Last Update: May 23, 2023, 12:24 pm IST
CSK won eight matches and lost five while one was washed out in rain. (pic credit: sportzpix)
Here’s how MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings fared in the IPL 2023 playoffs
Chennai Super Kings are undoubtedly synonymous with consistency when it comes to qualifying for the IPL playoffs.
Out of their 14 appearances in this franchise tournament, Chennai have played in 9 finals and have won the title four times. The Mahendra Singh Dhoni-led side have lived up to their reputation this season by making it to the knockout stage for a record 12th time. Chennai ended their journey in the group stage with 17 points to their name and were placed behind only defending champions Gujarat Titans.
To make it to the final, Chennai will have to beat table-toppers Gujarat Titans in the first qualifier. The big clash will be hosted at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on May 23. Considering their home advantage, Chennai will be in contention. Enter the game as a favorite.
Any team that loses in Qualifier 1 will get one more chance to book a ticket for the final. The loser of the clash between Chennai and Gujarat will take on the winner of the Eliminator between Lucknow Super Giants and Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2 on May 26.
CSK did not have a very encouraging start to their season campaign. Up against defending champions Gujarat Titans in a match, Chennai suffered a 5-wicket defeat. The only positive the Yellow Army could take from the opening game was opener Ruturaj Gaikwad’s exceptional knock of 92 off 50 balls. But things soon stabilized for the Yellow Army.
In the latter match, the Super Kings dominated at Chepauk. In front of a sea of yellow flags, the hosts outclassed Lucknow Super Giants in a high-scoring battle. Chennai continued the winning momentum in the next game and got rid of arch-rivals Mumbai Indians.
After being defeated by the Rajasthan Royals in the following game, Chennai picked up their form and registered three consecutive wins. Rajasthan once again came in the way of Chennai’s dream and defeated them in the return encounter in Jaipur. Chennai also lost points in the latter two matches. First, they suffered a 4-wicket defeat against Punjab on the last ball and then shared points with Lucknow in a rain-curtailed match.
Chennai looked at their best in the last leg of the group stage. The MS Dhoni-led unit registered three wins from their last four matches. The only defeat came against Kolkata Knight Riders in the last match. Chennai finally sealed their place in the IPL 2023 playoffs after defeating Delhi Capitals by a huge margin of 77 runs in the last match.
