Chennai Super Kings (CSK), headed by MS Dhoni, won their fifth IPL title on Monday (May 29), beating the defending champions Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. CSK’s standout all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja batted brilliantly in the match’s final moments.
With 10 runs needed off the final two deliveries, he fired a thunderous six straight down the ground, followed by a well-placed four to the fine leg boundary from Mohit Sharma’s bowling. The final boundary elicited wild celebrations as CSK equalled Mumbai Indians’ history of five IPL wins.
Here are three reasons why CSK won their fifth IPL title:
3) Pace bowling stocks
Tushar Deshpande and Matheesha Pathirana have been key frontline pacers in CSK’s extraordinary success this year. Their outstanding performances have resulted in a total of 41 wickets, making them the team’s top two wicket-takers.
Deepak Chahar made an impressive recovery after missing six games this season due to a hamstring injury. Chahar shone in the highly anticipated Qualifier 1 encounter against the Gujarat Titans, grabbing two key wickets for 29 runs. Among his victims were Titans rookies Wriddhiman Saha and Shubman Gill.
These three pacers made a significant impact on CSK’s fortunes this season.
2) Conway-Gaikwad provides safety
CSK’s starting pair of Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway has proven crucial. They scored 775 runs in 14 innings this season before the final, making them the second-highest-scoring opening duo. They have two centuries and four half-centuries of relationship history between them. CSK’s outstanding performance throughout PowerPlay overs has constantly established a solid platform for them, allowing them to accomplish formidable finishes.
Even in the final, CSK began their chase with a formidable asking rate of over 12 runs per over. The openers now had their work cut out for them as Devon Conway faced the Gujarat bowling.
He led the assault with a quickfire 47 off 25 balls, forging a vital 74-run partnership for the first wicket with Ruturaj Gaikwad (26). In the first six overs, the partnership set an aggressive tempo, laying the groundwork for the chase.
Conway, a key player in this team, finished the IPL season with 672 runs.
1) Clarity in roles and a long rope
Shivam Dube was a specialist basher against spinners during the season. He was deployed as an impact player in many matches and was quite effective in the middle order. Before the final, he had hit 33 sixes against the spinners and shown incredible calm in the middle.
In the final, he received invaluable assistance from Ravindra Jadeja, and the pair maintained their cool even as the needed run rate increased.
Ravindra Jadeja (15* off 6) and Shivam Dube (32* off 21) displayed determination in a spectacular display of control during the high-stakes contest. Jadeja, in particular, displayed incredible poise as he comfortably delivered a six and a four when the team need 10 runs off the final two deliveries.
MS Dhoni believes in giving his players a long run and continues to support them. This paid off once again when Ambati Rayudu, in his final match, contributed significantly with a quick 19 off only eight balls.