket is left in his career.

Makhaya Ntini: Though Makhaya Ntini comes at a price of 1/5th of a Million USD (Lowest among the 11 players), there is still a question lingering whether he deserves such a high price. Young Days, when Makhaya Ntini can run in all day, on all surfaces, with pace and aggression is behind him. And Still he does not have swing or variations in his bowling arsenal. His inability to find a place in the South African squad for the last 2 matches bore testament to his declining utility for any team.

Verdict: Ntini has a lot to prove to show that he deserves a place in Chennai Super Kings starting eleven

Albie Morkel: Even cricinfo called his $ 675,000 price tag as a bizarre bargain. But still, he is an useful all rounder with a great future before him.

Verdict: Bizarre Bargain but he has got potential to justify the high price. My Dark Horse for the most valuable player in the team.

Michael Hussey: The last player to be picked by Chennai Super Kings in the auction, his price could have been much higher if he had made the decision to stay away from Pakistan tour, like his colleague Symonds. Still, he could be expected to put his team's performance before his.

Verdict: Bargain Price but he may not play in any of the premier league matches for the next 2 years.

There ends my opinion... Time to hear yours regarding Chennai Super Kings' Selection and Bidding price for various players.

Photo Source: Alister667 and RaeA

Where is Dinesh Karthik????

This would have been the question in the hearts of every cricket lover from Chennai, on seeing the list of players won by Chennai Super Kings in the bidding war. Unlike cities like Bangalore or Mumbai, Chennai boasts only one player(Dinesh) from its city who is a member of current Indian Cricket team. So, when Chennai Super Kings went for the auction today, it was expected by one and all, that Dinesh Karthik would be a part of the team. Surprisingly, the team that went all the way to win Dhoni, did not pick Dinesh Karthik.

Yeah! With Dhoni on board, we need not have to pay such a huge price for a reserve wicket keeper. [Delhi bought Dinesh Karthick for US $ 525,000 making him the most expensive wicket keeper outside the star ones - Dhoni, Gilchrist and McCullum]. There may be a sound logic why Dinesh Karthick is not in the team. But we, the fans are going to come to the stadium not because our heads say it is a logical decision. But because our hearts says "How could we miss the game?". And that heart asks why Chennai Super Kings did not pick the man from its own soil?

Hopefully Chennai Super Kings' management and selectors do not make future mistakes like this.

Chennai Super Kings Squad

No	Players	Price	Country
1	MS Dhoni	US$1.5 million	India
2	Muttiah Muralitharan	US$600,000	Sri Lanka
3	Matthew Hayden	US$375,000	Australia
4	Jacob Oram	US$675,000	New Zealand
5	Stephen Fleming	US$350,000	New Zealand
6	Parthiv Patel	US$325,000	India
7	Joginder Sharma	US$225,000	India
8	Albie Morkel	US$675,000	South Africa
9	Suresh Raina	US$650,000	India
10	Makhaya Ntini	US$200,000	South Africa
11	Michael Hussey	US$350,000	Australia