"Champion of Champions" Chennai Super Kings

Gurunath was also pleased that CSK will feature in the Champions League this October. The top three teams in the play-offs automatically make the cut while the fourth side will be given an opportunity to figure in the qualifying rounds of the competition.

Russel was soon busy with the team's travel arrangements for the Bangalore duel; CSK will leave on Monday. Skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Suresh Raina — the two had taken a break to spend some time at home — will join the side in Bangalore.

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper...cle3440613.ece

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Originally Posted by HonestRaj

kai..... thatturanga

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They were dancing after the chasing of RCB's 205...

//dig-- frnds aa irukkalam nu try pandren...mudiya maatenguthu..question kettathu naanu..quote pandrathu vera..anyway thx. for ur info... :???://

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Originally Posted by ajaybaskar

Gurunath was also pleased that CSK will feature in the Champions League this October. The top three teams in the play-offs automatically make the cut while the fourth side will be given an opportunity to figure in the qualifying rounds of the competion

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Appo intha qualifying roundslan irukka...Thought with the inclusion of the Pakistan team, they had done away with this.....

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Given our performances in previous editions of the IPL, we were disappointed that we didn’t gain an automatic entry into the playoffs. Our loss to Kings XI Punjab left us at the mercy of other teams. All of us were dejected but the camp was still abuzz. We were together and just went about our tasks without clouding our minds on the various permutations and combinations needed for us to get into the playoffs.

What lifted our spirits as we came into Chennai post our Kings XI loss were the comforting words of our management. They told us, yes, it is disappointing but we have seen you all put in your best efforts. Not everything will go our way. We will hope for the best, failing which we shall look forward to the next edition. The love of the fans was incredible to see. Wherever we bumped into people, at the hotel, airport or at some malls the common message was “Don’t worry. We are a great team and there is hope for us.� “We will play the playoffs�. “Our championship is not over yet. We will prevail�. It was just amazing. And I don’t know if I am biased but I just saw yellow, everywhere I looked.

When I look back on our performances and as Coach Fleming mentioned in some of his conferences we had an opportunity to win a couple of close games that we didn’t and that has hurt us in the long run. This is also an indication on how much all the other teams have improved. "We didn't get collective run flow. Faf du Plessis was excellent, but didn't get big scores. Teams are dependent on contributions from the top three or four batsmen. Unless you have 2 or 3 players in good form, you are going to end up with par scores rather than match-winning scores. We struggled, apart from the 200 against Bangalore.�

According to Coach Fleming it was difficult especially with key batsmen not being consistent this season. "Last two seasons, we had big scores to support the bowlers. But when the batsmen struggle then it becomes difficult for the team to live up to expectation. We were expecting our top order to come good in the playoffs. But if we do not reach that stage we would have disappointed our fans in a big way." But it was our fans that gave us a lot of hope and encouragement as we faced some difficult days till last night.

On the positive side, this short break actually helped us since it just brought us all closer to each other. Our team luncheons and dinners were happy events as everyone got together without the tensions of an upcoming match. And all of us gathered to watch each match. I can tell you that there were more than 10 captains in a room and each decision was dissected and discussed colourfully. As a player manager, these sessions were an eye-opener. The depth of knowledge, passion for the game and the sheer detail that a player needs to consider before taking any decision in match is truly mind boggling. There was good natured banter and everyone had their favourites. But yes, we were tense. And as each match turned out the way it did and our chances improved, the tension rose higher. It is different when you are playing and the outcome of a match is in your hands dependent on your efforts. But to be in a situation where you had no control and were just hoping for one team to win, is quite difficult. We all got together in one room and watched yesterday’s match between Deccan Chargers and The Royal Challengers Bangalore. And along with our billion fans, our hopes also rose and fell at different stages of the match. Once the Chargers put up a small total we thought that was it and some of the players gave up hope. But we have been in plenty of crunch matches like these to know that pressure plays a vital role. Some of the wiser players counseled us and said, please wait for the second innings. And those words were so true.

Gayle nearly dashed all our hopes with his big hitting. But once he fell and a few quick wickets post that, we knew that we had a chance. As long as Dale Steyn had a good day, it would be difficult for the Royal Challengers and it was true once again. His was an incisive spell and Bangalore didn’t recover from his strikes. The tension was unbearable towards the end of the innings and I promise you all of us were standing as the last over began. We prayed, hoped and prayed again as each ball was bowled. And at the end of there was a collective sigh of relief as we all collapsed around each other congratulating ourselves for a win by the Deccan Chargers !!!!! However there were no major celebrations as we know we have a tough task ahead of us. I for one had to immediately get down to some solid work as team arrangements to Bangalore had to be taken care off. So what took us through. I would put it down to 3 basic factors. First and foremost the love and best wishes from our billion fans. Not once did we feel demotivated. Each smile, handshake and pat on our back just gave us more positivity. Secondly, the solid support of our management. Their backing was invaluable. And thirdly, Lady Luck who seemed a bit upset with us is now returning to the team. So Raise your Hands people. We rise again. We need your support on Wednesday as we take on the Mighty Mumbai Indians. Till then, whistle podu guys.

Russell Radhakrishnan is the player manager of the Chennai Super Kings

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first one is too good.. :lol:

Makkale,

What do you think? 187 defend panna mudiyumA? :shaking: