Sport | Cricket
Super Kings played hard and fair to win second successive crown
Skipper Dhoni heads back home after a four-month road trip
- By K.R. Nayar, Chief Cricket Writer
- Published: 00:02 May 30, 2011
- Image Credit: AP
- Mahendra Singh Dhoni is hugged by his wife Sakshi after his team’s win over Royal Challengers Bangalore on Saturday.
Dubai: Chennai Super Kings lived up to their name on their home ground to prove that they are the undisputed kings of the Indian Premier League.
Bangalore, who were expected to put up a royal challenge surrendered meekly. In the process, they also revealed that without Chris Gayle's whirlwind knocks, they are a team which can be easily blown away.
The cool captaincy of Mahendra Singh Dhoni once again sparkled to confirm that he is the finest captain in world cricket today. He even won the Fair Play award to further elevate his status as an outstanding leader.
Commenting on the Fair Play award, he said: "I am happy to win this award. People say you need to play hard. We showed you can play fair and still win it."
What amazes everyone is Dhoni's determination and stamina. To win the World Cup and IPL, two gigantic tournaments playing the role of captain, batsman and an agile wicketkeeper for four months without a break, speaks volumes of his spirit.
"[I] have been in India for the last four months, but [have] never visited home. I am heading straight to Ranchi from here," said Dhoni, who did not even wait for the victory celebrations to conclude.
One of the most important factors needed in winning a final is determination. M. Vijay and Michael Hussey walked out to bat like soldiers out to conquer. They unleashed their strokes as if to destroy Bangalore's dreams.
In fact, Bangalore skipper Daniel Vettori candidly admitted: "We didn't bowl well and that cost us the match." Vijay outperformed the hard-hitting Hussey. The six sixes that Vijay hit demonstrated the fighting spirit of the team than his timing. By the time the Vijay-Hussey opening partnership of 159 runs ended, the shoulders of Bangalore players had began to drop.
Elegant play
Chennai players had lifted their game so much with elegance that the total they posted turned out to be the highest ever in the IPL final and also the third highest score of the tournament. Every Bangalore bowler was hit for over seven and a half runs per over. Chennai's control over the final was so much that even the margin of victory was the highest, transforming the final into a one-sided contest. By dismissing Chris Gayle for a duck, Chennai blew out Bangalore's dreams that had rested on Gayle's shoulders.
In fact, Gayle had literally carried the Bangalore team on his shoulders throughout the tournament.
By retaining the title, racing past nine teams, Chennai deserves to be known as the superb kings of Indian Premier League.
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