IPL 2009 Teams

Founded: 2008

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Profile: India Cements pulled no punches during the selection process. From MS Dhoni and Matthew Hayden to some of the best all-rounders like Jacob Oram and Albie Morkel, fireworks galore were crammed inside this team from the south of India. Not surprisingly, CSK won its first four matches.

It wasn't to last however, and the team started struggling after its aces from 'Down Under' ventured back to play for their national sides.

Hadyen and consistent middle-order pro Michael Hussey had to join the team once the international calendar beckoned but young Indian turks Suresh Raina and S. Badrinath stepped up to join the party for the Southern giants.

It was the IPL which brought Raina back to national reckoning again, highlighting his big hitting prowess and with Badri and Dhoni, the middle order looked pretty formidable.

Parthiv Patel, opening the innings with former New Zealand skipper Stephen Fleming gave a good account of himself.

Fleming, though could have done more, give what he had achieved for the Kiwis in his and long and illustrious playing career.

Another star who did not live up to some massive expectations was Dhoni. He did a great job of leading a team studded with international jewels but would have liked his bat to make some more noises.

India discard Lakshimapty Balaji kept coming at the batsmen with some innovative spells, even bagging a hat-trick in the process.

Sri Lankan spin sensation Muttiah Muralitharan was ripped apart on the flat tracks and his vicious turn went for a toss in the face of some ferocious onslaught.

Not only did Murali concede runs, he was unable to force many wickets, leaving many to wonder what had actually gone wrong.

Despite some setbacks, the team did well enough to reach the finals of the inaugural edition. The city known for its spicy Dosas, definitely threw chillies in the eyes of the opposition right from the word go.

Coach: Stephen Fleming

Captain: MS Dhoni

Colours: Yellow and Blue

Home Ground: MA Chidambaram Stadium (Chepauk)

Capacity: 50,000

Owner: India Cements Ltd

Official Website: http://www.chennaisuperkings.com/