Proud Runner-ups...

Another close match. Another loss in the lost over. CSK ending up as runner-ups for the second time n IPL history. It might be easy to think about and blame Hussey's catch/six, Hilfy's no-ball/catch in the penultimate over, Vijay's mis-fields, Jadeja's poor throws, Raina's running between the wickets in the last over of CSK batting.

But this team took us again to the finals...  Even quite a few of us thought we never going to make the play-offs (needing 4 wins in the last four matches - two of them against the top two teams), they did made it to the play-offs. They out-classed two good teams on their way to the finals. And even in the finals, they put such a good fight that KKR had it to play to their complete potential. In the finals, they neutralized the two dangerous players (Naraine & Gambhir) and CSK's key batsman (Raina) and key bowler (Hilfy) did came good.


And what more, the team endeared them to us. We loved Bravo & Vijay's dances.. (BTW. which team has the guts to dance like that.. ) The team expressed them self on the field and off the field (Check the team @ https://twitter.com/#!/superkings/csk-players-on-twitter-2) Whatever happened today, IPL 5 would be defined by Bravo's sending of Pollard & the story of CSK reaching another finals.


KKR were worthy winners today - just for being a lot more consistent this IPL Season. But we can be assured that CSK players would come a lot more hungrier for titles next season (and in Champions League). Until then, bye from CSK Fansite

Do read about CSK's earlier Season's Final match Review Report

1. Winners All in Season 1
2. WHOAAAA in Season 3
3. Clinical Display from CSK. We are Champions Again in Season 4

Two Most Balanced IPL Teams Compete for IPL Crown

Today's final would be a match between the most balanced IPL Teams of the season. Whatever might be the conditions, both these squad have depth to defeat the opponents. But their squad is optimized for Indian conditions from the top to the bottom. 

e.g. Three Quality Spinners(KKR - Naraine, Shakhib, Iqbal & CSK - Ashwin, Jadeja & Jakat) and One more very good spinning option available if needed. (KKR - Yusuf & CSK - Raina). A long tail with multiple all-rounders coming lower-down in the squad. And, add to all this, a very good mix of explosive and quality batsmen. 

CSK Probable XI:

1. Hussey 2. Vijay 3. Raina 4. Bravo 5. Dhoni 6. Badri 7. Albie 8. Jadeja 9 Ashwin 10. Jakati 11. Hilfenhauz 

Barring any injuries, we can expect the same team to compete in the finals. 

KKR Probale XI:

1. Gambhir 2. McNullum 3. Kallis 4. Tiwary 5. Shakib 6. Yusuf 7. Shukla 8. Bhatia 9. Iqbal Abdulla 10. Naraine 11. Balaji

The team would be hoping that Balaji is fit today. If not, we might see Marchant de Lange coming in for McNullum and DB Das coming into the squad. 

Most Dangerous Players:

1. Gambhir: He is the rock in which KKR batting has been built this season. It is important that Hilfy & Morkel keeps Gambhir quiet in the early overs. 

2.  Sunil Naraine: He has been the IPL bowler of this season. None of the batsman have played him comfortably. How Hussey & Bravo handle him tomorrow would be crucial.

Prediction: Expecting a close match tomorrow. But believe CSK will get through  - with the yellow brigade backing them. 

What is your prediction?

Chennai Super Kings reach fourth IPL finals

Set up by an amazing innings by Vijay, Chennai Super Kings thrashed Delhi Daredevils. Even before the match begin, Delhi Daredevils did their bit to help us - by dropping Morne and by picking Sunny Gupta. Murali Vijay & Hussey set up the innings beautifully and then the other batsmen continued the explosive work. After a poor tournament for CSK batsmen (none of the CSK batsmen are there in the top ten), they are finally coming into the party.

Scorecard:Chennai Super Kings 222 for 5 (Vijay 113) beat Delhi Daredevils 136 (Jayawardene 55, Ashwin 3-23) by 86 runs

Positives:

1. Hussey & Vijay: The chemistry between both these openers was beautiful to watch. Thank you IPL for bringing them together. 

