As the sun sets over the iconic M. A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, the stage is set for yet another electrifying clash between the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Known as the fortress of Chepauk, this venue has witnessed CSK’s dominance over RCB, with an impressive 8-1 head-to-head record in nine IPL encounters. However, RCB’s lone victory here dates back to the inaugural season of 2008, a match that still echoes in the annals of IPL history.
Fast forward to today, and the cricketing world will once again witness the legendary duo of Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni locking horns. But what makes the 2008 encounter even more intriguing is the fact that three players from CSK’s lineup that day have now transitioned into coaching roles across the IPL.
Stephen Fleming: From Opener to CSK’s Mastermind
Stephen Fleming, who once opened the innings for CSK, played a pivotal role in the 2008 match with a steady 45 off 40 balls. Alongside Parthiv Patel, he stitched a 60-run partnership in 9.1 overs. However, CSK’s batting lineup crumbled, losing eight wickets for just 52 runs, falling short by 14 runs. Today, Fleming stands as the long-serving head coach of CSK, orchestrating their strategies with precision.
Parthiv Patel: The Dual Role Player
Parthiv Patel, who donned the gloves for CSK in 2008, contributed 24 runs off 29 balls. A rare gem to have represented both CSK and RCB, Parthiv now serves as the assistant and batting coach for the Gujarat Titans, bringing his wealth of experience to the table.
Muttiah Muralitharan: The Spin Wizard Turned Mentor
Muttiah Muralitharan, the spin maestro, bowled a tight spell of 4-0-19-1 in that match but couldn’t steer CSK to victory. Since 2015, he has been the spin bowling coach and mentor for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), nurturing the next generation of spinners.
Interestingly, for RCB, the legendary Rahul Dravid captained the side and top-scored with 47 off 39 balls in that 2008 match. Today, Dravid is the head coach of Rajasthan Royals (RR), adding another layer of nostalgia to this high-octane clash.
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