10 Reasons explaining Why CSK is the Best team in IPL

The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are more than just a cricket team; they’re a sensation that has gone beyond just cricket, becoming a legendary part of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Since IPL started in 2008, CSK has become a big name in cricket, winning the IPL 5 times and reaching the playoffs 12 times, the most by any team!

Many IPL fans might debate over Why CSK is the best team in IPL as MI has also won IPL 5 times, it’s a close call between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI), with both teams clinching the IPL title 5 times. It’s worth comparing their achievements in the league to see just how closely matched they are in terms of success.

IPL Heavyweights: Chennai Super Kings vs. Mumbai Indians in Numbers

Before diving into the 10 reasons why CSK is considered the best team in the IPL, let’s address the debate against MI, which some fans believe is the top team in the league. Here’s a table comparing CSK and MI in terms of playoff qualifications, finals appearances, and titles won, with percentages calculated relative to the number of IPL editions each has played

CSK has reached the playoffs in 85.71% and finals in 64.29% of the IPL editions they’ve played, winning 35.71% of those times. Compared to MI’s lower percentages in these areas, despite more IPL participation, these statistics clearly explain Why CSK is the best team in IPL.

Having settled the debate against MI, let’s explore 10 reasons Why CSK is the best team in IPL.

1) Calmness Under Any Situation: The Dhoni Factor

MS Dhoni, called “Captain Cool,” plays a big role in CSK’s calm and confident style. Under his leadership, team members are supportive of each other, avoiding blame during stressful moments. Dhoni’s guidance helps the team stay focused and calm, contributing to their success.

This environment helped many players and in recent years players like

• Ajinkya Rahane: Joined CSK in 2023, hit over 300 runs for the first time since 2019, with a strike rate of 172.49, contributing significantly to the team’s success.
• Shivam Dube: After moving to CSK, he scored 418 runs in 2023 at a strike rate of 158.33, becoming one of the team’s top run-scorers.

Another example can be considered of Shane Watson, who wasn’t consistent throughout the season in IPL 2018, and he single-handedly defeated SRH in the 2018 IPL final, scoring a century for CSK. Despite his earlier form, Dhoni’s faith in him remained, showcasing a leadership style that often leads to retaining players when other teams might have dropped them after 4 games. This approach has brought out the best in many players under CSK’s banner.

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2) Ensuring Strong Indian Players:

CSK consistently focuses on building a team with robust Indian talent. Take a closer look at most IPL champions and consistent playoff contenders: Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians, and even Gujarat Titans in their recent rise. All these teams share a common thread – a strong Indian core at their heart. CSK has its Ravindra Jadeja, Rituraj Gaikwad, MS Dhoni, and Deepak Chahar, Mumbai Indians boast Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan and now Hardik Pandya also joining them; and Gujarat Titans found success with the likes of Mohammed Shami, Hardik Pandya, Shubman Gill, and Sai Sudarshan, Rahul Tewatia

These Indian players form the backbone of their respective teams, with impactful foreign players strategically plugged into specific slots. This approach stands in stark contrast to losing franchises that fill their Indian contingent with mediocre talent and build their team around a few foreign players, ultimately hindering their success. CSK’s strategy of building a strong Indian core with targeted foreign acquisitions is a blueprint for consistent IPL success.

CSK boasts a strong core of Indian players with international experience. They’ve snagged five of India’s top 20 players, showcasing their shrewd selection strategy. Lets look at them

• Swing King: Deepak Chahar, a top contender for India’s best swing bowler, provides a vital early breakthrough with his pace.
• Spin All-Round Dominance: Ravindra Jadeja, arguably India’s finest spin-bowling all-rounder, offers an unmatched combination of batting and bowling prowess.
• Explosive Young Gun: Ruturaj Gaikwad, a young and aggressive top-order batsman, has cemented himself as one of India’s top 3-4 openers. His talent promises to be a game-changer for CSK.
• The Finishing Legend: MS Dhoni, though retired internationally, remains the best finisher batting in the middle order (7-8). His leadership, even post-retirement, is a huge asset.
• Fast-Bowling All-Round Power: Shivam Dube provides much-needed power hitting as a fast-bowling all-rounder, a valuable option considering Hardik Pandya’s is the only other better alternative.
• Clutch Performer: Ajinkya Rahane adds solidity to the top order. While many questioned his fit in the T20 format, MS Dhoni, with his captain’s intuition, unlocked Rahane’s potential. Rahane thrived under Dhoni’s guidance, playing a pivotal role in CSK’s successful 2023 IPL season.

