MS Dhoni signed off IPL 2021 in his signature style. After the 2020 season, he had said that CSK is known to come back strongly and the team would now focus on the next season. He has lived up to those words and has redeemed the team spectacularly. The way they played in the finals, they definitely justified the “Super Kings” in their name. They won the match comfortably with 27 runs. Considering the chatter around this probably being MSD’s last IPL as a cricketer, this was a phenomenal parting gift and as a captain, MSD shall cherish this for times to come.
The game last night was very similar to CSK’s entire campaign. They played good, smart, and dominating cricket throughout the tournament, and yesterday was no different. At some points in the IPL, they did look out of sorts but made amends quickly. We shall break down CSK’s 4th IPL win into 5 distinct points and analyze the reasons.
1. Strong determination to reverse last year’s setback
CSK is a team that has made it to the final 9 times and to the playoffs 11 times. Last year, it was the first time in the history of IPL that they did not qualify for the playoffs. Looking at the stats, where CSK is a definite finalist, it was shocking for fans and pundits to not see CSK in the finals. There was plenty of clamor around Dhoni and the team about them not qualifying. Ever since the 2021 IPL started, the team played with a renewed gusto as if to prove them detractors wrong. That spirit continued from first match to the last match and it was the focus that helped the team turn it around in 2021.
2. Senior players putting their hands up
The team is often mocked for being a “senior citizens club” but one cannot argue that they have delivered effective results. The team backed their senior players and all of them at some point or the other became match winners. Rayudu, Faf, DJ Bravo, and Jadeja were all clinical in their performances. Dhoni struggled through the tournament but came good in Qualifier 1 when he came in and closed the game. Even Raina who was out of form was replaced by Robin Uthappa who was fantastic in his playoff performances.
3. Ruturaj Gaikwad – the prodigal talent
Ruturaj Gaikwad could well be the find of this season and last night he was awarded the Orange cap for most number of runs scored. He became the youngest batsman to be awarded the honor. It was just last year that he had a horror show and was woefully out of form. However, the team stuck with him and it paid rich dividends. He scored a century, gave CSK the required starts, anchored the innings from one end and accelerated with incredible composure.
4. MS Dhoni’s captaincy
The stocks of MS Dhoni the batsman may have become slightly undervalued but the stocks of MS Dhoni the captain is still at an all-time high. Even at the age of 40, he has the game awareness that can be matched by few. His ability to spot talent, back them, build a core team and deliver under pressure is still intact. His tactical decisions throughout the tournament were spot on and the team selection was spotless. Tournaments like the IPL need a competent captain more than anything else. This year’s performance proves that last year was a mere aberration.
5. Incredible fan support
It is no secret that CSK is one of the biggest brands in the IPL. The support that they command in the hearts and minds of people is simply unmatched. They could play at any venue in the country and yet have a huge set spectators supporting them. The yellow army can reach anywhere and UAE was no different. The finals also had the majority of CSK supporters. The strong backing of millions of people creates a huge positive step for the players and the team.
