They say there is no substitute for experience. Whoever they are, they’re right.
In sport, as in life, knowledge gained and lessons learned leads to an advantage from the off. In the virtually non-stop schedule of the Indian Premier League, the Chennai Super Kings, above all others, have mastered the art of timing the run to perfection.
The Chennai franchise has set the standard. The two-time IPL champions have never failed to make the playoffs and are set fair to make it six in a row. The weekend victory over 2012 champions Kolkata took CSK back to the top of the standings. In case anyone was in any doubt, a fifth-straight win merely underlines their status as the league’s form team.
Chennai is not just beating the opposition. In a cricket format designed to deliver nail-biting finales, the Super Kings have cantered to victory on several occasions. Their superiority may not please the TV networks’ bean counters, but in professional sports the objective is to win the game as comfortably as possible.
It helps when Mr. Cricket is on your side. Mike Hussey is enjoying his most productive IPL season to date. The Australian left-hander was obviously disappointed to miss his first T20 century since 2008 by just five runs, but his fourth big half-century in eight appearances was plenty good enough to earn him another Man of the Match award.
The Lions can also rely on Mr. Calm. By definition T20 cricket has a lot of moving parts at any given moment so a captain with a cool head is an essential ingredient for success. M.S. Dhoni regularly contributes with the bat and the gloves but also has the knack of capitalizing on an opponent’s weak spot. He has earned the respect of his teammates who trust Dhoni’s decision making.
Chennai must remain aggressive as the chasing pack closes. Having put themselves in pole position the Super Kings can control their own destiny. After barely scraping into the top four last year, Dhoni’s team won’t have to worry about any last minute drama this time around.
However, they will have to make do without home advantage in the post season. The IPL’s top brass have finally bowed to political pressure and moved the first two playoff games to Delhi. Some will see the switch as a victory for the protesters in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu – but the safety of players and spectators alike must always be paramount.
From a purely sporting perspective it is the right decision. A neutral venue gives neither team an edge is terms of home support, while on the field the equation is fair to all. Banning Sri Lankan nationals from playing in Chennai, albeit for their own safety, cannot be rational when both teams should have the right to select their strongest lineups.
While Chennai is one of the usual suspects, it looks as though the Rajasthan Royals are about to come in from the cold. Not since the heady days of Shane Warne’s captaincy, leading to IPL glory in 2008, have the Royals been invited the post season party.
That seems sure to change — thanks in large part to a couple more Aussies. Shane Watson is running into form at the right time. Having come agonizingly close to scoring back-to-back hundreds, the all-rounder is starting to take wickets as well. His influence is beginning to pay dividends.
Watson’s compatriot James Faulkner could be the breakout star of IPL6. The 23-year-old Tasmanian paceman has claimed 16 wickets so far, including a career best 5 for 20 to bamboozle the Sunrisers. His ability to move the ball both ways and vary his pace has made Faulkner an integral part of the Royals’ attack.
As a result the Rajasthan is executing the basics better than most. Make quick runs and take cheap wickets. Experience tells us in Twenty20 cricket it’s always a recipe for success.