Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are one of the most successful franchises in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL). With five titles to their name, CSK have established themselves as one of the strongest teams in the IPL. On October 15, 2021, CSK went on to win their fourth IPL title after a one sided final against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) under the captaincy of MS Dhoni at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Chennai Super Kings won their first IPL title in 2010 and successfully defended it in 2011.
CSK's third IPL title came in their comeback season in 2018 after the franchise had to serve a two-year ban in 2016 and 2017. Apart from that, CSK also made it into the finals in 2008, 2012, 2013, 2015, and 2019. In 2021, MS Dhoni and his men were against going head-to-head against KKR in the final once again, who defeated them in 2012 to win their maiden IPL title.
Faf Du Plessis batted exceptionally in big final for CSK vs KKR in 2021
Coming to bat first after losing the toss in the final, CSK got a good start as Ruturaj Gaikwad and Faf du Plessis put up an opening partnership of 61 runs in 8.1 overs. Gaikwad got out after scoring 32(27) runs with three fours and a six. After that, Du Plessis added another 63 runs with Robin Uthappa (31 off 15), followed by Moeen Ali’s unbeaten 37*(20) runs. Du Plessis got out on the last ball of the innings after scoring 86(59) with seven fours and three sixes. CSK posted a big total of 192/3 in the final.
Chasing the winning total, KKR also got a great start with Shubman Gill (51 off 43) and Venkatehs Iyer (50 off 32) adding 91 runs for the first wicket in 10.4 overs. However after the fall of the first wicket, KKR kept losing wickets at regular intervals as none of the batters in middle order could touch the double-digit mark. However, Lockie Ferguson (18* off 11) and Shivam Mavi (20 off 13) tried to take the team down the line but it was too late as KKR finished on 165/9 after the end of 20 overs. CSK won the match by 27 runs and clinched their 4th IPL title that year. However, two years later in 2023, CSK went on to win their fifth IPL title under MS Dhoni's captaincy.
