Chennai Super Kings - Australia of the Indian Premier League?

They haven't won the IPL title since 2011.

They had a strong start last season, winning six matches on-the-trot, but ran out of championship steam after that. They are a team that is mentioned every time a story is done on the IPL spot-fixing and illegal betting scandals. None of that though has managed to dent the sheer aura of dominance that fans have come to associate with the 'Men in Yellow'. (Hussey Wants to Emulate Dhoni's Power and Calmness)

Just over a week ago, another team in yellow showed the world why they are considered to be the ultimate world beaters by winning the ICC World Cup for a record fifth time.

The similarities between Australia and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) though aren't restricted to just this and the colour of their jerseys. (Dhoni's Chennai Super Kings Overwhelming Favourites)

The Super Kings have made to the last four in every single edition so far. They have played the final five times and won twice, which makes them the most successful IPL team.

Australia meanwhile have played seven World Cup finals and won five of them. Just like Australia, CSK are hungry for success and have a point or two to prove. Just like Australia, CSK know how to dominate a tournament and just like the Aussies, CSK have been picked by the bookmakers as the favourites to win the title this time. (Players Who will Miss the Action in IPL 2015)

So, are the Chennai Super Kings the Australia of the IPL?

Mr. Cricket, Michael Hussey, who was bought back by CSK this season was very impressed with Chennai's latest squad.

He said, "The squad looks as good as it's ever been. There have been some great signings in the last couple of years like Nehra, Smith, McCullum and Pathan."

That last name on Hussey's list has not been on the Indian national selectors' radar for a while now, but Irfan Pathan (like other out of favour seniors) is determined to make a mark and use the IPL as a stepping stone for a national comeback.

Pathan has said, "Obviously, the dream is to play for the country again, but at the same time, I should make sure that I get there step by step and that is what I am doing."

Pathan no doubt will be given a chance, but make no mistake about it, CSK will not think twice before benching any player who doesn't perform. Just ask Ben Hilfenhaus and David Hussey, who were both released. Hilfenhaus was with the team since 2011. No sentimentality. Just like the Aussies.

MS Dhoni: Gunning for a 3rd IPL title

© BCCI

If there was a poll on which team has the most explosive opening combination (maybe there already has been one), chances are CSK would win it hands down. Brendon McCullum and Dwayne Smith are both capable of destroying any bowling attack. A lot like David Warner and Aaron Finch for Australia.

Also, just like Australia, CSK have a whole host of match winners. McCullum, Dwayne Smith, Suresh Raina, MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, Dwayne Bravo, Ravichandran Ashwin and Faf du Plessis can all win a T20 match on their own.

One of the best buys of the last IPL auction was perhaps CSK buying South African fast bowler Kyle Abbott for just Rs 30 lakh. Abbott showed what he is capable of in the World Cup, finishing with nine wickets in four matches, with an economy rate of below five. Investing in new talent is something CSK has done over the years, bringing in the likes of Smith, Mohit Sharma, Ishwar Pandey and Baba Aparajith.

Of course unlike an international team like Australia, the Super Kings have had the luxury of keeping their core team intact. The likes of Dhoni, Raina, Ashwin and Michael Hussey have been with the team since the first edition. Stephen Fleming, who played in the first season has been coach since 2009.

Michael Clarke's captaincy in the World Cup was praised a fair bit. If there's one man who can win the battle of the captains in the IPL hands down, it's MS Dhoni. Both continually stress on the importance of momentum.

One has gone into the ODI sunset with a fitting farewell. The other has his eyes on a third IPL title.

The chant of 'Aussie, Aussie, Aussie' reigned supreme in the World Cup.

Can the 'whistle-podu' do the same in the IPL?