Didn't I tell you that the Chennai Super Kings are my favourites to win because they have a captain named MS Dhoni, who doesn't lose too many finals.
That's his maverick touch and he has maintained it. But apart from him, Chennai displayed depth and ability in every aspect of the game.
More importantly, they managed to maintain the nucleus and worked with more or less the similar group of people. In a team game like cricket, this can be a boon as each member is working towards long-term goals and objectives.
Class act
The Super Kings used the home advantage to the maximum and didn't lose a match at the Chepauk. In the final, they took their game to another level and didn't allow the Royal Challengers to make a fight of it.
On any given day, 205 is a match-winning total and if you get that in the final, you have more or less secured the title. The Royal Challengers were the deserving finalists by beating the Mumbai Indians in the qualifiers, but they needed a special effort from Chris Gayle or someone else to chase the mammoth total.
Sad to miss out
On the personal front, I am disappointed to miss out on the West Indies tour. This is the first time we are going to play as world champions and I didn't want to miss the opportunity. I wasn't feeling well and went through some scans. The report suggested a lung infection. I wanted to be on that flight but the doctors advised me against it.
No matter how much I hate it, I will be cheering the boys from home.
The team will do well and I wish Suresh Raina and the boys the best of luck.
Strange reportage
It was amusing to see some of the television channels report that I pulled out of the tour because I didn't want to play under Raina. Do I need to state that I play for India and not for a captain?
Haven't I played under MS Dhoni and Gautam Gambhir? Haven't I said this too many times that last year was tough as I missed a lot of cricket due to injuries?
Anyway, let's hope the channels have better stories to report and bigger issues to deal with.
PMG