2. Raina: It was great to see Raina playing a little gem. I am sure a big innings is just around the corner. 

3. Dhoni, the captain: Thanks to CSK Setup, Dhoni always get charged-up during an IPL campaign. Nice to see him giving overs to Jakat & Morkel and make frequent fielding changes to ensure that DD batsmen does not settle down. 

4. Ashwin: Playing for Chennai in the play-offs brings a new zeal in Ashwin. His role would be crucial in the finals. 

5. Albie Morkel @ No:5: It was a great decision by the team management to send Albie ahead of Jadeja. Though it did not work today, I am sure Albie would have more success in these situations than Jadeja. 

6. Hilfenhauz: Bowled beautifully in his three overs. Ensured that DD never got a chance to chase the mamoth total. 

Negatives:

None

Fan's Man of the Match: Vijay - Vijay showed his grit today by attacking - right from the first ball and staying till the last ball. Also showed why CSK retained him - ahead of Ashwin. 

Time to cool off for a day and ensure that next IPL finals is also played at Chennai only. 

Teams With Different Strengths Battle for Supremacy

Though both Chennai Super Kings & Delhi Daredevils have a good mix of strike bowlers and explosive batsmen, they approach the game differently. Chennai's explosive batsmen believing in hitting late in the innings while Delhi packs its top order with explosive power. Delhi Daredevils depends on its pace attack while Chennai Super Kings depends on its spinners. And add to this, a contest between the brothers.  A mouth watering Qualifier tomorrow.

CSK Probable XI
1. Hussey 2. Vijay 3. Raina 4. Bravo 5. Dhoni 6. Badri 7. Albie 8. Jadeja 9 Ashwin 10. Jakati 11. Hilfenhauz

Chennai Super Kings generally don't change their teams in the key matches. So expect the same team to continue. Hope that CSK don't make the mistake of sending Jadeja - higher up in the order

DD Probable XI
1. Sehwag 2. Warner 3. Ojha 4. Jayawardene 5. Ross Taylor 6. Venugopal Rao 7. I Pathan 9. P Negi 9. Aaron 10. Umesh Yadav 11. Morne Morkel

Most Dangerous Players
1. Sehwag & Warner: If it is their day, CSK bowlers would have a tough job of containing them.
2. Ross Taylor: A great battle between Ashwin & Ross Taylor is on the cards.
3. Morne Morkel: He is dangerous in any pitch and can run through the opposite batsmen -  in his day. CSK openers needs to be very careful of him.

Prediction: Pitch is going to play a crucial role tomorrow. But with Chepauk behind them, CSK would have a extra player.. :)

CSK - A Step Closer to IPL Crown

While most of us thought that CSK sneaked into the final playoff spot,  they proved today that they deserved  to be there in the play-offs. Team effort from Hussey to Jakati helped CSK enter the qualifiers easily. In days like today, you are really proud to be following this team.Now, the fight to enter the finals @ Chennai

Positives:

1. Dhoni: Dhoni, the exceptional captain & Dhoni, the explosive batsman is  BACK. Right from bowling Jakatin @ the beginning to the bang-on bowling changes, he got it correct. And seeing the old Dhoni, who attacks the bowlers - right from the first ball - was a welcome change. And that SIX of Malinga was SPECIAL. 
2. Fleming & Dhoni: Right from picking Jakati & Hussey in the squad to sending Badri at No:4 , the team management got it right. But sending Jadeja ahead of Bravo & Morkel is unforgivable - in my eyes
3. Jakati & Badri: Both of them have been in & out of the team. And have not got opportunities to shine. But they proved their value to their team today. 
4. Bravo & Morkel; Big matches bring this that extra bit in them. Great Work from them
5. Ashwin & Hussey: Very Important Contributions from both of them. 

Negatives:

1. Raina: Our Star Batsman of the team has not made significant contributions this season. Believe in him to make the key contributions in the next two matches. 
2. Hilfenhauz: He should be the leading bowler in the team - who carries the team's bowling on his back.  Still has not adapted his bowling to Indian conditions. Hope he does so in Chennai

Fan's Man of the Match: Surely, Dhoni the captain, the batsman and the wicket-keeper. Hope he continues to give such performances for CSK.

What do you think about our Chances against Delhi Daredevils?

Season 5 - CSK in their 5th Playoffs!

