Chennai, March 27: Too much has been made of the Indian Premier League shifting base to South Africa. Analysts are working overtime on the fallout, but the truth is that the basics will remain the same and preparation will be key ingredient to success.

Chennai Super Kings, runners-up in the inaugural edition have started to plan to prove their good run in 2008 was no flash in the pan. CSK played with gusto in 2008 and V.B. Chandrasekar, director, cricket operations, India Cements is confident of another good show.

"Our all-rounders give great balance. Conditions will definitely have a say but not to the extent made out. Bowlers have a chance to prise batsman out on wickets that have more life. In India bowlers don’t stand much of a chance once the batsmen get going. Teams will have to reassess their strategies a bit," he said.

In bowler-friendly conditions, batsmen could face a bigger challenge. Chandrasekar is confident of his batsmen coming good. "The batting will revolve around Dhoni, Badri and Raina and if M. Vijay can pick up form early, our biggest problem is solved. With Matthew Hayden for company and guidance, there is no reason why we can’t settle in quickly as a batting unit."

Last season, the Super Kings banked on meticulous preparation ahead of every game. Energy levels were high. The team are expected to leave on April 8 and will have a 10-day camp to help get acclimatised to conditions.

A few franchises have asked for an additional foreign recruit in the playing XI but that has reportedly been turned down.

All the Indian players signed with CSK are expected to travel. "We have no choice but to take the full squad. Unless we have 10 players to choose from, filling seven slots will become difficult," said K.S. Viswanathan of India Cements.

Albie Morkel contributed his bit in spite of joining the team late last year. For a player who was specifically trained for T20 cricket, his presence will be a huge boost in South Africa. The all-rounder will be ideal foil to Jacob Oram and Andrew Flintoff. "We are fortunate to have two South Africans in our line up. Makhaya Ntini has been bowling well and Morkel with his big hitting and tight bowling is a invaluable asset," added Viswanathan.

A list of 29 players has been sent to skipper M.S. Dhoni and in consultation with coach Stephen Fleming, he will pick the final squad to travel to SA.