Looking to shake off the web of deceit

JAIPUR: Subplots are what add spice to sporting contests. But it is normally an impending milestone or rivalry between teams that stand out rather than an unwanted, shared legacy of corruption in the sport.

When Chennai Super Kings face Rajasthan Royals on Friday, they will do so under the long shadow of spot-fixing. While the hosts have wriggled out of the effects of fixing through good performances, the defending CLT20 champions seem shaken by the allegations that have shaken up the BCCI.

OPTIMUM USE

The Royals have under the calming influence of skipper Rahul Dravid and coach Paddy Upton managed their limited resources smartly to remain unbeaten thus far. The team unity was evident at their nets on Thursday. Shane Watson was having a hit; Shaun Tait, Vikramjeet Malik, Harmeet Singh and Pravin Tambe were bowling to him. Despite the irrelevance of a batsman hammering away at the nets, every time the all-rounder dispatched a delivery, the group motivated the bowler who has been punished.

Ashok Meneria asserted the positive mood in the camp. “I believe that out of all the IPL sides, we have the best team bonding. And seeing an 18-yearold and 42-year-old play together in the team, you can understand the support for each other.”

SPOT-FIXING

Midway through the IPL, Ankeet Chavan, S Sreesanth and Ajit Chandila of the Royals were arrested for spot-fixing. And senior CSK official and Board president N Srinivasan’s son-inlaw, Gurunath Meiyappan, was arrested and charged with cheating, fraud, forgery and providing information to alleged bookies.

Michael Hussey’s revelation in his book that Meiyappan did control the team appears to have distracted the men in yellow. MS Dhoni’s boys were mauled by Trinidad and Tobago a day after the news broke out. What was really surprising was that CSK’S appalling batting on Wednesday on a decent Kotla wicket.