Chennai Super Kings - Hot Favourites

For many reasons, I could see Chennai lifting the cup in IPL Season 2.

For starters, they have Mr. Cool captain on their side. M S Dhoni is a wonderful captain in world circuit at present and gives a confidence to viewers that he will always remain as a perfect leader. The obvious reason for the statement is how he has total control over his emotions at any stage of the game. He is a captain who does the hard work of getting to know his resource really well and then how well he understands different versions of the game and strategies required for each. It does not stop there. He understands Opponents strengths really well and plans his moves.

At the end of the match against Rajasthan Royals, Dhoni made a statement in the interview that he needed one of the left hander in his side to tackle Shane Warne really well. That was a wonderful statement, simply for the reason that it did not involve or single out a particular batsmen in the side to take the onus. Idea was thrown open to his left handed batsmen and he was glad that Mathew Hayden could pick up that responsibility and by the time Shane Warne picked up Hayden's wicket, the match was over. Shane warne's thorough focus on Hayden allowed the likes of Badrinath to play a silent killer innings at the other end. At the end of the match, Shane warne would have felt that he had overfocussed on Hayden.

Mathew hayden is in the best of his form. The next in line for an Orange cap in IPL Season 2 is Suresh Raina who is also form Chennai super kings. These two are crucial for Chennai's fate in any of the match played. If they hit purple patch on their day, opponents have to look mediocre. Dhoni's batting woes initially in the tournament is set right when he promoted himself up the order in the match against deccan chargers. Two back to back fifties has created fears in other 7 team's camps.

His use of S. Badrinath for team's benefit was perfect. Whenever two quick wicket falls, he sends in Badri to steady things in the middle. Badrinath has had a wonderful outing till date and his innings to chase down a target against Warne's plans was treat to watch. Albie Morkel still has to show his magic with the bat. Who knows, probably he is holding it for big matches at the end. His bowling is spot on. Jacob Oram, along with Albie morkel could turn match 360 degrees in span of few deliveries.

Oh! Makhaya Ntini is never used in the tournament I guess. He is a force to reckon with. L.Balaji, according to me, is a street smart bowler. His slower ones are tough to pick. Jakati has learnt the nuances and delivers what Dhoni needs. He, along with Muralidharan is picking wickets and stops the run flow at crucial stages of the match. Sudeep Tyagi is a surprise package so far. The day he disappoints, Dhoni will easily switch his option to Manpreet Goni.

Raina puts his hand up, when it comes to fielding efforts. Badrinath is a swift mover too. Oram, Morkel and Balaji are very good boundary liners. That takes care of the fielding woes.

So, All is well for Chennai. Its just that it has to end well.

Go Chennai Go, all the way to the cup.

Prashy.