'Slow strike-rate, 'lack of intent', 'old tactics' were the few terms that people started associating with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) after they lost their first match of IPL 2021. The reason wasn't just that particular match but a stretch of 9 months in which the MS Dhoni-led franchise had concluded the 2020 edition on a dismal note – finishing 7th on the points table.
However, the Men-in-Yellow, being one of the top teams of IPL, didn't let this noise keep them down. They made an astonishing comeback by climbing from the bottom to the top of the table. At the time, IPL 2021 was suspended, CSK was placed second with 5 wins to their name in the 7 games. There were several players, who stepped up just at the right time, to change the fortunes for Chennai.
Senior campaigners piloting the ship
Chennai has a team full of experienced campaigners, right from skipper MS Dhoni to one of the oldest players playing at the moment – Imran Tahir. People often find it odd to see old horses being given an upper hand over all that young blood, but that's how the Super Kings approach it.
Faf du Plessis, who has been a part of CSK for a long time now, looked in form of his life. The opener would come to the crease and not leave until switching the things in favor of his team. He amassed 320 runs in 7 matches at a staggering average of 64 to finish among the top three run-scorers of the tournament. His contribution at the top allowed the middle and lower-order to play freely, which largely helped Chennai set and chase big totals.
Similarly, Ravindra Jadeja was also having a dream run in all three departments. He would score those massive hits with the bat, take important wickets with the ball, and of course, pull off those unbelievable dismissals in the field as well. The all-rounder scored 131 runs and picked 6 wickets in 7 matches. His stand-out performance came against Royal Challengers Bangalore, where he single-handedly lifted Chennai up, both with the bat and ball. He fired 37 runs off the final over against Harshal Patel, equalling the record of most runs scored in an over in the league's history.
Impact of COVID
The Super Kings were right on track before COVID struck the league, enforcing its suspension. The form in which MS Dhoni's men were might be hard to find, whenever the tournament resumes again now. Cricket is a game of rhythm and the suspension doubtlessly is a setback to CSK as it was seen as MS Dhoni's last season as well.
How the Men-in-Yellow would look without their captain is a thing to be seen. Dhoni might not have been to the best with the bat, but his tactics and work behind the stump are irreplaceable. Chennai could have easily finished in the top 4, if not 2; and who knows, bagged the trophy as well, had the tournament not stopped midway.
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