The 17th edition of the Indian Premier League is all set to begin on March 22, Friday. Like every year, the cash-rich league will be opening with a grand ceremony with stars coming together at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. With the enthusiasm of IPL 2024 already high, the opening ceremony with a bunch of Bollywood stars and singers will be a perfect cherry on top.

According to the BCCI reports, legendary music composer AR Rahman, singer Sonu Nigam, actors like Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff will participate in the programme. Just like previous year’s opening ceremony at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, this year too the opening ceremony will begin at 6.30 pm IST just one hour ahead of the opening match of the IPL 2024 between defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).

See also: List of all venues for IPL 2024; check out now!

IPL 2024 opening ceremony: timing, performers list, live streaming

When will the IPL 2024 opening ceremony take place?

The IPL 2024 opening ceremony will begin at 6.30 pm IST on March 22, Friday.

Where will the IPL 2024 opening ceremony take place?

Chennai will be hosting this year’s IPL ceremony at MA Chidambaram Stadium known as Chepauk Stadium.

Who will participate in the IPL 2024 opening ceremony?

The theme for the IPL opening ceremony this year is ‘Rise as One’. Reportedly, AR Rahman, Sonu Nigam, Akshay Kumar, and Tiger Shroff will take part in the IPL 2024 opening ceremony.

How to watch the IPL 2024 opening ceremony on TV?

The Indian Premier League 2024 opening ceremony will be available to watch live on Star TV network in India.

How to watch the live streaming of the IPL 2024 opening ceremony?

Jio Cinema will live stream IPL 2024 opening ceremony in India for free.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 is just around the corner, set to kick off on March 22nd, and cricket fans worldwide are eagerly awaiting the return of their beloved stars to the field. From the iconic MS Dhoni with his vintage long hairstyle to the dynamic young wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant, anticipation is at an all-time high.

Focus on Player Fitness

In a tournament as intense as the IPL, where the margin for error is minimal, the fitness of players becomes paramount. Injuries can significantly impact a team’s performance, making player well-being a top priority for franchises.

See Also: Matthew Wade announces retirement from the longest format of the game

One player who has found himself at the centre of injury concerns is Kolkata Knight Riders’ skipper, Shreyas Iyer. Despite a commendable performance in the Ranji Trophy final against Vidarbha, where he scored a gritty 95 runs in the second innings, Iyer’s absence from the field during Vidarbha’s second innings raised questions.

Insider Reports and Speculation

According to insiders at the Mumbai Cricket Association, scan reports regarding Iyer’s injury are inconclusive. While some sources indicate potential match absences for Iyer, officials from Mumbai and Kolkata Knight Riders have denied any threat to his IPL participation, asserting his fitness for the tournament.

Mumbai team manager Bhushan Patil quelled concerns, stating, “There is no cause for concern; he is fine and will be going to Kolkata for the pre-IPL camp in two days.” Such assurances from team officials aim to alleviate fears surrounding Iyer’s availability for the IPL.

Social Media Speculation

Intriguingly, speculation surrounding Iyer’s injury found its way onto social media platforms, with Dream11’s Instagram video featuring Rohit, Pant, Iyer, Preity Zinta, Hardik, Krunal, and more. In the video, Iyer was seen shaking hands with Bollywood star Suniel Shetty, and after that, Iyer got injured, adding fuel to the fire. However, it’s essential to note that the video was merely for entertainment purposes, highlighting the playful camaraderie between fans and players in the IPL.

Check the video here:

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Bengal Cricketer Shahbaz Ahmed Faces Potential Backlash for Social Media Post Ahead of IPL Stint with SRH

Renowned spin-bowling all-rounder, Shahbaz Ahmed, is embarking on a new chapter in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and is set to join Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) after being traded by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the 2023 season. Having initiated his IPL journey with RCB in 2020 and subsequently being reacquired by the team for Rs 2.4 crores in the 2022 mega auction, Ahmed played 39 matches for RCB, claiming 14 wickets with his best bowling figures recorded at 3/7.

Despite his impressive track record with RCB, the franchise opted to part ways with Shahbaz Ahmed after IPL 2023, trading him to SRH in exchange for his current fee. As he eagerly anticipates his debut season with SRH, Ahmed’s recent social media activity has stirred controversy. His Instagram bio, which reads ‘RCB > SRH,’ has sparked concerns of potential criticism from SRH fans.

