Defending champions Chennai Super Kings’ campaign so far this season has been akin to James Bond’s renowned martini — shaken not stirred.

After a disastrous opening against Mumbai Indians, Super Kings seemed to have found their bearings against Deccan Chargers. However, inconsistency only saw the yellow brigade drop points against Delhi Daredevils in their next.

Though the competition is still in its infancy, it always helps to get a head start. It particularly eases off pressure during the homestretch whilst the calculators are out.

On Thursday, hosts Super Kings will get another chance to pull the strings together against Royal Challengers Bangalore. Going by statistics, MS Dhoni’s team would be more than happy to face RCB at the MAC.

After registering a comprehensive win against them during the league phase, Super Kings went on to win the title with a resounding triumph against the same opponents in last season’s finale.

For Super Kings, the problems to address are aplenty. Not able to post targets over the six runs an over mark on two occasions would definitely come up during the boardroom discussions.

Nonetheless, their major cause of concern would be the mode of dismissals suffered against Daredevils. Super Kings’ calling between the wickets at the capital was substandard to say the least.
The Chepauk pitch caused quite a lot of hullabaloo when Super Kings hosted Mumbai in the lung opener.

In fact, Chennai coach Stephen Fleming went on record saying that the new strip was responsible for their defeat. Sympathising a little with the New Zealander, one can understand that the home team were taken aback by the unusual pace the square had to offer.

However, considering that the face of the pitch does not alter drastically after 20 overs, it must be said that it was mere lack of application than anything else that brought about their downfall.

Dhoni and his men, no doubt, need to step it up if they aspire to win a hat-trick of titles. It would be interesting to see if Super Kings, just like Ian Fleming’s celebrated fictional spy, are able to wriggle out of a tight corner by exhibiting smartness when the situation demands.

Meanwhile, RCB have their own problems to deal with. The Daniel Vettori-led side has also flown in with their backs to the wall after failing against Kolkata Knight Riders on Tuesday.

Even though fortified by the arrival of Chris Gayle, RCB failed to show up against Kolkata. As always, the swashbuckling West Indian, who misfired in his maiden outing, holds the key for RCB.

Comprising one of the best stroke-makers in their line-up, the visitors would be looking to turn the tables on Chennai this time around. Both teams opted for rest after reaching the city late on Wednesday.

Players to watch out:

Chris Gayle (RCB): A wounded tiger is more dangerous. Gayle is no different. The Jamaican smasher, who could manage just a couple of runs against KKR, can change the course of the game within minutes at the crease — if he stays that is. A player in the make-or-break mould, Gayle would well leave Chennai licking their wounds if he gets going. Seeing off his nemesis -- R. Ashwin -- will, however, play on Gayle's mind.

R. Ashwin (CSK): It hasn’t been the best of starts for Ashwin as far as the wickets column goes. The Indian off-spinner just has a single reward to show but has been economical nonetheless. The wily off-spinner will continue to be Dhoni’s trump card as he has the innate ability to fight back.

If there is one man who can stop Gayle-destruction, it is Ashwin. The tall bowler would look to make use of the home support to set the ball rolling.