Fans of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will root for New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum during the ICC World Cup final in Melbourne on Sunday.
The 33-year-old McCullum, who destroys attacks at the top of the order and fields brilliantly, is a prominent member of the Chennai franchise of Indian Premier League. His vibrancy encapsulates the spirit of CSK.
This correspondent was in Wellington, New Zealand, when the IPL-2014 auction took place in Bengaluru. The Kiwi was snapped up by CSK for Rs. 3.25 crore.
“I am coming to your city, mate. It is going to be exciting,” McCullum had said then. He was an instant hit with CSK supporters, stringing together several scintillating opening partnerships with West Indian Dwayne Smith. Explosive, he certainly is.
CSK director, K.S. Viswanathan, told The Hindu on Saturday, “We will all be supporting McCullum and his team. He’s an endearing personality. Despite his enormous achievements as a cricketer, he is a down-to-earth and simple person.” The pro-active McCullum’s aggressive captaincy — he has had his finger on the pulse of the game and sought wickets at all times — has been among the highlights of this World Cup. His innovative field placements have been captivating.
Another CSK player, paceman Matt Henry, will also be a part of the New Zealand side in the final. The lanky Henry grabbed attention with a compelling first spell of bounce and seam movement against South Africa in the first semifinal.
CSK’s New Zealand connection does not end there. The side’s coach, Stephen Fleming, is a former New Zealand batsman and captain, a leading one at that.
“Fleming has been our long-standing coach and I am sure he will be looking forward to a maiden World Cup triumph for his country,” said Mr. Viswanathan.
The Chennai side’s Australian representation, once strong, has been reduced to just one player these days, with the experienced Michael Hussey being the lone cricketer. His international days, however, are behind him.
CSK’s fans had been looking forward to a dream final between India and New Zealand where both captains would have been from the franchise. That did not happen.
Now, McCullum’s their man.
The Kiwi captain, Brendon McCullum, is a prominent member of IPL’s Chennai franchise