Shahbaz Ahmed’s Bio on Instagram:

Meanwhile, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) is determined to make a strong comeback in IPL 2024 following lackluster performances in recent seasons. Since 2020, the team has been unable to progress beyond the league stage. Notably, SRH exhibited exceptional performance between 2016 and 2020, securing an IPL title, a runner-up position, and qualifying for the playoffs thrice during this successful period.

However, their fortunes took a downturn in the last three seasons. In 2021 and 2022, they finished in the eighth position, followed by a disappointing tenth-place finish in IPL 2023. Despite a change in captaincy for the 2023 season, the team failed to achieve the desired impact and ended up at the bottom of the table.

Regarding RCB, their quest for an elusive IPL title continues. Despite commendable performances in recent seasons, the Bengaluru-based team has fallen short of clinching the championship. Qualifying for the playoffs three times consecutively from 2020 to 2022, they, unfortunately, couldn’t progress beyond the playoff stage. In the previous season, RCB concluded at the sixth position, and their focus now shifts to enhancing their performance in IPL 2024.

Squad of Sunrisers Hyderabad for IPL 2024:

Abdul Samad, Abhishek Sharma, Aiden Markram (c), Marco Jansen, Rahul Tripathi, Washington Sundar, Glenn Phillips, Sanvir Singh, Heinrich Klaasen, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mayank Agarwal, T. Natarajan, Anmolpreet Singh, Mayank Markande, Upendra Singh Yadav, Umran Malik, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Shahbaz Ahmed, Travis Head, Wanindu Hasaranga, Pat Cummins, Jaydev Unadkat, Akash Singh, Jhathavedh Subramanyan.

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Former India and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) player Ambati Rayudu recently applauded MS Dhoni, praising him for bringing out the best of his players as captain. Rayudu shared how senior batter Ajinkya Rahane’s Indian Premier League (IPL) career saw a new height during his stint with CSK under Dhoni’s captaincy.

Speaking on The Ranveer Show, he said: “Have you ever seen him (Ajinkya Rahane) bat like that? The way he has batted this year is tremendous, with the way he has come out and expressed himself. He has always had the talent, but it is how you tap into it. That is where Dhoni bhai, being such a great leader, brings out the best in everybody. Even Stephen Fleming. Apart from MI, I don’t think any other franchises do that.”

However, Ajinkya Rahane got appreciation for his batting exploits in IPL 2023 as well. The veteran batter managed 326 runs from 11 innings at a stunning strike rate of 172.48 as well. Ambati Rayudu opined on how playing under MS Dhoni has benefited several Indian and overseas cricketers also. He also added that there isn’t anybody in Indian cricket who can question Dhoni’s decision-making.

“He has brought out the best in so many players across formats. He has even brought out the best in many foreign players that have played for CSK. He has it in him. I don’t even know how to express it because he is either blessed or he has cultivated it over so many years of playing the sport. Many times I wonder why is he doing something which I wouldn’t think is appropriate, but end of the day, the results show that he was right. He is right 99.99 percent of the time. I don’t think anybody in Indian cricket is in a position to question his decisions now because he has been so successful.” he further added.

Meanwhile, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) had a stunning season, securing their fifth title in the tournament as well. They beat the Gujarat Titans (GT) in a last-ball thriller to clinch the trophy as well.

“He is very aggressive from the inside” – Ambati Rayudu on MS Dhoni

Meanwhile, Ambati Rayudu further shared that while MS Dhoni appears to be very calm and composed from the outside, he is aggressive inside. However, he stated that Dhoni never gets angry when he sees that a player is giving his all as well.

“He (Dhoni) is very aggressive from the inside; otherwise, you wouldn’t be playing the sport for so long and competing for so long. What makes him so good is he never gets angry when somebody is giving their 100 percent and does a mistake. He is not angry just for the sake of it,” he again shared.

Ambati Rayudu said that opening batter Ruturaj Gaikwad is the right candidate to lead CSK after MS Dhoni’s retirement as well. Rayudu had a poor season with the bat, scoring 158 runs in 12 innings in IPL 2023. He, however announced his retirement from all forms of Indian cricket following the edition as well.

