Chennai Super Kings (CSK) is undoubtedly one of the most decorated franchises in IPL’s 18-year history, winning 5 titles and playing 10 Finals. The yellow army has been roaring in the IPL since its inception. So, in this article, let’s recall the most memorable moments of CSK.
1. The First Taste of Glory – 2010 IPL Final
In 2010, CSK lifted their maiden IPL trophy, marking the beginning of a yellow era. The team, led by MS Dhoni, took on the mighty Mumbai Indians at DY Patil Stadium. Batting first, CSK posted 168/5, thanks to a steady 57 by Suresh Raina. What followed was a classic CSK defence and Captain Cool’s calm strategies. They clinched the title by 22 runs, and fans knew this wasn’t a one-time wonder. It was the birth of a dynasty.
2. Back-to-Back Glory – CSK Defend Their Title in 2011
After tasting success in 2010, CSK weren’t done. In 2011, they became the first team ever in IPL history to defend their title. Against RCB in a one-sided matchup, CSK posted a massive 205/5 with Murali Vijay’s 95 being the highlight, and after that, CSK’s bowling unit restricted RCB to just 147 and cemented its elite status IPL.
3. Vijay-Hussey Show in the 2011 Final
Another moment from the 2011 IPL season was when final CSK openers Murali Vijay and Michael Hussey stitched together a 159-run stand, setting up a massive total. Their partnership laid the foundation for an easy win over RCB and made CSK the first team to win the IPL final at home. The chemistry, the clean hitting, and the ease with which they dominated RCB’s bowlers was more than a partnership for CSK fans.
5. Suresh Raina’s Beast Mode vs Kings XI Punjab
We call him Mr. IPL for a reason. In the 2014 Qualifier 2 against Kings XI Punjab, Suresh Raina played an innings that still gives goosebumps to fans. Chasing a mammoth 226 set by Punjab, Raina smashed 87 off just 25 balls. Though CSK didn’t win the match, Raina’s fiery knock was a masterclass in aggressive batting and remains one of the most jaw-dropping moments in IPL history.
4. Dhoni’s vs RCB in 2018 – The Classic Finish
2018 saw the return of CSK after a two-year suspension, which they did in style. In a game against RCB, CSK were in deep trouble chasing 206. Enter MS Dhoni. With 70* off just 34 balls, including that iconic six off the last over, he pulled off one of the most thrilling chases in IPL history with Dwayne Bravo by his side.
7. Shane Watson’s Comeback Classic – 2018 Final
In the 2018 final against Sunrisers Hyderabad, CSK were chasing 178. What looked like a comfortable chase took a turn when both the openers, Faf Du Plessis and Shane Watson, were struggling to score in the powerplay. And Watson, who looked rusty at the start after facing 10 balls without scoring a run, soon switched to beast mode, smashing a century off just 51 balls and leading CSK to their third IPL crown
7. When Captain Cool Lost His Cool – The 2019 No-Ball Controversy
It’s rare to see MS Dhoni lose his temper. But in a 2019 match against the Rajasthan Royals(RR), fans saw a rare moment of fire from the usually composed captain. With the game in the balance and a clear no-ball not called, Dhoni stormed onto the field mid-match to argue with the umpires. The incident divided opinions. Even Captain Cool has his boiling point—and it made CSK fans love him even more.
Bonus Moment: Ravindra Jadeja’s 2023 Heroics
Last but not least, CSK needed 10 off the last 2 balls against Gujarat Titans. There comes Sir Ravindra Jadeja with his iconic 6 and 4 in the last two balls. And just like that, CSK had their 5th title, chasing their highest-ever target of 214. While the headlines were about the title, true fans know this was Jadeja’s moment.
And that wraps up some of the most memorable moments of CSK’s journey, moments that show this team is too habituated to winning, but this season tells a different story. CSK finds itself in a tight spot where winning every remaining match is the only way to stay in the playoff race. The odds are stacked against them, but we never know when the sleeping lions roar (NTR style).
Also read: You are not a true RCB fan if you don’t remember these 7 matches
Stay tuned to Yo! Vizag website and Instagram for more updates.
Discussion about this post