TEAM: Chennai Super Kings - CLT20

After their humiliating loss against MI in the IPL 6 and the Owner and Enthusiast controversy, CSK is all geared for their first match against Titans in coincidently captain’s home ground Ranchi. CSK plays first 3 games in Ranchi and the team needs to adjust and make use of the conditions during the chilly evening presented to them. With temperatures dropping as the evenings progress and due factor will make it challenging for MSD to handle his two Ravi spinner.

Traditionally CSK start of slow and gather momentum as the tournament progresses, but their tactics needs to change this time. CLT20 is a small and compact tournament with each team having 4 games in their group. CSK plays Titans (22th), a qualifying team (26nd), Brisbane Heat (28th), Trinidad & Tobago (2nd) as their opponents in their group B. Being the only Indian team they need to make full use of the known conditions and take a head start before the opposition gets adjusted. Since they have ample time between the games they can plan well and execute it.

Mohit Sharma and Chris Morris were the find of the IPL for CSK bolstering the bowling attack by picking wickets up front. Interestingly both continued to debut for their country, India and South Africa respectively. This adds to the theory that these T20 leagues are taken seriously by the board and selectors. Jason Holder bowled well in tandem with Mohit and did form a good opening pair; a good performance here and he can make a good case for a permanent spot in his National squad.

WI ODI and Test captain Bravo had a forgetful IPL and the ODI tournament since CT13 and Tri-Nations tournament. He would be raring to go and prove that he still has got in him. Over the last year he has been working on his unsuccessful around the wicket tactics, hope he comes back to his original self and show us the real Bravo.

Raina, Vijay, Jadeja and Dhoni have had some time off; they need to get into the stride. Jadeja had a good outing in Zimbabwe and needs to carry on his all-round skill, while Raina has received some lashing from the media for not making it big, time to silence the critics. Vijay, now a regular Test opener needs to show that he can double up as T20 opener when needed. Now retired Hussey hasn’t had many games to get back to the grind; but one knows that it doesn’t take him much to get back. With the Aussie batting debacle, it would be nice to see an Aussie batsman in action.

If given a chance Saha would put his best foot forward to reclaim the backup keeper’s role for India, now claimed by MI’s Karthik. Albie and Faf have had a below par IPL, they would want to prove their worth in this CSK team.

Finally the Superman Dhoni will be playing after Injury and after long much needed vacation, an in form Dhoni in murderous mood is worth Gold for CSK. He has shown the world what he can do at the death; hope he doesn’t take things too late and save our nails