Chennai are the 2010 Super Kings

After losing the finals in 2008 and the semi finals in 2009, the IPL's most consisitent side finally bagged the cup this year. It has been the toughest year for them, requiring them to win their last league game to reach the semis - which they duly did thanks to Dhoni's 17 runs in the last over.

Opposite them, were the Mumbai Indians - in awesome form through the tournament with their youngsters (the likes of Ambati Rayudu, Saurabh Tiwary & Shikhar Dhawan) showing sparkling talent, complemented by a good showing from their experienced hands & overseas acquisitions (Malinga, Fernando, Duminy, Sachin, Zaheer, Harbhajan & Pollard). It seemed that everything had finally come together for what has always been the IPL's strongest team on paper.

But then there is the issue of luck. Or captain's luck.

On the one hand was Dhoni - somebody made captain of a T20 side in a World Cup where none of the 'seniors' wanted to put in an appearance. And he went on to win it for the country - part of the reason behind the present day hype for T20. Ever since, he has consolidated his position as one of India's best cricket captains ever in the Test & ODI arenas.

On the other hand - there was Sachin. Great player, legend, God of Indian cricket - but with rotten captain's luck. Sort of like Ganguly's captain's luck in tournament finals - his team could never seem to win!

So while Mumbai Indians were ramming their way through in the league stage of the IPL, there was always this feeling that come crunch time .... something would go wrong. And that is how it transpired. Even though Sachin played with stitches for a torn webbing sustaned 2 days previously, it was not enough. It was a heartbreaking end to one of the best campaigns ever seen in the IPL.

Full marks to Dhoni though - his aura just continues to expand. And this seems to be the correct result keeping in mind that the World T20 - the one that began it all - comes up in a few days time. Dhoni will once again be leading the side with many of the men he commanded in the Super Kings.

Well done & best of luck to Dhoni & his men then - bring it home again, guys!