In the series of articles, our Featured Writer Divakar KS is tracking the Champions league T20 teams. Having done with Brisbane Heats, we now revisit the path the mighty Chennai Super Kings travelled through to enter the tournament. The Chennai based franchise is the most consistent T20 side one would ever see in the world renowned T20 leagues.
Qualification Criteria: Runners up of IPL 2013
Captain: Mahendra Singh Dhoni
Coach: Stephen Flemming
Group: Placed in group A alongside Brisbane Heats, Titans, Trinidad and Tobago and the final place will be sealed by the qualifier.
Squad for CLT20 2013:
| Batsmen | Bowlers | All Rounders |
| Suresh Raina | Jason Holder | Ravindra Jadeja |
| Mike Hussey | Mohit Sharma | Ravinchandran Ashwin |
| Francois du plessis | Imitiaz Ahmed | Albie Morkel |
| Murali Vijay | Dwayne Bravo | |
| Subramaniam Badrinath | Chris Morris | |
| MS Dhoni (Wk) © | ||
| Wriddhiman Saha (Wk) |
The Icon players of Chennai Super Kings have never failed to deliver quality cricket and what adds more to their arsenal is their ability to click in the crunchy moments (excuse me for their IPL finals performance). Here is the list of Icon Players who have to come good in this tournament:
Suresh Raina:
IPL 2013 Stats | Runs: 543, Average: 42.15, Strike Rate: 150.13
The left handed dynamic batsman is one of the best in business when it comes to this form of cricket. Unlike playing for India, Suresh Raina gets the time to settle in because of the luxury of playing at no.03. An intelligent cricketer, who is capable of rotating the strike, can step on the accelerator when needed.
MS Dhoni:
IPL 2013 Stats | Runs: 461, Catches: 15, Stumping: 2
The Midas has played a vital role in the team’s success- as a captain, as a wicket keeper, as a finisher. With the assist of Dwayne Bravo and Albie Morkel, the captain cool ensures the team that they no target is unachievable. MS Dhoni’s unbeaten 63*(74) in the finals of the last IPL is the perfect example of the confidence he has in self.
Ravindra Jadeja:
IPL 2013 Stats | Runs: 201, Wickets: 13
2013 International cricket Stats | 25 Wickets in 15 ODI matches
The most improved cricketer of the recent time has silenced the critics who doubted his talent and ability. When the darkness surrounds, the spark of Jadeja seems to be seen. His ability of providing break through amidst the run flow, picking the wicket of the big fishes and scoring runs at crisis situations is truly world class. The left arm orthodox bowler will be looking to justify his ‘World no.01’ tag at yet another world stage.
Mike Hussey was the orange cap holder of this year’s IPL Season with 733 runs. The retirement seems to be having no effect on the technically strong cricketer.
Faf Du Plessis is another man who has developed into a complete cricketer in the recent past. He was not given a chance in any of the IPL matches as the spot was sealed by the Oz.
The death over bowling from Dwayne Bravo, the early wickets provided by Mohit Sharma, and the middle over coverage by Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja will have to take care of the bowling department.
This is a gem of a team, if they play up to their potential there is no chance that they will win back the trophy their arch rivals hold. Roar louder, Super kings!