Their first match in Pepsi IPL 2014, against Kings XI Punjab, in Abu Dhabi, will be a home game for the Chennai Super Kings. However, the only factor they can expect to be similar to their original home city is the high atmospheric temperature. As witnessed in the tournament opener, between Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders, the wicket at the Zayed Cricket Stadium has a generous splattering of green on it, a sight the boys from Chennai are not used to.

On the eve of the match, coach Stephen Fleming said that the heat in the afternoon game might keep the ball from moving around as it did under the lights. “The first game here was an evening game and so there was a bit in the wicket for the bowlers. Ours will be an afternoon game and the heat will play a role,” said Fleming.

Players and coaches believe that the 2014 Player Auction has given all the franchises a level playing field this season. Fleming concurred, saying that KXIP are now a dangerous side with players like Virender Sehwag, Mitchell Johnson and George Bailey.

“KXIP have done very well in the auction; they’ve bought some good players,” he said. “In Bailey and Sehwag, they have powerful hitters, and with the likes of Maxwell and Johnson, they are a pretty good side. So, you are not going to get any easy games this IPL.”

CSK too wear a relatively new look this season, having traded solidity with firepower in their batting department. The likes of Michael Hussey and S Badrinath have been replaced by Dwayne Smith and Brendon McCullum in the top order. While Fleming admitted the team will miss the wisdom and guidance of Hussey, he was very sure of the balance of the current squad.

“Mike will be missed. These are the things you have to go through when you’re looking to pick a new side. You have to let go of some of the players you’d want,” Fleming said, adding, “What we have this year is a very powerful side; we have especially instilled more power in our top order this year with the likes of Dwayne Smith and Brendon McCullum coming in. These additions to the strong base of Indian players we already had, bring a fine balanced look to the squad.”

One of the more curious buys of the auction was CSK acquiring the services of Ashish Nehra, a veteran medium pacer who has been off the national selectors’ radar since many years owing to poor form and injuries. Fleming said that he had a specific role to play in the squad.

“We want him to lead the Indian pacers we have - the likes of Mohit Sharma and Ishwar Pandey,” the CSK coach said. “I think experienced Indian players are crucial and Ashish’s knowledge in these conditions will be vital.

“I think he too would have a point to prove. He’s had injuries in the last few years, which have kept him below par. My job is to get him to be the top quality bowler he was in the first couple of IPL seasons. We are excited to have him and he too is keen to fulfill his responsibility of grooming the two young Indian pacers we have.”

While keeping his selection cards close to his chest, Fleming did say that Dwayne Bravo was a doubtful starter in the first match. “Bravo is nursing an injury he picked up during the World Twenty20, so we are trying to get him back to full fitness,” Fleming said.