Monk Murali's ton overpowers Delhi - CSK's cinderella run continues

Pleasure for some – agony for others – League is more about planning your purchases, managing your resources, strategizing – all these before you step on to the playing arena.  Mere splashing of money is not going to help, which is yet to be understood by many franchisees in the high cost, high profile, low spectator oriental Indian Premier League.  There have been some unexpected buys like Dwayne Smith brought in place of injured Mitchell Johnson, thumped Ben Hilfenhaus for six, four and four off the last three balls with 14 required off 3 and had an  unbroken 163-run stand with Sachin Tendulkar.    There have been some bench sitters like – Scott Styris, George Bailey, Suraj Randiv, Abhinav Mukund for CSK – every time had some……….  When you know that only 4 foreigners could play, some teams had people who would never be accommodated in their playing XI

About a week ago, CSK were sort of cooling expecting others to do the job – that happened in their favour, they eliminated Mumbai Indians and yesterday, another team which performed exceptionally in the league – Delhi Daredevils exited.

Some interesting statistics.  In the 120 minimum balls in an innings, there have been 32 occasions when Teams have scored more than 200.  5 times this season, of which CSK has made it twice – one was yesterday at the most opportune time… there have been 24 centuries; 6 this season- Chris Gayle, Ajinkya Rahane, David Warner, Rohit Sharma, Kevin Pietersen and Murali Vijay.  Gayle has made 3 tons in IPL; Warner and Shaun Marsh 2 each… only Indian to have made 2 tons in IPL is Monk ….. Murali Vijay.

The man kept failing and perhaps not many Captains would have picked him for the crucial match.  Murali Vijay walked out with Michael Hussen and dominated the bowlers finishing with a great 113 ensuring a CSK win.  Varun Aaron went for many as also was Sunny Gupta.  If you recall a few months back in the Ranji finals, Rajasthan’s Vineet Saxena scored an unbeaten double ton to ensure their victory and the off spinner (from Jharkhand ?)  Sunny Gupta bowled for Tamil Nadu.   He made his debut for DD in a crucial match (was Morkel benched ?) and was tonked by Murali Vijay – 47 off his 3 while Aaron who one thought would make it to T20 WC leaked 63 off his four.   Much of the punishment came at the hands of Vijay, who hasn't had the best of tournament. When one thought that only a flourish from Warner and Sehwag might offer some chance, Mahela opened with Warner

So will Chennai’s Cinderella run continue………..

With regards – S. Sampathkumar.