Hussey’s return has helped Super Kings

The Chennai Super Kings appear to have turned the corner in IPL 6 with a massive 86-run rout of the Delhi Daredevils. Coming into tonight’s clash with the Kolkata Knight Riders, MS Dhoni and his men will be full of confidence and looking to make another statement to the rest of the

competition. I thought Michael Hussey’s return to the team was a key to their success, with a fantastic partnership alongside his captain providing the platform for his side’s 170 runs. Unbeaten on 65, Hussey was patient at the crease before opening up with some vintage shots.  He was well supported by M Vijay and Suresh Raina besides Dhoni, with all four batsmen putting in strong performances.

They now face a Knight Riders side who will react one of two ways following their disappointing last ball loss to Kings XI Punjab earlier this week. Gautam Gambhir, Brad Haddin, Brett Lee and their other leaders are proud cricketers, so I’m tipping a fightback, which should provide great theatre in front of their home fans. But I think it’s difficult to look past the Super Kings in what I expect will be another close one.

 Another big game tonight is the Royal Challengers Bangalore facing the Rajasthan Royals in a battle of table toppers. RCB are undefeated at home so far this season but will face stiff competition from the Royals who are on fire after four wins in their last five outings. I’ve enjoyed watching the Royals so far, with their Indian contingent of Rahane, Dravid, Sreesanth and Trivedi all playing exceptionally well. 

For RCB, it’s tough to look past Gayle, Kohli and AB de Villiers- three batsmen full of firepower and capable of winning games on their own. Rest assured this will be a thoroughly entertaining contest. In front of a partisan home crowd though, I’m tipping RCB will take home the chocolates.

Professional Management Group