IPL 2018: Chennai Super Kings Struck the Perfect Formula to Work as One: Viv Richards

Windies great Viv Richards registered his views on the ongoing season of Indian Premier League (IPL). The tournament has almost reached its climax with the playoffs set to begin on Tuesday (May 22). The enticing clash will be held at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

The four teams which managed to reach the playoffs are Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Rajasthan Royals (RR).

However, CSK is scheduled to take on the Sunrisers in the first qualifier. The former Windies batsman reckons MS Dhoni’s men struck the perfect balance in the business end of the tournament.

“With a skipper like Dhoni, sharp-minded and a lightning-quick wicketkeeper, Chennai are bound to do well. As important as the skipper is, the men in yellow have worked brilliantly together; whether it be Lungi Ngidi’s perfect length bowling or Suresh Raina’s smart batting, they have found the formula to work as one,” Viv Richards told ToI.

Viv Richards on SRH:

Also, the Antiguan legend believed absence of David Warner in the tournament was not felt due to the presence of Kane Williamson. Kiwis star inspired many with both bat and captaincy.

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“Despite the absence of star players, Sunrisers Hyderabad stood stronger than ever. Williamson stepped up and proved to be the Orange Army’s saviour. The way he rotated his bowlers in the game against MI whilst defending a mere 118 runs was monumental and that commenced a six-match winning streak,” added Richards.

On youngsters standing out in the tournament:

After watching the round-robin league of IPL, Richards listed a number of exceptional young guns. They stood out in the tournament.

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In addition, 0ut of the number of players featuring in the tournament, the likes of Rishabh Pant, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Krishanappa Gowtham and Shreyas Gopal impressed Richards the most.

“We have seen the rise of young players like Rishabh Pant, whose batting has been exceptional to watch this season, Rashid Khan’s stupendous spin bowling, Mujeeb’s exceptional spells, all-round performances from K Gowtham and Shreyas Gopal when it mattered,” concluded Viv Richards.