What differentiates Chennai Super Kings, the most successful team in the brief history of the IPL, from the other franchises? A tasteless trust in male cheerleaders and an unassailable home advantage stand out, but Super Kings' most unique article of leverage over the opposition is the man in-charge, M.S. Dhoni.
Dhoni's endgame skills (63 in 31 balls) came to the fore again against Delhi Daredevils on Thursday night, the win allowing Super Kings to slip through, albeit temporarily, to the top of the points table, a last-four slot practically a certainty.
“Our captain knows the game inside out. When the team's in trouble, we turn to him. He no panic, we no panic,” explained Dwayne Bravo later, in a way only a West Indian could have put his point across.
The 27-year-old Bravo, who joined Super Kings late after missing out on West Indies' home series against Pakistan, felt it was mandatory for an IPL team to have some “Caribbean flair”, a point that cannot easily be scoffed at after the smashing success of countryman Chris Gayle for Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Bravo contributed to Thursday's win with a blinder to send back Colin Ingram and said he felt at home in the Chennai set up. “Everybody makes me feel welcome. The relaxed environment allows me to be myself.”
