Srikkanth backs Chennai to win IPL

Durban:

Former India captain and current chairman of selectors Krishnamachari Srikkanth is backing Chennai Super Kings to go the distance this time and win the Indian Premier League title on Sunday.

The Super Kings, led by India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, finished the inaugural season as runners-up to Rajasthan Royals.

But the former top-order batsman feels the team has what it takes to finish off the job this time around.

"I am backing Chennai Super Kings to reach the final and then complete the unfinished business of the last season. I hope they do it," said the 49-year-old who considered Dhoni, Anil Kumble, Yuvraj Singh and Shane Warne among the better captains in this IPL.

"Shane Warne didn't have a great side but he did a fantastic job in maneuvering his side till the very end," Srikkanth wrote in his column for IPL's official website.

"Kumble has to be right up there because of the resurgence he has brought about in Royal Challengers Bangalore. They were down and out but Kumble has been amazing.

"Yuvraj Singh has done a great job. He is learning with every match and improving drastically. His transition is amazing and looks like a man who is in control on the field.

As far as MS is concerned, I don't think I need to say anything. He has just overwhelmed everyone by his innovative approach towards the game. No doubt, he is my man."

Srikkanth also lavished praise on retired Australia batsman Matthew Hayden and felt his batting for the Chennai Super Kings might be forcing selectors to squirm in their seats.

"My pick among the batsmen is Matthew Hayden. There is no other choice at all. It is Hayden all the way. He wanted to finish his international career on a high but couldn't. I think Indian Premier League is a platform for him to make the selectors feel guilty for his untimely exit."

As far as bowlers are concerned, the former swashbuckling batsman feels there's not much to separate RP Singh and Lasith Malinga.

"When it comes to bowlers I think it has to be a toss up between Lasith Malinga and RP Singh. They have bowled really well throughout the tournament. Among the slower bowlers, I think no one has been able to match the magic of Muttiah Muralitharan," said Srikkanth.