It was a mistake that probably cost them a place in the final. According to sources, while planning for their last-four encounter with Bangalore Royal Challengers, the Chennai Super Kings think-tank discussed the strengths and weaknesses of every opposition batsman except Manish Pandey.

Although Pandey had hit a century — first by an Indian in IPL2 — in the previous match against Deccan Chargers, his knock was dismissed as a “one-off innings” and the focus turned to the usual suspects — Rahul Dravid, Jacques Kallis, Ross Taylor, Mark Boucher, Robin Uthappa and Virat Kohli. Pandey went on to score 48 runs in Bangalore’s win as Chennai bowlers kept bowling to his strength — square off the wicket. Later, Chennai skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni admitted that his bowlers failed to deliver the goods. “Our only chance was to bowl well with the new ball. When you are playing at this level, you have to be up to the mark. It was an area we struggled in through the tournament,” he said.

Bangalore coach Ray Jennings recalled how they were eager to sign Pandey, who was contracted with Mumbai Indians, during the off-season. “It was late last year when I called Manish. I told him, whatever you are going to do, I am going to get you to play for the Challengers,” he said.