To perform is one thing and to consistently do that is another thing which is what CSK have achieved in three years since the inception of IPL.

Touted at the start of the tournament as a depleted team which would struggle to reach the semis, the Super Kings have passed some really stern tests to brush aside that prediction, of course with little bit of luck which always seems to favor those who show the will to succeed.

Against an opponent whose most recent record read WWWWW and one who had dominated both the earlier encounters, CSK showcased a determined attitude coupled with splendid teamwork and 110% effort from each player to come up trumps. Tigerish fielding and incisive bowling were on display as our Super Kings clinically dethroned the holders and made sure that last years’ two finalists will battle for the third place this year.

Bollinger might even get granted a permanent residence in Chennai for such is the difference he has made to the team’s bowling attack. Ashwin, Jakati and the wily Murali have already formed an irrestible spin trio and we only need one more paceman to complete the attack formation. Freddy Flintoff can don that role next year, but for now, we got to be content with what we got.

Murali Vijay, who has suddenly become quiet after his six hitting spree in the middle of the tournament and the strong but struggling Hayden need to come together for one final act which can change the complexion of the game in a matter of few minutes.

It will not hurt the team if Badri and Albie can chip in with a strike rate above 100 as Mumbai Indians’ have been in some good form recently, barring their loss to KKR which has to be regarded only as an aberration.

Irrespective of whether or not Sachin plays, MI are a strong batting outfit and with Pollard striking form at the right time, they will start as the favorites on paper. But, this is T20 and it is the team that does and gets its basics right is the one that controls the game.

Our superstars will have to come out all guns blazing to scale that one step to achieve the glory in waiting.