CSK make MAC their own

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If the recent trend is anything to go by, there is definite home advantage in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Defending champions Chennai Super Kings have not lost at the MA Chidambaram Stadium this season while Rajasthan Royals and Mumbai Indians boast of a near perfect record at home.

In a format like T20 where the wicket cannot change character drastically in 40 overs, how big is the home advantage?

“I wouldn’t say there is much in it. We have a good record at home but we are also equally aware things will change quickly. The right things will still have to be done consistently to ensure success,” said CSK coach Stephen Fleming.

Rajasthan stand on top when it comes to success percentage at home and skipper Shane Warne noted that teams have learnt to play better in their backyard and barring the Deccan Chargers (Hyderabad) all other teams have a decent record at home.

The Chargers cannot be faulted for the position they are in. A new look team will take time to get acclimatised to conditions and it must be remembered that the then defending champions were forced to play their home games outside home due to political reasons in 2010. Chennai’s mainstay Mike Hussey maintained that it is difficult for visiting teams to get used to the conditions here and the strong spin attack of the Super Kings is making life tough for batsmen.

“We practise a lot here and that’s a huge advantage. It helps us in all departments of the game especially fielding,” said Hussey. The crowd at the MAC adds to the local team. Inspite of dwindling numbers, the decibels have remained high.

“The Chennai crowd is easily the most knowledgeable. They support good cricket and there is no doubt that the Super Kings enjoy playing here. The venue has been the preferred one for many legends in Indian and world cricket,” said former Indian captain Kris Srikkanth.

The newly built stadium is a modern marvel far different from the earlier heavy concrete structure. But the characteristics have not changed by much.

“The wicket here is sporting and we enjoy playing as a team here. Personally it has been a lucky venue for me. There is something about the overall atmosphere that spurs you to do better,” remarked off-spinner R. Ashwin.

With the second qualifier and final slated here, Chennai will have their nose in front (if they qualify) call it undue advantage but the champs are not complaining.