“I think it should be Ruturaj Gaikwad. But post the Dhoni bhai era, I don’t think it will be that much of a difference. I still see him with CSK in some capacity, holding things together. So I am sure it will remain the same,” Ambati Rayudu concluded.

On Thursday, the Chennai Super Kings made an official announcement stating that Ben Stokes, the star England all-rounder, has decided to forego participation in IPL 2024 to effectively manage his workload and prioritize his fitness.

According to CSK’s statement, “England Test captain and all-rounder Ben Stokes has chosen to make himself unavailable for IPL 2024 to carefully manage his workload and ensure peak fitness. Stokes, 32, joined the Super Kings before the successful IPL 2023 and recently featured in the ODI World Cup 2023, a tournament he came out of retirement for.”

“The Chennai Super Kings management fully supports Ben in his decision to balance commitments, especially with England scheduled to play a demanding 5-Test series in India preceding the IPL, followed by the T20 World Cup in June 2024.”

A Recap of Stokes’ Impactful IPL Journey

Stokes made his IPL debut in the 2017 season when Rising Pune Supergiant secured him for a then-record INR 14.5 crores, making him the most expensive foreign player at the time. His maiden season saw impressive performances, scoring 316 runs in 12 matches with a striking strike rate of 142.98. Beyond his statistics, it was his impactful contributions at crucial moments that garnered global attention.

Moving to the Rajasthan Royals in 2018, Stokes showcased his all-round prowess in the 2019 IPL season. Despite occasional brilliance, his overall performance remained inconsistent. The 2020 IPL season, hosted in the UAE due to COVID-19, was a standout for Stokes as he achieved his highest run tally in the IPL, notching a remarkable 107 not out against the Mumbai Indians. Opening the batting that season, he amassed 285 runs in just eight matches at an average of nearly 41.

CSK will undoubtedly feel the void left by Stokes, missing his transformative capabilities with both bat and ball that proved pivotal for the team. To maintain competitiveness in IPL 2024, CSK must reassess their approach and explore new avenues. While Stokes’ absence presents challenges, it also provides an opportunity for the team to adopt different strategies and unearth potential talents.

See Also:Cricket Ban: Marlon Samuels Suspended for Six Years Due to Anti-Corruption Code Violation

Ricky Ponting, a former captain of Australia, once again picked his nation as the favorite to win the World Test Championship final against India at The Oval on Sunday. Ponting stated the same thing during an earlier interview with ICC Review and reiterated it during an interview with Star Sports, stating that Australia will start as the favorite to win the match while India will enter the summit clash “jaded and tired” from the arduous IPL 2023 season.

However, the panel’s other members, legendary cricketers Ravi Shastri and Wasim Akram, slammed the statement, with the former India coach making a venomous reference to “Mohammed Shami.”

Ponting, when directly asked who he thinks will win the game, said Australia, albeit “slightly.” He chose Australia based on match preparation, despite admitting that there is little to distinguish the two teams after they finished top of the table at the conclusion of the 2021/23 cycle to reach the final. He explained that Indian players were exhausted following the IPL season, whereas Australian players had barely played the sport prior to the WTC final, implying a “fresh” mind.

“The interesting thing as far as preparation is concerned is that some of the Australians have done nothing. They haven’t been playing any cricket at all. At least, all the Indian guys have been playing very competitive cricket in the IPL. So coming in fresh without any cricket, is that better or is it coming in maybe slightly jaded and slightly tired on the back of an IPL but having played a lot of cricket leading in? So there’s lots of factors that could show up through the course of this week,”

he said.

The Pakistani fast-bowling legend, on the other hand, completely disagreed with Ponting and stated that, regardless of the format, he would have preferred playing a series or a tournament like the IPL leading up to a big final rather than not practicing at all.

“I as a player would always want a bit of cricket behind me. It doesn’t matter the format as long as I am playing cricket. I would prefer at least one series or a tournament like IPL as match practice and then come into play,”

Akram explained, although he did pick Aussies as the favourites.

Shastri conceded that Australia start top picks on paper however added that match wellness could be a game changer. He explained that a player like Mohammed Shami, who won the Purple Cap in the IPL 2023, could end up doing the most damage with the new ball than a player who hasn’t played a match in a while and is looking for the right areas to bowl.

