Chennai Super Kings (CSK), one of the most successful and popular Indian Premier League (IPL) teams, requires no introduction. Led by the iconic MS Dhoni, the franchise has won the title four times and has been a finalist on nine occasions.
Since the IPL’s inception in 2008, CSK has had numerous world-renowned champions in their squad, particularly in the batting department. The team’s formidable batsmen, which include Shane Watson, Suresh Raina, Faf Du Plessis, Murali Vijay, and others, have propelled them to great heights.
In their most recent game against the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), the Chennai-based team once again displayed their batting prowess by scoring 226/6. Devon Conway, Shivam Dube, and Ajinkya Rahane all contributed to CSK’s third-highest team total in IPL history.
With that said, let’s examine CSK’s top three team totals in the IPL.
#3: 226/6 vs RCB in Bengaluru, IPL 2023
Chennai, who were asked to bat first at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, had a shaky start, losing their in-form batsman Ruturaj Gaikwad in the third over. However, Devon Conway and Ajinkya Rahane steadied the innings with a 74-run partnership.
Nonetheless, Rahane’s exit in the 10th over brought Shivam Dube to the crease, who immediately went on an attacking spree. The tall left-handed batsman smashed five massive sixes, utilizing his long levers to great effect.
Despite Dube’s quick-fire innings being halted by Parnell, Conway continued his attacking display and smashed 83 runs from only 45 deliveries. The New Zealand opener struck six fours and an equal number of sixes, thrilling the spectators. In the final four overs, Chennai piled up 56 runs to end their innings with a daunting total of 226 runs.
RCB, on the other hand, made a valiant effort to chase down the target but fell just short by eight runs. Although Glenn Maxwell and skipper Faf du Plessis contributed 76 and 62 runs, respectively, it was insufficient for the home team.
#2: 240/5 vs KXIP, IPL 2008
Let’s go back in time to the first edition of IPL when CSK played what could be considered as one of their most memorable matches in the tournament’s history.
In their first-ever IPL game, Chennai Super Kings won the toss and chose to bat first against Punjab Kings (formerly Kings XI Punjab). The opening duo of Matthew Hayden and Parthiv Patel couldn’t stay at the crease for long, but Michael Hussey arrived at No. 3 and took the game by storm, smashing an unbeaten 116 off just 54 balls. Consequently, CSK piled up a mammoth score of 240/5 in their allotted 20 overs.
However, Punjab was not willing to go down without a fight. In response to CSK’s daunting total, KXIP scored 207/4 in their 20 overs, thanks to some outstanding contributions from James Hopes (71 off 33) and Kumar Sangakkara (54 off 33).
#1: 246/5 vs RR, IPL 2010
During the third edition of IPL, CSK scored their highest team total ever against the Rajasthan Royals. The CSK batters dominated the RR bowlers and amassed an imposing total of 246/5 in 20 overs at an astonishing run rate of 12.3 per over. Murali Vijay played an incredible innings of 127 runs off just 56 balls, hitting the bowlers all around the park. The team scored 155 runs in the last ten overs, with Albie Morkel contributing a quickfire 62 off 34 balls.
In response, Rajasthan Royals put up a good fight, with Naman Ojha scoring an unbeaten 94 runs from 55 balls, and Shane Watson smashing 60 runs from just 25 balls. Despite their efforts, RR fell short of the target by 23 runs. Murali Vijay was named Player of the Match for his exceptional knock with the bat. This match will always be remembered as one of the most thrilling and impressive matches in the history of Chennai Super Kings in the IPL.