Only constant thing in the ever-changing IPL has been the presence of Chennai Super Kings in the play-offs. But this year, they needed help from DC and DD to reach the play-offs.  But the team now knows that they have to win on May 23 - to prove to the world - that they deserve this place.

CSK Best XI

1. Hussey 2. Vijay 3. Raina 4. Bravo 5. Dhoni 6. Badri 7.Albie 8. Jadeja  9. Ashwin 10. Yo Mahesh/Jakati 11. Hilfenhauz

The team has to start treating Jadeja as a bowler who can bat - rather than as an all-rounder. Considering Bravo's form, it might be prudent to send Bravo ahead of Dhoni and use Badri as a floater like yester-years. My biggest worry is that the team does not choose the wrong team (like in Season 2) and put them-self at a disadvantage.

Considering Bangalore's batting friendly tracks, it might be prudent to pick Yo Mahesh ahead of Jakati. But the pitch would decide between them.

Mumbai Probable XI

1. Sachin 2. Smith 3. Rohit Sharma 4. Dinesh Karthik 5. Ambati Rayudu 6. Pollard 7. James Franklin 8. Harbhajan 9. Malinga 10. RP Singh 11. Munaf Patel/Kulkarani

Most Dangerous Players.

Mumbai is the only squad to have 11 equally dangerous players. I am sure a properly led Mumbai 'B' team would have thrashed half the IPL sides. But the most dangerous players are

1. Malinga: CSK players have always found his four overs - the toughest to play

2. Sachin: Master Blaster has been a key thorn in CSK games.

3.Pollard: In a high-scoring pitches like Bangalore, his role would be pivotal.

Prediction: With both the sides packed with explosive batsmen, the team winning the toss would have an enormous advantage. But my heart says CSK would win- with key contributions from its left-handers.

My fingers are crossed! What about you?

Miracles Do Happen! CSK in Playoffs

Who would have thought that three teams - RCB, RR & KXIP would miss out the opportunity to reach the playoffs. And Chennai Super Kings have made it - thanks to Deccan Chargers & Delhi Daredevils. Now see you on May 23 for the match against Mumbai in Bangalore.

CSK is 'out of IPL - Season 5'

Poor CSK Season comes to an end with a loss to Kings XI Punjab. Now Only Miracles can help us now enter the play-offs. And the miracles generally do happen only for deserving teams. CSK - with such a wealth of talent - depending on other teams to qualify - is simply unacceptable.

And a shoddy batting & bowling performance by the team today. After playing so well for the last three matches, the team simply lost its momentum. None of the senior players - other than Bravo - took up responsibility for the team. Missed Badri desperately in today's Match

Positives:
1. Bravo: Remember Bravo was only bought for 200k USD in the auction. Buying him was one of the master-strokes. He has proved his value once again.

Negatives:
1. Other Players: None took ownership of the game. After seeing today's match, we don't deserve to be in the IPL play-offs. Hope the team makes a turn-around next year.

I blame the poor season on the decision to buy Jadeja in the auction.Who do you blame this poor CSK Season on?

P.S: We are not completely out as the title implies. If all the following teams - KXIP,RCB & RR lose atleast one match, we will enter the playoffs. But I can't foresee the possibility of  all the three losing the required games - with a playoff spot on play. But as CSK Fans, let us keep hoping & praying. :)

Crunch Game Ahead

Needing four wins of the last four matches, Chennai has managed to keep the hopes alive - winning all the three matches so far. And they would be playing their final league match @ Dharmasal - needing a win. A thumping win today would increase the probability of CSK making the playoffs to 99%. So the team would be looking to  do the same.

CSK Probable XI
1. Vijay 2. Hussey 3. Raina 4. Bravo 5. Dhoni 6. Badri 7. Ablie 8. Jadeja 9. Ashwin 10. Yo Mahesh 11. Hilfenhauz

Dangerous Players:
KXIP is a firm believer of the theory that "team is more than the sum of the parts". And their performance this year is a testament to that. Their international playes backed by Indian players have contributed significantly to the team.
1. Mandeep Singh: CSK have the habit of letting unknown players dominate them. Mandeep Singh has been the revelation for KXIP this year. Hope CSK gets his wicket quickly today.