“I think that match fitness might come into play. It’s like Waz mentioned, Ricky mentioned, you need some cricket behind you. It’s not just the number of overs you bowl or how long you were, but just staying in the park for six hours,

“It’s totally different from just bowling in the nets for two hours, two hours, four or five days, six days. So it depends how they’ve practiced, how they’ve prepared.

“Australia. On paper, if you look man to man, they have the slight edge, but that match fitness might be the key. Where Shami might just come in and do the damage in the first half an hour because he’s been playing so much, as opposed to someone settling into a line length and the right areas to bowl.”

Shastri said.

After scoring 43 in the 2nd Qualifier, Sai Sudharshan walked off retiring out realizing that his job has been done. On that day he struggled to get the ball moving as his timing evaded him. He made 43 off 31, a pretty good score, but given Shubman Gill’s innings before, and the nature of the surface Sudharshan needed to kick on.

In the Finals, Sai Sudharshan found himself in a similar situation, although much earlier. He was 10 off 12 at one stage and the fact that T20s are not his strongest format became evident. In the early parts of his career, Sai Sudharshan came into the light with his composure and his ability to play cricket steadily. Last season, and through most of this season too, Sai Sudharshan played some steady knocks with his focus on playing good cricketing shots rather than looking to force the ball to the fence.

His composure got Ravichandran Ashwin endorsing him as Ashwin bid heavily for him in the Tamil Nadu Premier League. The pair did not end up on the same side though but he did do the job for his team in the tournament as a new exciting talent from Tamil Nadu was on the rise. He was picked up by the Gujarat Titans at base price later, and took up the role as the sides anchor.

However, with Hardik Pandya moving up the order allowing for another bowler in the side, Sai Sudharshan’s role was reduced as he moved in and out of the side. Sudharshan though found his way back in the eleven after Hardik Pandya resumed his bowling duties, allowing Sudharshan to come back at number three.

He was put to the Test immediately and against the Chennai Super Kings, in the IPL Finals, the heat was on. His lack of big-hitting options was evident, but Sudharshan found his own style of play to set the ball rolling as he went on to scare the Chennai Super Kings. He took on Matheesha Pathirana in the 12th over and put Chennai’s death bowling specialist under pressure. With a good over under his belt, Sai Sudharshan was on his way and all of a sudden the gaps were coming with ease.

He did not spare any of the bowlers as Ravindra Jadeja conceded a six in the next over. The next thirty minutes were pure carnage as Sudharshan dug into Chennai’s death bowlers, Tushar Deshpande and Matheesha Pathirana. He showed his ability to play some innovative shots, and also displayed impressive stroke play as he managed to get under some good deliveries from Matheesha Pathirana.

The crowd was going wild as a special talent from Chennai was putting pressure on the Chennai Super Kings. He was dismissed in the Final Over for a well made 96, and on the way to his 96, Sai Sudharshan gave a really entertaining display. The T20 Format evidently is not his best, but when it mattered the most, Sudharshan managed to play a crucial innings, striking over 200 allowing Gujarat to get to a really strong total in the end.

Both Ajinkya Rahane and Shivam Dube came into the season with their career in different situations. Ajinkya Rahane was dropped from the Test side and a comeback looked very unlikely with Rahane falling off the radar. Shivam Dube was nowhere near the same radar as a failed stint with the Indian team and the presence of Hardik Pandya left him forgotten. Compared to Pandya at one stage for his hitting ability and ability to provide some overs, Shivam Dube came in having to emulate someone he just could not.

In the IPL too, Dube did not have the performances to put him in the spotlight. CSK though have managed to find ways to get the best out of both Shivam Dube and Ajinkya Rahane.

Ajinkya Rahane’s buy initially seemed questionable. His form across formats was not to great and with the standard of T20 Cricket changing his game did not seem like it would find a spot with sides looking for big hitters. Rahane though found himself in the squad, and jumped on his first opportunity as he made the side when Moeen Ali and Ben Stokes were unavailable. In his first game in the yellow jersey, Ajinkya Rahane flicked a switch. He made a quickfire 61 off just 27 balls to show that he can bat at higher gears, and topped that up with a 29 ball 71 against the Kolkata Knight Riders.

All of a sudden Rahane was finding the boundaries with ease and looked completely different with the bat. His six-hitting skill was on show and all of a sudden, after some good numbers in Ranji Trophy as well, Ajinkya Rahane finds himself back in the Test squad for the World Test Championship Finals.

