Chennai look to maintain undefeated home run

With a captain who has redefined leadership with his calm and calculated approach, Chennai Super Kings are living up to their name, quite literally, with an undefeated home run in the Indian Premier League. And, it would take quite an effort to breach their fortress in the grand finale on Saturday.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, considered the man with the Midas touch, has led the defending champions to the finals with the same flair with which he marshals the Indian team.

Their rivals are not yet decided as they await the winners of Friday's play-off between the Royal Challengers Bangalore and Mumbai Indians.

Dhoni had pinned faith on his players despite losses in away games and it paid off in the seven home matches that Chennai won at the Chepauk.

It is to be seen whether Dhoni comes up with any surprises in the playing XI on Saturday.

Besides their record in the previous editions, Chennai are also playing at home in the summit clash and the capacity crowd that will throng the MA Chidambaram stadium will be the team's 12th man.

The team management is said to have forethought about missing some players midway through the IPL and the departure of Suraj Randiv for national duty for Sri Lanka did not affect the team balance.

Dwayne Bravo, who replaced Randiv, straightaway acquitted himself to the demands of this aggressive game.

In fact, the all-round abilities of Bravo has added zing to the attack.

Chennai coach Stephen Fleming had expressed his happiness that the home side are not playing the final against Kolkata Knight Riders, a team which has similar combination and balance.

"We were smart enough to pick a side that will play well at home. There will surely be some advantage because we are conditioned to play at home," Fleming has said.

"It is very even and close and no preference between RCB or Mumbai. We were up against both these teams and both have match-winners in their sides. There is no preference because both are tough opponents," he said.