Coach Stephen Fleming
Last season Runners-up
Best Champions 2010, 2011
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Secret weapon
Matt Henry (above)
He has only one cap’s worth of international experience in limited overs to his name, but the New Zealand seamer will have slipped into the IPL well under the radar. However, he showed enough in that four-wicket cameo for the Black Caps, against India earlier this year, to suggest he has raw potential. A low-cost acquisition, but the reward could be significant.
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Best Indian players
MS Dhoni
India’s captain is the most successful IPL leader, too.
Suresh Raina
Free-scoring left-hander who is a World Cup winner with India.
Ravindra Jadeja
A troubled soul early in his career, now highly valued.
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Overseas stars
Faf du Plessis
South African T20 captain was a costly addition to the batting ranks.
Dwayne Smith
Tees off at the top of the order in the best West Indian traditions.
John Hastings
Australian seamer with a decent economy rate of 6.6 in T20 internationals.
Dwayne Bravo
Exuberant West Indies all-rounder who has thrived in T20.
Brendon McCullum
One of the IPL’s most reliable overseas bankers.
Samuel Badree
West Indian spinner riding high in the world T20 bowling rankings.
Ben Hilfenhaus
Australian seamer better regarded in the IPL than back home.
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Chocolate comparison
If they were chocolate they would be ... an After Eight. The ultimate finisher. Minty-fresh and cool. It has MS Dhoni’s mark all over it.
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