Favorites for the Match: CSK

Final Ball Six Keeps CSK Hopes Alive & KICKING

Another final ball victory.
Another CSK batsman comes to the rescue.
Another match where we don't know whether we should be thrilled or disappointed with this team...

They did not start well. They come back strongly. They do well. There is no way that the opposition can win from here. Then they give the opposition a hope. They tighten their noose around themself. Then the oppostiion believes only a miracle can stop them from winning. And in the middle of this tough situation, CSK Win.

Only thing I can say is that "OH! CSK for taking us to such a nervous ride"

Positives:
1. Hussey & Vijay: Hussey & Vijay continue their form of the last year final. Gave the team - a wonderful platform to win the match easily.
2. Bravo: Cometh the hour, Cometh the man.

Negatives:
1. Selection: Seriously, the team did drop Albie Morkel. What is with CSK dropping somebody immediately - after they have done well. At any rate, Albie is a better T20 batsman & most importantly a better finisher than Faf. Any day, Albie Morkel picks himself ahead of Faf. Hope CSK don't repeat this mistake again. Sorry My Mistake. Albie is down with Flu as his twitter states

Fan's Man of the Match: Bravo. For keeping himself cool in the crunch situation - winning with a six from the last ball - is an art.

Another Must-Win Game for Chennai Super Kings

Chennai Super Kings have won 2 of their must-win games. But this is the crucial game of the lot. If CSK wins today, they would be level in points with KKR and would really become a top four game (without the advantage of a game in hand – since MI & RCB’s game means only one of them can overtake CSK).

With Faf & Badri expected to be back, the team selection is going to be a nightmare. I for one would like Hussey & Vijay to be retained ahead of Faf & Anirudh.

CSK Probable XI

1.      1.  Hussey 2. Vijay 3. Raina 4. Bravo 5. Dhoni 6. Badri 7. Albie 8. Jadeja 9. Ashwin 10. Yo Mahesh 11. Bilfenhauz

KKR Probable XI

1.      1.  McNullum 2. Gambhir 3. Kallis 4. Tiwary 5. Pathan 6. Das 7. Shukla 8. Bhatia 9. Brett Lee 10. Sangwan 11. Naraine

Most Dangerous Players

1.  Gambhir: He has been in fine form this season. His early wicket is crucial. It would be a great contest between Hilfenhauz and Gambhir – in the beginning of KKR batting

2.  Sunil Naraine: None of the batsmen have picked him this IPL Season. Expecting an interesting battle between Naraine & CSK Middle Order Batsmen.

Favorite for the Match: CSK

Dominant Performance against Delhi Daredevils

This is the Chennai Super Kings we know. The team that thrashes even the top sides - without breaking a sweat. What a great performance by CSK Team. And Hilfenhauz is finally reprising his awesome form - this season. Now he is the most crucial player for the next two matches.

It was surprising to see Yo Mahesh - missing out from the team - after a fine performance in the last game. And Badri & Faf - still being away from match fitness - meant Hussey & Anirudha stayed on the team.

Now Chennai moves on to the next stage - where they have to necessarily win both the away matches - to keep their semi-final hopes alive.

Positives:

1. Hilfenhauz: Cometh the hour, Cometh the Man: Amazing performance by HIlfenhauz on setting up the win. 
2. Albie Morkel: Did his role as a second seamer wonderfully. He should consider himself lucky for getting such seamer friendly wickets in the last two matches
3. Hussey & Vijay: Great to see CSK Regular Openers among some runs. They have created a selection problem for Fleming & Dhoni (with Faf & Badri expected to be match-fit for the next match)

Fan's Man of the Match: Hilfenhauz - on the way he has redeemed himself - after those three awful balls in MI match. Now he has to help CSK win the next 2 matches. 

Last Home Game of the Season?

Today's match would determine whether this would be the last home game for Chennai Super Kings. If they lose the match today, Chennai's hopes of reaching the semi-finals takes a huge hit. But if they win, they keep their hopes alive of reaching the semi-finals and also playing the finals @ Home. 

Delhi Daredevils - already qualified for the semi-finals, would look to cement their place in the top 2 places of the league.

