Published: May 21, 2015, 09:15 AM (IST)
Edited: May 24, 2015, 04:25 PM (IST)
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are the undisputed champions of the Playoff stages of the Indian Premier League (IPL) over the years. Hence, it is particularly pleasing when they are humbled in that stage of the tournament. Rishad D’Souza explains the joy of watching the dominant CSK lose in their favourite phase.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have been deservedly bestowed by fans with plenty of honorary titles for their exploits in IPL. One of the most apt titles the CSK team has earned is ‘Kings of consistency’. Without a shadow of doubt, CSK have been the most consistent side in the IPL; even their haters (not a rare breed of people) will admit to the same. READ:Â Parthiv Patel credits “brilliant execution of plans” to Mumbai Indians’ turnaround in IPL 2015
Their penchant for consistency is most visible in the astounding win-loss ratio they own in the playoff stages of IPL. To set the record straight, let us take their previous five Playoff stage games as a sample; they won four playoff games and succumbed to defeat in just a single game. READ: CSK vs MI, IPL 2015 Qualifier 1 at Mumbai: Highlights
CSK tend to get magically transformed into an even stronger unit during the Playoff games. This automatically renders anyone facing them as the underdogs, and as the unwritten rule goes — you always vouch for the underdog if you are a neutral observer.
Hence, when Mumbai Indians defeated CSK in the first qualifier of IPL 2015, most of the nation erupted in joy. People in Mumbai Indians were particularly overjoyed after the home-team did the unimaginable. Unimaginable not because MI are the weaker side (they enjoy a favourable head-to-head record overall), but that they did it in a playoff game.
However, it is not the end of the road for CSK yet. Having finished in the advantageous top two positions in the league stage, they are entitled to a second chance in the Playoff stages, which will come in the form of a game against the winner of the eliminator between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Rajasthan Royals (RR). READ: Mitchell McClenaghan’s inclusion had massive impact for Mumbai Indians in IPL 2015
CSK, obviously left the match against MI with a bitter taste in the mouth; not just because their forte was breached but also because of an erroneous decision by umpire Kumar Dharmasena to end the innings of Dwayne Smith — the in-form opener — in the very first over.
MS Dhoni, made known his dissatisfaction about the decision in the post-match presentation ceremony. “Not to forget Smith got a horrible decision,” were Dhoni’s exact words. To rub salt to the injury Dhoni got fined the next day for the honest comment.
This may lead CSK to return with renewed vengeance against the side they face in the next Playoff game. It will be interesting to see how the opponent — either of RCB or RR — deal with the what CSK offer. What is certain though is that if CSK lose, once again a wave of sadistic happiness will sweep most of the neutral fans alongside fans of the winners.
(Rishad D’Souza, a reporter with CricketCountry, gave up hopes of playing Test cricket after a poor gully-cricket career. He now reports on the sport. You can follow @RDcric on Twitter)