3) Street Smart Auction Strategy of CSK:

Instead of getting into bidding wars for superstars like Yuvraj Singh or Glenn Maxwell, CSK has unearthed gems like Ravindra Jadeja (bought for a relatively low price in 2012) and Faf du Plessis (picked up at his base price in 2011). In recent auctions players like Rachin Ravindra who can also bowl left-arm spin only bought at the price of 1.8cr. Another example is Devon Conway who was purchased at the price of only 1 cr and he scored 924 runs in 23 matches at an average of 46.12 with a strike rate of 141. 28. These players have become vital parts of the CSK core, offering excellent value for money.

4)Betting on Experienced Veterans

Look at players like Robin Uthappa, Ambati Rayudu, Shane Watson, Ajinkya Rahane, or even a late-career Harbhajan Singh. CSK acquired these experienced veterans at sensible prices, and each one proved their worth when it mattered most – during the high-pressure knockout stages. This ability to identify and utilize experienced players at key moments is a hallmark of CSK’s strategy.

MS Dhoni’s calmness under pressure and finishing skills are a testament to the value of experience. These veterans, along with Dhoni’s leadership, provide invaluable guidance to youngsters like Ruturaj Gaikwad. Their presence on the field not only bolsters the team’s performance but also fosters a winning mentality within the younger players

5) Dhoni’s Consistent Leadership

Imagine owning a house. If you’re unsure you’ll own it next year, you might just maintain it minimally. But if you know it’s your permanent home, you’ll invest in improvements and long-term plans. That’s the difference between CSK and teams with frequent captain changes.

CSK has had the unwavering leadership of MS Dhoni since its inception. This consistency is like owning your home for the long haul. Dhoni knows Chepauk Stadium intimately, understands the support staff perfectly and constantly plans for the team’s future. This stability allows CSK to build a winning culture, unlike franchises like Punjab Kings or Sunrisers Hyderabad, who’ve struggled due to frequent captain and squad changes. It’s like constantly renovating your house – you never get to settle and establish a comfortable, winning environment.

6) Masters of the Spin: Selecting Batsmen with Exceptional Spin Skills

Mastering spin bowling is a crucial skill for success in the IPL. The format’s shorter innings and slower pitches of IPL, especially Chepauk, often favor spin attacks. Batsmen who struggle against spin are limited to opening, potentially missing half the tournament due to batting restrictions in the middle overs.

Understanding this, CSK has consistently built its batting line-up around players adept at handling spin. Suresh Raina, Matthew Hayden, Mike Hussey, and Ambati Rayudu, Rituraj Gaikwad, MS Dhoni are all prime examples. Their ability to play spin effectively has been a key factor in their individual and team success within the IPL.

While talented players like Ben Stokes and Harry Brook might excel in other leagues, the challenge of facing quality spin in the IPL can be a different story and that’s why they have struggled in IPL. CSK’s strategy goes beyond just big names; they prioritize batsmen with the specific skillset to navigate the spin-heavy bowling attacks often encountered in the tournament.

7) Non-interfering Ownership

Unlike some franchises where management micromanages team decisions, CSK empowers its captain, MS Dhoni. They trust his cricketing expertise and allow him to make key calls on player selection and strategies. This hands-off approach fosters a sense of ownership and accountability among the players. They feel trusted to execute Dhoni’s vision, leading to a more focused and effective team on the field.

8) Having Multiple Match Winners

CSK’s dominance in the IPL isn’t built on a single superstar carrying the team. Instead, they possess a squad rich with match-winners, evident in the 2023 season. Ravindra Jadeja’s three Man of the Match awards led the way, while Devon Conway bagged two. But the depth goes beyond them. Players like Moeen Ali, Ajinkya Rahane, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and even rookie Matheesha Pathirana all delivered crucial performances throughout the tournament. This ability to share responsibility and have different heroes emerge in each match is a cornerstone of CSK’s success.

9) Strong Fan Base of CSK and Dhoni

CSK boasts one of the most passionate fan bases in the IPL, earning them the nickname “Yellow Brigade.” These fans create an electric atmosphere with their loud cheers and iconic “Dhoni! Dhoni!” chants. This sea of yellow not only energizes CSK but also creates pressure for visiting teams. The constant roar can potentially affect opponents’ focus and decision-making, giving CSK a significant home advantage. This loyalty extends beyond Chepauk Stadium – Dhoni’s dedicated followers travel across venues, ensuring a strong yellow presence wherever CSK plays.

10) Dhoni-Fleming Partnership: Winning Duo

Imagine a team where the captain and coach are like perfectly tuned guitars – every note complements the other. That’s the magic of Dhoni and Stephen Fleming at CSK. Having been with the team practically since the IPL’s first strum, they understand each other like brothers. Forget the captain-coach spats that plague other teams – these two are on the same wavelength.

Dhoni’s on-field instincts perfectly complement Fleming’s strategic planning. Their clear communication ensures everyone on the team is in sync, working towards the same rhythm. It’s a bond built on years of playing together, a deep understanding that translates into a winning harmony on the field. This unique captain-coach partnership is a big reason why CSK keeps hitting the right notes year after year.

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