IPL 2008 Final: A look at CSK XI
Indian Premier League (IPL) has always been a green patch for Chennai Super Kings. CSK has thus far won the title 3 times, including the 2018 season. Even after being involved with a number of off-the-field controversies, the side has continued its supreme playing attitude in the park.
With Mahendra Singh Dhoni being at the top of the ship for all these years, it is not surprising to see CSK maintain a win percentage of 62% in all competitions.
Glancing back to the days of old glory, the first IPL final is still fresh in the minds of all loyal CSK fans. The last-ball win by Rajasthan Royals was a wound in the minds of all who wore yellow that night. However, much has been achieved and conquered by the yellow men from there on.
Now, at the grooming of a very new season, we take a look back to the XI players who were fielded by Chennai Super Kings on the night of the first final and what they are up to now.
#1 Parthiv Patel
Parthiv Patel was Chennai Super King's opener and wicketkeeper at the first ever IPL final. The keeper-batsman was CSK's third leading run scorer in the season with 302 runs from 13 games, including two 50s.
Against Rajasthan Royals, Patel scored a glittering 38 runs off 33 balls to open the attack, before falling prey to Yusuf Pathan. The then 22-year old was on the pitch for the first 9 overs, settling the CSK batting.
The player hailing from Gujarat stayed with the Chennai franchise till 2010. Later on, Parthiv Patel moved on to represent a number of teams in IPL - Kochi Tuskers Kerala, Deccan Chargers, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Mumbai Indians and now for a second stint with the Bangalore franchise this edition.
Parthiv couldn't stay long in the international circuit regularly and made his last appearance for India against South Africa in 2018. He is still in the radar for the Indian squad and is playing for Gujarat in First-Class cricket, including Ranji Trophy.
#2 Vidyut Sivaramakrishnan
Vidyut Sivaramakrishnan was one of Chennai's local talents in the first season. The batsman used to open the innings or at the top of the order for CSK and did so in 9 matches, scoring 145 runs.
During the final, Vidyut faced 14 balls from which he scored 16 runs to gather 39 runs for the 1st wicket partnership. The player never appeared in IPL after the final and couldn't progress much in his cricket career.
Vidyut Sivaramakrishnan, now 37-years old last appeared in a professional match, for Goa in 2010.
#3 Suresh Raina
Suresh Raina, even after 11 years remains one of Chennai's best and most trusted players. Raina was the star of the stars from the maiden season, scoring 421 runs from the 16 games and being the team's top-scorer. The UP-born player's contributions were beyond numbers in the season.
On June 1 2008, Raina scored 43 runs off 30 balls to become CSK's top scorer for the innings. The batsman came into the crease in the 6th over and remained till the 16th over, forming crucial partnerships.
Suresh Raina has been with CSK all through its days. When the club was off IPL for two years, the player was part of Gujarat Lions, before returning to the team in 2018. Unlike the old days, Raina is not a usual call-up to the national squad these days and played his last international match in July 2018, against England. However, he is contributing with his experience to Uttar Pradesh domestic team in the national leagues.