Since its inception, the IPL has transformed cricket, redefining the sport with its franchise-based format, skyrocketing viewership, and unparalleled fan frenzy. With each new season, discussions and excitement only continue to grow.
Yet, amid its meteoric rise, the tournament has witnessed both highs and lows. Few teams have embodied this journey more than the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), led by the charismatic and legendary M.S. Dhoni. CSK’s story is one of resilience—marked by triumphs, setbacks, and an unforgettable comeback. From clinching titles to facing a shocking two-year suspension, the team has endured intense scrutiny, including allegations of betting, and controversies of conflict of interest.
But what really happened behind the scenes?
Author P.S. Raman, closely associated with the team and its owners since the franchise’s inception, offers an insider’s perspective on the early years of the IPL and the events leading up to CSK’s ban. With deep insights into the legal battles, gripping anecdotes, and fascinating trivia, this book presents a compelling, behind-the-scenes look at one of cricket’s most iconic teams.
Building a league of this scale has been a steep learning curve for the IPL, filled with exhilarating highs and turbulent lows. Yet, no team has endured as much as CSK.
For IPL fans—especially the die-hard CSK faithful—this book is an essential read, offering a fresh, gripping narrative of the team’s extraordinary journey.
P.S. Raman
P.S. Raman, also popularly known as Bharat, was born on 7 November, 1960 at Chennai (then Madras). He did his schooling at Vidya Mandir Matriculation School at Mylapore and then did his graduation in Commerce as the first batch of autonomous Loyola College. He then went on to complete his degree in Law from the Madras Law College and enrolled under his father VP Raman as an advocate in 1984.
At 49, he became the second youngest Advocate General of Tamil Nadu in 2009 (his father beat him in 1977 by four years). It is the first time in India that a father and son have adorned that post.
His interests include cricket both as a player and an administrator, having played for both Loyola and for Madras University in the Rohinton Baria, and for six years in the I Division League of TNCA, of which he went on to became an Executive Committee member and later its Vice President for nine years. His other passions are music, reading and fitness. He is also an extensive traveller.
Raman is married to Padmini, and they have two children, Gitanjali and Gautam, as well as four grandchildren, with whom he spends as much of his time as possible at his ancestral house ‘Lloyd’s Corner’.
He once again became the Advocate General of Tamil Nadu in January, 2024, a post he continues to occupy till date.
