Indian Premier League (IPL) was missing the famous rivalry between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI). The absence of CSK in last two years has left the fans and players (playing for those two franchises) longing for the red-hot clash more.
The Chennai franchise is back and so are the high expectations for an exciting edition of the cash-rich league. The 11th edition will see MI and CSK going against each other in the opening match.
We know the fans of both the teams are always excited to see two of the best franchises go against each other. But what goes through the players? Are they affected by the extra pressure? Well, who knows better than a former Mumbai Indian cricketer set to play for CSK this year.
Ambati Rayudu revealed that Mumbai's most important game was always against Chennai. They had their priorities set.
“I have played against Chennai Super Kings on numerous occasions and there was never a more important match than that for Mumbai Indians,” recollected Rayudu.
“Both are champion teams. Very different philosophies but the bottom line is to be champions,” added the 32-year-old, who was a part of all three IPL-winning MI sides.
“If there was one team that could beat MI even when they were playing at their best, that was CSK. CSK always appeared very calm and composed and they always had a clear mindset and backed themselves,” continued Rayudu.
CSK has a very strong record in IPL. Whenever played, they have never missed out play-offs between 2008 and 2015. “CSK always had their path figured out to be successful,” Rayudu further said.
The former Mumbai Indian cricketer, who is set to be muffled up in yellow praised MS Dhoni. “MS Dhoni is a true legend of the game and arguably the best captain our country has produced,” said Rayudu.
“What I feel makes him such a great leader, other than his calm and composed nature under pressure, is his simplicity and good nature as a human being which automatically makes all the team members trust him and his decisions blindly and give more than 100 per cent for him and the team,” he concluded.
Rayudu can be a good buy for CSK. He may bring a good stability in the lower middle order. The veteran got lauded by CSK CEO.
“Rayudu brings with him tremendous experience as a consistent performer for MI over eight seasons,” said KS Viswanathan, CEO, Chennai Super Kings. “He is quick to adjust to any situation as a floater.”
