Can CSK repeat?

 The Chennai Super Kings started the defense of their IPL Champions title with an interesting win over the Knight Riders. What was interesting was that a significantly reconstructed CSK was able to wrest a win from the hands of Kolkata. While Gambhir will have to answer his critics on continued running woes and the decision to move himself down the order, what remains is that Kolkata lost a game they should have won. The game also established the uncanny ability of CSK to win games that matter.If you remember, the Super Kings lost the first IPL to Rajasthan in the last ball. The Royals were the underdogs that went all the way in IPL 1. CSK's freshman campaign was also pretty good by IPL standards but they were derailed in the semis by Anil Kumble's Challengers. The third time was the charm for Dhoni's boys who had a resurgent second half in IPL3 to win it all over Sachin's Mumbai Indians.The Super Kings will have a challenge in their hands this season from a very good Indians team and a bunch of above average teams from Deccan, Rajasthan and Kolkata. Pune will be a dark horse if they can pull things together. As the most valuable franchise in the league, the CSK management has done a stellar job in replacing stars like Hayden and Murali not to mention an injured Bollinger (who should hopefully be back for the second half) with local and internation choices like Aniruddha Sreekanth and Tim Southee. Already, Bollinger's replacement Tim Southee proved his mettle by bowling a very tight last over to Kolkata in the first game. Dhoni's ability to eke out wins in such tight situations will hopefully stay intact and the Super Kings will be the champions once more in 2011.Whistle Podu!