CSK XI Probable

1. Faf 2. Anirudha 3. Raina 4. Dhoni 5. Bravo 6. Albie 7. Badri 8. Jadeja 9. Ashwin 10. Yo Mahesh 11. Hilfenhauz

DD Probable XI

1. Warner 2. Sehwag 3. Ojha 4. Jayawardene 5. I Pathan 6. Y Nagar 7. Russell 8. Venugopal Rao 9. Morkel 10. Sunil Nadee 11. Aaron

Seeing both the line-ups, it becomes increasingly clear that it would be match against two strong batting line-ups. Expect to see a 160+ run target in the match. 

Most Dangerous Players:

1. Sehwag: He is still 2 short of 4 matches he wins for the team. Hope it is not against us today. 

2. Morkel: How CSK openers handle the early overs by Morkel would determine the match. 

Favorites: It is a tight game to call. But hoping CSK would win the match. 

Should we thrilled or Should we angry?

In days like this, watching Chennai Super Kings is a hazardous work The team did well to contain Rajasthan to a sub-par score. And then found ways to loose the match. And thanks to Albie & Aniruddha, the game was won. What a see-saw journey? I am not sure whether i should be thrilled or angry at CSK Players and team management?

Hope this match becomes the stepping stone to win the next three matches. 

Positives:

1. Raina: Raina is slowly getting some runs under his belt. It is not far away - when he starts winning matches in the IPL. Hope he wins the match against the table toppers tomorrow. 

2. Yo Mahesh & Hilfenhaus: Good to see both the players getting some fine figures under their belt. Believe the team should continue to play them through the IPL.

3. Anirudha: With the way Anirudha played, he has forced the management to pick him ahead of under-firing Vijay. Anirudha-Faf partnership might not be a bad thing after all. 

Negatives:

1. Bravo: Bravo was sub-par. It seems he has lost his focus in IPL. It is time that the team management made his role - clear in the team. Is he a wicket-taking bowler or Is he a bowler who is responsible to contain the runs? Is he a hitter or is he a person who holds the innings together?

Fan's Man of the Match:  Anirudha. For hitting that awesome six against Shaun Tait. Did not think an Indian batsmen can do that. 

My Playing Eleven for the next match is

1. Anirudha 2. Faf 3. Raina 4. Bravo 5. Dhoni 6. Badri 7. Albie 8. Jadeja 9. Yo Mahesh 10. Ashwin 11. Hilfenhauz

What are your thoughts on the playing eleven?

Do or Die Battles for Chennai Begins

After three-fourth of the season, Chennai finds itself in the familiar position of 'Do or Die' matches. They seriously have to win tomorrow's match to be in the running for semi-final slots. But unlike earlier seasons, the team has not found the right mix yet. Still this under-firing team should be able to defeat Rajasthan Royals easily - despite the expected absence of Faf due to 'Flu'. 

It is time 'Fleming' got bold and dropped a foreign batsman or an all-rounder and brought in an extra bowler. With 10 batsmen, none of the players are able to understand their roles - leading to a misfiring team. Only in Avengers Movies, an assembled team of all-heroes will be able to conquer their egos and save the world win the match.  

CSK XI (Probable): 

1. Hussey 2. Vijay 3. Raina 4. Bravo 5. Dhoni 6. Badri 7. Albie 8. Jadeja 9. Ashwin 10. Jakati 11. Hilfenaus

I would have dropped Hussey and picked Bollinger or Kulasekara in the team. I also expect Hilfenaus to keep his place in the wake of his recent international form. (Even though he lost Mumbai Match)

Rajasthan Royals Probable XI

1. Rahul Dravid 2. Rahane 3. Watson 4. Menaria 5. Shah 6. AA Chavan 7. Botha 8. Binny 9. Yagnik 10. Tait 11. Trivedi

Most Dangerous Players

1. Dravid: Rahul Dravid may not be the most charistmatic captain around. But he is a good captain nonetheless. And he has been the best batsman in this team - until the arrival of Watson. 

2. Watson: Watson belongs to the rare breed of 'true' all-rounders (and not like our own Jadeja :)). RR is lucky to have him around. 

Favorites: My heart still says that it would be CSK who will win the match today. What is your thought?