Coming to the IPL Finals though, the role of Ajinkya Rahane looked rather uncertain with the required rate pretty high. Although Rahane has been clearing the ropes nicely this season, the image of him batting at faster rates is not something that could strike viewers straight away. His style of hitting too makes it tougher to see him as a big hitter as Rahane continues to time his shots rather than power them over the ropes.

He came in with the required rate past eleven and played two glorious shots to state his intentions. The first was a pull over square leg and the second was a straight drive timed to perfection as it went past the ropes effortlessly. He continued to work his magic as he hit two fours of Rashid Khan when the game looked like it was slipping away, keeping the Super Kings alive.

At the other end for most of the part though was Shivam Dube. This season has seen Shivam Dube make a huge transformation. His Six-hitting ability was given the full backing and Dube was given a clear role as CSK’s enforcer against the spinners. He hit 35 sixers in the season and when it mattered the most, Shivam Dube took on Rashid Khan.

Like Rahane, Shivam Dube managed to clear the fence when the game was once again looking far from the Chennai Super Kings. Through most of his innings, Dube struggled to get under the ball and he looked very flustered. The big stage looked like it was getting the better of him. Against Rashid Khan though, in the 12th over, Dube found two balls in his arc and launched them straight over the fence to get the Super Kings rolling towards the back end of the innings.

He was used in a specific role this season as CSK backed him to find the momentum against spin, and Dube did exactly that in the Finals and through the league stage. The tournament has helped him rediscover his form and Shivam Dube now looks a lot more dangerous, particularly against the spin bowlers.

Ambati Rayudu’s career has been a tough one to follow. After leading the Under-19 side in the 2004 World Cup, a side with a lot of future prospects, Ambati Rayudu faded away despite all his talent. His temper was an issues as he often got on the wrong side of the wrong people, once going after the Hyderabad Cricket Association as well.

On May 28th though, Ambati Rayudu finally announced a retirement, this time promising no U-turns. Like many incidents throughout his career, his retirement too has been an interesting story. He first announced his retirement after missing out on a spot in the 2019 World Cup, only to announce his comeback a few months later. Last season, he once again announced his retirement only for it to be taken back as the Chennai Super Kings management convinced him to stay on and play for a little longer.

The fact that the Chennai Super Kings asked him to stay on is proof of his value in the side. His career though has not been short of controversy. From the beginning, in 2008, his controversies started. His first run with the authorities began when he chose to play in the Indian Cricket League, which led to him being banned from official games conducted by the BCCI. He came into the IPL in 2009 though and has been an integral part of the Mumbai Indians ever since.

From his initial days he has contributed immensely for them, and doubled up as wicket-keeper on many occasions as well. Mumbai unfortunately could not retain him in 2018, and he ended up with the Chennai Super Kings, starting a journey which pushed his career to different heights. In his first season with the Super Kings he was a very important part of their push for the title with 602 runs in the season. He opened the batting and later dropped down as well doing whatever was necessary to help with the team combination.

A World Cup spot after that performance was his for the taking. He got to play a stretch of games for India after that, but missed out for various reasons, resulting in him lashing out at the Selectors and also announcing his retirement.

Ambati Rayudu though remained an integral part of the Chennai Super Kings. In 2020, with Suresh Raina opting out of the season, Rayudu took the number three spot. The season did not go well but his performances were pretty good throughout. In 2021 and 2022, Rayudu again proved his worth with small contributions that often go unnoticed. He consistently provided cameos for the side but without too many substantial scores Ambati Rayudu could not stand out like the others.

In 2023, in his Final season, Rayudu finally came out of the shadows with another traditional cameo. Throughout the season Ambati Rayudu was often used only for his batting while he was subbed out via the impact sub rule in the second half. His batting too wasn’t used much with Ambati Rayudu often being sent towards the second half to go out and have a nice slog.

In the first Qualifier though, his 17 off 10 proved to be very valuable as CSK got enough to defend on a slow track. It was his contribution in the Final though which made the difference. Throughout his career, with Ambati Rayudu’s technique and timing, he has been a player who could take on bowlers who are often thorns to the other batters. He has a really good record against the likes of Jasprit Bumrah and Rashid Khan proving that he loves going after the best bowlers in the tournament.

