Mahendra Singh Dhoni - who has redefined leadership with his calm and calculated approach, Chennai Super Kings are ready to maintain their undefeated home run in Indian Premier League. Some expert says that it will take quite an effort to breach their fortress in the grand final today.
However, Gayle’s powerful performance against Mumbai Indians on May 27 has shown the Chennai fans that it will not be easy for Dhoni to win the title this time.
Royal Challengers Bangalore on Friday also stormed into the final of the Indian Premier League with a comprehensive 43-run win against the Mumbai Indians at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium.
The 113-run opening partnership between Chris Gayle and Mayank Agarwal had set the foundation for RCB's 43-run victory over Mumbai Indians in the second play-off match of the IPL on May 27.
Chris Gayle's blitz helped the Royal Challengers post 185 for four and then Bangalore's bowlers stopped Mumbai Indians to 142 for eight and won the qualifier-2 on Friday.
In the process, Gayle crossed the 600-run mark in the current IPL. Gayle will have a major role to play on Saturday against the Super Kings, unbeaten at home this season, as also skipper and left-arm spinner Daniel Vettori who showed impressive form while taking three for 19.
CSK ready for final clash
Mahendra Singh Dhoni, considered the man with the midas touch, has led the defending champions to the finals with the same flair with which he marshals the Indian team.
Dhoni had pinned faith on his players despite losses in away games and it paid off in the seven home matches that Chennai won at the Chepauk.
It is to be seen whether Dhoni comes up with any surprises in the playing XI today.
Besides their record in the previous editions, Chennai are also playing at home in the summit clash and the capacity crowd that will throng the MA Chidambaram stadium today will be the team's 12th man.
The team management is said to have forethought about missing some players midway through the IPL and the departure of Suraj Randiv for national duty for Sri Lanka did not affect the team balance.
Dwayne Bravo, who replaced Randiv, straightaway acquitted himself to the demands of this aggressive game.
In fact, the all-round abilities of Bravo have added zing to the attack.
RCB mainly depends on Gayle's power
On Friday, Mumbai Indians, the 113-run opening partnership between Chris Gayle and Mayank Agarwal had set the tone with their power-hitting and made it easier for the RCB bowlers.
However, RCB captain Vettori said, "Looking at the statistics of teams winning batting first at Chennai, we wanted to bat first. It worked out and some days it does not work out."
Gayle has done bulk of the scoring for Bangalore but Vettori was confident that other batsmen of the team such as AB de Villiers were capable enough to help them lift the trophy.
"Chris had fired most of the times when we picked him to play. AB has had a good tournament too and many guys in our team could do it. But obvious we have Chris Gayle as well," he said. .
"I hop the batsmen will come good against Chennai Super Kings in the summit clash," he said.
Vettori praises Syed Mohammad who dismissed Sachin
Vettori also heaped praise on spinner Syed Mohammad, who dismissed Sachin Tendulkar at a crucial juncture.
"He did a great job. He had Tendulkar's wicket with intelligent bowling. He is a very confident guy and sure of his game in similar situations. He is not overawed by these," he said.
However, Gayle’s powerful performance against Mumbai Indians on May 27 has shown the Chennai fans that it will not be easy for Dhoni to win the title this time.
Royal Challengers Bangalore on Friday also stormed into the final of the Indian Premier League with a comprehensive 43-run win against the Mumbai Indians at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium.
The 113-run opening partnership between Chris Gayle and Mayank Agarwal had set the foundation for RCB's 43-run victory over Mumbai Indians in the second play-off match of the IPL on May 27.
Chris Gayle's blitz helped the Royal Challengers post 185 for four and then Bangalore's bowlers stopped Mumbai Indians to 142 for eight and won the qualifier-2 on Friday.
In the process, Gayle crossed the 600-run mark in the current IPL. Gayle will have a major role to play on Saturday against the Super Kings, unbeaten at home this season, as also skipper and left-arm spinner Daniel Vettori who showed impressive form while taking three for 19.
CSK ready for final clash
Mahendra Singh Dhoni, considered the man with the midas touch, has led the defending champions to the finals with the same flair with which he marshals the Indian team.
Dhoni had pinned faith on his players despite losses in away games and it paid off in the seven home matches that Chennai won at the Chepauk.
It is to be seen whether Dhoni comes up with any surprises in the playing XI today.
Besides their record in the previous editions, Chennai are also playing at home in the summit clash and the capacity crowd that will throng the MA Chidambaram stadium today will be the team's 12th man.
The team management is said to have forethought about missing some players midway through the IPL and the departure of Suraj Randiv for national duty for Sri Lanka did not affect the team balance.
Dwayne Bravo, who replaced Randiv, straightaway acquitted himself to the demands of this aggressive game.
In fact, the all-round abilities of Bravo have added zing to the attack.
RCB mainly depends on Gayle's power
On Friday, Mumbai Indians, the 113-run opening partnership between Chris Gayle and Mayank Agarwal had set the tone with their power-hitting and made it easier for the RCB bowlers.
However, RCB captain Vettori said, "Looking at the statistics of teams winning batting first at Chennai, we wanted to bat first. It worked out and some days it does not work out."
Gayle has done bulk of the scoring for Bangalore but Vettori was confident that other batsmen of the team such as AB de Villiers were capable enough to help them lift the trophy.
"Chris had fired most of the times when we picked him to play. AB has had a good tournament too and many guys in our team could do it. But obvious we have Chris Gayle as well," he said. .
"I hop the batsmen will come good against Chennai Super Kings in the summit clash," he said.
Vettori praises Syed Mohammad who dismissed Sachin
"He did a great job. He had Tendulkar's wicket with intelligent bowling. He is a very confident guy and sure of his game in similar situations. He is not overawed by these," he said.
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