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Not Whistle Podu. Not Chepauk. Not the Yellow Brigade. Not the Rainas and the McCullums and the Bravos. Instead, it will be one of the many stadia that carry the name of this country’s first Prime Minister. It will be the Elanos and the Djordjics and the Lalpekhluas who will enchant the city of Chennai during the course of the Indian Super League.
Only conceived because the Sun Group pulled out of ownership of the Bengaluru franchise due to several roadblocks, Chennaiyin FC will be looking to write their names in Indian football history as the first winners of the Indian Super League.
In the I-League, there is no team from Chennai. So, the ISL presents itself as a wonderful opportunity for the people of Chennai to watch the best of Indian football pit their wits against some of the most experienced and decorated names that have graced the beautiful game.
There aren't a number of local players that other teams have, but Chennaiyin FC have assured themselves of good crowds because their co-owner has, over the past 7 years, become Chennai's favourite son. Mahendra Singh Dhoni has led the Super Kings to many a victory in the IPL, and he will hope that the fortune of his co-owner, Abhishek Bachchan, repeats itself from the Pro Kabaddi League, where Abhishek's Jaipur franchise won the inaugural edition.
And in that quest,they have left no stone unturned, even with their logo, which is a symbol prominently used in Chennai to drive away ill luck.
Chennaiyin Squad
Goalkeepers: Gennaro Bracigliano, Shilton Paul and Abhijit Mondal
Defenders: Dhanachandra Singh, Gouramangi Singh, Khelemba Singh, Abhishek Das, Bernard Mendy, Mikael Silvestre, Marco Materazzi and Jairo Suárez
Midfielders: Elano, Bojan Djordjic, Pierre Tillman, Cristian Hidalgo Gonzalez, Bruno Pelissari, Harmanjot Khabra, NP Pradeep, Denson Devadas, Jaison Vales, Anthony Barbosa and Sukhwinder Singh
Forwards: Balwant Singh, Jeje Lalpekhlua, Jayesh Rane, Eduardo Silva Lerma and John Stiven Mendoza
There is a wonderful blend of youth and experience in the Chennaiyin FC squad. The decorated names like Mikael Silvestre and Elano are complemented by the likes of Jeje Lalpekhlua and Harmanjot Khabra.
Silvestre will no doubt spearhead Chennai's defence, but he will be ably assisted by Bernard Mendy and Gouramangi Singh.
But if Chennai are to win games, it is their midfield which will have to lead them there. Elano is the youngest marquee player in the league, which automatically makes him one of the top contenders to be MVP. But it is not just Elano. Bojan Djordjic once plied his trade at the Manchester United academy and Cristian Hidalgo is a product of the much famed Barca academy, La Masia. There is also able Indian backup in the midfield area with the likes of Harmanjot Khabra, NP Pradeep and Denson Devadas.
The frontline will be spearheaded by either Mohun Bagan striker Balwant Singh or the brightest prospect in Indian football, Mizoram's Jeje Lalpekhlua. Jeje was in excellent form in the Calcutta Football League, while Balwant will be looking to build on a strong last year.
Likely XI: Shilton Paul; Dhanachandra Singh, Mikael Silvestre, Gouramangi Singh, Bernard Mendy; Cristian Hidalgo Gonzalez, Bojan Djordjic, Pierre Tillman, Harmanjot Khabra; Elano, Balwant Singh
Coach
2006 World Cup winner Marco Materazzi was announced as player-coach of the Chennai franchise. Materazzi is 41 now. So, it is only fair to assume that he will don the manager's hat more than he does the centre-half's. He scored the goal the brought Italy level in that World Cup final, but will possibly be remembered more for the incident where Zinedine Zidane headbutted him later in that match, than the excellent partnership he had with Fabio Cannavaro throughout the tournament.
In his typical style, the mind games from Materazzi have already begun. He has called Mumbai City FC favourites to win the title. While he maybe decorated as a player, Materazzi has limited managerial experience. Whether that acts as a roadblock, or whether it is a refreshing breath of fresh air remains to be seen.
Stadium
Chennaiyin FC will play their home matches at the impressive 40,000 seater Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. While its capacity pales in comparison to the Salt Lake Stadium or the Nehru Stadium in Kochi, one thing is for sure; Chennai's public know how to create an electric atmosphere and get behind their team.
With star attractions like owners Bachchan and Dhoni, and big names like Silvestre, Materazzi and Elano on the pitch, there will be a party atmosphere, come October 21, when Chennai entertain the Kerala Blasters in their first home game of the season.
Owners
The Bollywood connect to the ISL only got stronger when it was announced that Abhishek Bachchan would co-own the Chennai franchise. The junior Bachchan is a huge fan of Chelsea FC and often takes to Twitter to show his support for the Blues from West London. But, over the next two months, it would be the Blues from South India that will no doubt be Abhishek's top priority.
Brand Chennaiyin FC got a huge boost this past week, as Chennai Super Kings and India cricket Captain MS Dhoni became part of the club's ownership.
Vita Dani of Asian Paints completes the list of owners for Chennaiyin FC.
How far can they go?
With ISL rules allowing for 6 foreigners in the starting eleven, Chennai have that base covered. But, it is the five Indian players in that eleven who will, on most occasions, make the difference between the two sides on the field.
Chennai have an extremely strong midfield; one of the best in the competition. Defensively as well, they look very solid.
If Balwant starts ahead of Jeje, Chennai look to be a side who don't have the pace to get in behind an opposition defence. It is therefore critical for the likes of Elano and Bojan Djordjic - who love playing through balls - that Jeje starts, for he is someone who is always on the shoulders of the last defender and is clinical in front of goal.
While the side may not bear the fearsome look that Mumbai City FC have, Chennaiyin FC could just have it in them to pose a challenge for the title. They could just be, in the words of Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers, the chihuahuas who sneak to the title ahead of the horses.