Thanks to CSK, Faf rediscovers the 'Opener' in Him

Faf in his recent blog confirms that he has started seriously considering himself as an opener in T20. Read more about it @ http://www.supersport.com/cricket/blogs/faf-du-plessis/Making_a_mark_and_revising_team_roles

Victory Photos from 200+ Run Chase Against RCB

Victory Photos of our Beloved CSK Team after their 200+ Run Chase Against RCB. This is why we love this game and we love CSK Players. Do share these photos with your facebook friends too.

Inside the Dressing Room After Victory Against RCB 

Inside the Dressing Room After Victory Against RCB

Rain plays spoilsport -to what should have been an Exciting Match

Rain plays spoil sport to what should have been an exciting match between rivals Chennai Super Kings and Bangalore Royal Challengers. Just the batting line-up of both the teams made it a mouth-watering contest even for the neturals. Sadly, showers in Bangalore prevents it. 

But the good news is that Chennai Super Kings have now climbed back to the top four. Hope they stay there. 

Disappointing Start to IPL Season 4

Though Chennai Super Kings have the best-performing team in the last few years, my wishes are not really high this year. I want them to reach semi-finals once again. I strongly believe this team has potential to win the IPL again this year. 

But I can see myself - the team repeating the same mistake they did with Flintoff. Rather than addressing the problems of the team (i.e. explosive opening batsman and good Indian fast-bowlers), the team playing so that they can justify the price of Jadeja. Now with a star coming in, CSK has to find the right team composition - before they can start picking up steam. 

Positives:

1. Raina: In every IPL, we are used to see a different 'Raina' and the trend continues. He is crucial in the early matches before others starts picking up pieces. 

Negatives:

1. Selection: Really Faf as an opener?? Hope the management does not make mistakes like this again. 

There were a lot of things to feel unhappy about. Hope Fleming & Dhoni sit together to figure out the winning combination. 

Who do you think should be in the playing eleven?

CSK Players Arriving Date

Chennai Super Kings are slowly getting into action and are getting ready to defend their IPL title. Please find below the dates of arrival of Chennai Super Kings Fans

Arrival Dates

• Currently, player manager Russell Radhakrishnan and Physio Tommy Simsek are already in the city.
• March 27, 2012 – Shadab Jakati, Sudeep Tyagi, Abhinav Mukund, Anirudha Srikanth, S Badrinath, M Vijay, Yo Mahesh and Wriddhaman Saha, Coach Stephen Fleming and Scott Styris
• March 28, 2012 - Gregory King, Physical Trainer and Andy Bichel – Bowling Coach 
• March 29th - Fielding coach Steve Rixon
• April 1, 2012- George Bailey, Albie Morkel, Faf Du Plessis, Suresh Raina, R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja
• Nuwan Kulashekara and Doug Bollinger are expected in the first week of April
• April 2, 2012- Captain M S Dhoni and Dwayne Bravo
• April 30, 2012 -Michael Hussey and Ben Hilfenhaus

And the whistles are slowly starting for another major campaign for Chennai Super Kings

Chennai to host IPL Opening Ceremony

For the second consecutive year, Chennai Super Kings will host the opening ceremony of IPL. IPL Season 5 - will start on April 4 and end on May 27. 


Other Key information

• All nine teams will play home & away matches against all the other teams in the league stages
• Opening Ceremony will held on April 3
• Play-off Matches would be played in Bangalore & Chennai (Finalists of IPL 2011)
• And Final would be played in Chennai
• Each Team would have an auction purse of USD 2 Million Dollars
• The maximum number of players in a team is increased to 33 and the maximum number of overseas players is increased to 11 (Expect Kochi Tuskers team to be the key interest for all the team)
• Maximum Overseas in the playing eleven remains unchanged at 4
• The trading window will open on 15 December 2011 and run through to 20 January 2012.
• Player Auction is expected to happen in late January or February 2012. 

Bye Bye 2011! Welcome 2012

Another wonderful year for Chennai Super Kings comes to an end. The team started the year with a great auction and continued its year with another IPL trophy. Though the year ended with a disappointing Champions League, there is no doubts about having a great 2012. 

So wishing you all CSK fans a wonderful year of following Chennai Super Kings!!!