Chennai Super Kings perhaps knows the art of winning better than any other side.
This year too, CSK has bounced back from an early loss to win five matches in-a-row and occupy the top slot with 10 points and better net run rate.
“Perennially, we have been slow starters. So, to get a start like this has been excellent,” said coach Stephen Fleming as CSK practised at the Ferozeshah Kotla here on Sunday ahead of its Indian Premier League engagement against seventh-placed Delhi Daredevils.
Key to successCSK’s key to success has been its choice of players in the auction and roping in Dwayne Smith has turned out to be master-stroke. So far, he has served the side well with some fine knocks, including three half-centuries and two 29s, and a few wickets.
Another noteworthy performer for CSK has been New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum, who has played some important innings apart from enriching the side with his knowledge of the game.
Captain M.S. Dhoni, West Indian Dwayne Bravo, Suresh Raina and R. Ashwin have been loyal to the team over the years and have contributed in building it as a strong unit. Ashwin, an integral part of the team, has been outstanding with his highly-economical spells studded with crucial breakthroughs.
All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has again proved his worth with his fabulous bowling figures (two four-wicket hauls) and useful runs, while paceman Mohit Sharma has benefited from Dhoni's guidance to turn into a match-winner.
With its insatiable hunger of victories, CSK will be determined to extend its winning streak.
Primary taskFor DD, the primary task will be to overcome the odds within. Captain Kevin Pietersen’s injured finger is still hurting him as well as the side. The team has to look beyond J-P. Duminy and Quinton de Kock to strengthen its batting. Mohammad Shami, Wayne Parnell and Jaydev Unadkat have to find ways to sharpen their bowling.
DD, which has managed four points from six matches, often falters in maintaining the intensity. It has to arrest that trend in order to put up a fight against the formidable CSK.