Throughout the chase CSK had the pushes needed but in the last few overs, with the bowling attack left, it looked like CSK would not have the legs to push through. Mohit Sharma had a really good record this season in the death, but Ambati Rayudu once again did not bother. He backed himself and bought out his vintage lofted slog over the off-side. In his Final game he went trademark Rayudu as he went six, four, six to get the equation from 38 off 18 to 22 off 15. He did not finish the game but his 19 off 8 kept Chennai alive as Rayudu finished with yet another cameo that silently made a huge impact on the game.

A man of few words, often known to be a rebel, Ambati Rayudu signed off in a manner that resembles a career of what was and what could have been. He gave an emotional interview after the game as well, and his cameo proves that he will leave a hole in the CSK line-up as a man who silently gives his hundred percent with incredible cameos walks away.

After being touted as one of the players for the future back in 2004, Ambati Rayudu closed things out and kept his side alive with his grit. In the end it was only fitting that MS Dhoni called up Ambati Rayudu to collect the trophy, displaying Rayudu’s value in the side and showing the respect he has earnt from his teammates.

Mohit Sharma was nailing his Yorkers. The Defending Champs, after a roller-coaster second half finally looked on top. Ravindra Jadeja though, with 10 needed off 2 and with Dhoni back in the dug-out became the Ice-man. From having people cheer for his wicket, the crowd was waiting and hoping Ravindra Jadeja would pull something out of the bag. The fifth ball was another Yorker, but Ravindra Jadeja, with all his skills managed to get under it and dispatch the ball over the ropes.

With 4 needed off one, he kept his cool yet again as a poor ball from Mohit Sharma was dispatched to the boundary to send the Chennai Super Kings into celebration. They were preparing for heartbreak, but Ravindra Jadeja, a Super king as important as the likes of MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina over the franchise’s history pulled it off.

Had he not pulled it off though, Jadeja would have definitely had another heartbreak added to his list of heartbreaks. He was in a similar situation four seasons ago as well. Against the Mumbai Indians, four years ago in Hyderabad, in another thrilling IPL Finals, Ravindra Jadeja found himself stuck at the wrong end in the Final over. In hindsight though, their was a case for him to be on strike.

With 4 needed off 2, Shardul Thakur swiped a delivery to the leg-side as the pair came back for two. Being the more experienced batter though, there was a thought that Ravindra Jadeja could have stuck with the single and backed himself to take on Lasith Malinga with three needed of one. Instead, Shardul Thakur took strike and was caught on the pads by an exceptional slower-ball as the Mumbai Indians went on to win their fourth Title. Jadeja, with his batting abilities consistently improving in hindsight may have felt he could have kept strike with three needed instead. It wasn’t meant to be though.

Last night however, he took it upon himself. With Shivam Dube struggling to clear the fence, Ravindra Jadeja closed things out in fairytale fashion. Earlier in the season his wicket was met with cheers as it meant the arrival of MS Dhoni. Now, after all of those cheers, it is Jadeja who finished things off in style.

In many ways this has been an important season for Jadeja. He was made captain last season, stripped of his captaincy mid-way, and looked nowhere near the player he truly is. Their were reports of him being unhappy with the proceedings, and him wanting to move to a different team. Jadeja though stuck with the Chennai Super Kings and has gone through one of his best seasons.

With the ball Jadeja has been Dhoni’s go-to man as he has been on many occasions for both India and CSK. He enjoyed his best season with the ball, and while he did not get to bat much Ravindra Jadeja was ready to stand up at the back end. He had a few moments with the bat as well with MS Dhoni, but it was his bowling which turned games for the Chennai Super Kings.

In the Finals too, with the Super Kings looking sloppy in the field and with Gill threatening to take the game out of Chennai’s reach it was the Jadeja-Dhoni combo that did it again. Jadeja managed to get a delivery to grip and turn past Gill’s outside edge and Dhoni completed one of his fastest stumpings to send Gill packing. He was the catalyst with the ball for the Chennai Super Kings all season and provided the breakthrough in the Finals as well.

In the end though it was all about his performance with the bat. For the past few seasons he has been CSK’s number one player, contributing in all departments, and has been one of the best if not the best in the country. Despite all the rifts though it was Jadeja who delivered as he ended the season with perfection as MS Dhoni hoisted him in the air in a rare show of emotion for CSK’s multi-utility player who has been nothing short of brilliant throughout their franchise history.