Murali Vijay hit 113 from 58 balls to guide two-time defending champion Chennai Super Kings into the IPL final on Friday. (Photo: AP/Aijaz Rahi)

He was so out of touch they dropped him. They won't do that again. There's more chance of a Martian invasion than Murali Vijay being dropped for Sunday's Indian Premier League final.

The local hero finally came through when it mattered most. The fist pump celebration said it all. This was not a dignified raising of the bat in acknowledgment of a milestone. It was a mixture of personal relief and defiance of his critics. The message was received loud and clear.

It has been a season-long battle. Prior to his brilliant, match-winning century against the Delhi Daredevils, Vijay had flattered to deceive. His patchy form mirrored that of his team -- so much was expected of the Chennai Super Kings but inconsistency appeared the only constant.

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