The IPL Champions get into action in their first match of the Champions League 2010 against Central Districts, mindful of Mumbai's beating, and keen to live up to their favourites status in this match.
When one has a close look at the squads of the two teams, many would say that Chennai hold an edge over the Stags in almost every aspect. With world-class players in one squad and a bunch of relative unknowns in the other squad, it seems to be a mismatch from the word go. However, it would be foolish to write off the NZ champions as they have the ability to upset any team on any given day.
The Chennai team though, looks the strongest in all departments in this group. The batting, in particular, boasts of some of the biggest hitters in the T20 format. With depth and class in the batting order, this team will be a handful for the opposition bowlers. Murali Vijay and Matthew Hayden will be looking to get the team off to a great start. Vijay has been struggling for form for the past few months and he will be looking to make amends in this tournament. It will be interesting to see how Matthew Hayden's approach will be at the top. He had a poor third season in the IPL and no cricket since then, but Chennai will be well served if Haydos overcomes his rustiness and dismantles the bowlers as he did when he last came here in Chennai colours in IPL 2009.
The middle order consists of big hitters like MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina and Michael Hussey. These three have a renowned reputation in the T20 format, with Raina being the only Indian player to score a century in a T20 International. Michael Hussey played one of the greatest T20 innings during the World T20 competition when his unbeaten 60 off 24 balls ledAustralia to a famous win over Pakistan
The bowling is boosted by the likes of Doug Bollinger and Balaji. Bollinger's arrival during IPL-3 was one of the turning points for the team during the campaign, with their new ball attack suddenly much more potent. Chennai also have a good variety of spinners. Muralitharan, one of the greatest spinners in the world will once again be the ultimate danger for all the opposition teams. Post retirement, it will be interesting to observe whether the maestro can weave his magic. R. Ashwin and S. Jakati were impressive during the IPL and they will be Murali's partners in crime during this competition.
The Stags, on the other hand, do not have many star players. They will be looking for the element of surprise to shock the opposition. Jamie How, the Stags captain, will be the most important figure in the batting line-up. The team consists of several players who have played international cricket like Peter Ingram and Mathew Sinclair. However, with the injury to talisman Jacob Oram, the Stags have been seriously weakened. They were further weakened before the tournament as their star performer, Ross Taylor was snapped up by theBangalore Essex , will also be a big blow.
The bowling will be spearheaded by Michael Mason, who is renowned for bowling a tight line and length. He has been one of the most consistent performers for the team and they will be hoping that he fires in this competition as quickly as possible. Chennai are firm favourites against the Stags but in this format, anything is possible.
When one has a close look at the squads of the two teams, many would say that Chennai hold an edge over the Stags in almost every aspect. With world-class players in one squad and a bunch of relative unknowns in the other squad, it seems to be a mismatch from the word go. However, it would be foolish to write off the NZ champions as they have the ability to upset any team on any given day.
The Chennai team though, looks the strongest in all departments in this group. The batting, in particular, boasts of some of the biggest hitters in the T20 format. With depth and class in the batting order, this team will be a handful for the opposition bowlers. Murali Vijay and Matthew Hayden will be looking to get the team off to a great start. Vijay has been struggling for form for the past few months and he will be looking to make amends in this tournament. It will be interesting to see how Matthew Hayden's approach will be at the top. He had a poor third season in the IPL and no cricket since then, but Chennai will be well served if Haydos overcomes his rustiness and dismantles the bowlers as he did when he last came here in Chennai colours in IPL 2009.
The middle order consists of big hitters like MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina and Michael Hussey. These three have a renowned reputation in the T20 format, with Raina being the only Indian player to score a century in a T20 International. Michael Hussey played one of the greatest T20 innings during the World T20 competition when his unbeaten 60 off 24 balls led
The bowling is boosted by the likes of Doug Bollinger and Balaji. Bollinger's arrival during IPL-3 was one of the turning points for the team during the campaign, with their new ball attack suddenly much more potent. Chennai also have a good variety of spinners. Muralitharan, one of the greatest spinners in the world will once again be the ultimate danger for all the opposition teams. Post retirement, it will be interesting to observe whether the maestro can weave his magic. R. Ashwin and S. Jakati were impressive during the IPL and they will be Murali's partners in crime during this competition.
The Stags, on the other hand, do not have many star players. They will be looking for the element of surprise to shock the opposition. Jamie How, the Stags captain, will be the most important figure in the batting line-up. The team consists of several players who have played international cricket like Peter Ingram and Mathew Sinclair. However, with the injury to talisman Jacob Oram, the Stags have been seriously weakened. They were further weakened before the tournament as their star performer, Ross Taylor was snapped up by the
The bowling will be spearheaded by Michael Mason, who is renowned for bowling a tight line and length. He has been one of the most consistent performers for the team and they will be hoping that he fires in this competition as quickly as possible. Chennai are firm favourites against the Stags but in this format, anything is possible.
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