MS Dhoni’s CSK Smash 6-Year Jinx in Thrilling Win Over KKR
In a heart-pounding clash at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) finally broke a frustrating 6-year jinx by successfully chasing a target of 180 or more in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Their dramatic two-wicket victory over the defending champions, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), not only kept their playoff hopes alive but also marked a significant milestone in their illustrious IPL history on Wednesday.
The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with CSK teetering at a precarious 60 for 5 during the chase of 180. However, a fiery Dewald Brevis turned the tide with a blistering 52 off just 25 balls, including five sixes and three fours, injecting life into the faltering innings. Complementing Brevis was the dependable Shivam Dube, who played a composed knock of 45 off 38 balls, ensuring the game stayed within reach. The final touch of brilliance came from none other than CSK’s talisman, MS Dhoni, who remained unbeaten on 17 off 11 balls, steering his team across the line with just two balls to spare in a nerve-wracking finish.
KKR’s bowling attack put up a valiant fight, with Vaibhav Arora leading the charge, claiming 3 for 48. Youngster Harshit Rana (2/43) and mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy (2/18) also made significant contributions, but it wasn’t enough to stop the CSK juggernaut on their home turf.
Earlier in the day, after opting to bat first, KKR posted a competitive total of 179 for 6 in their allotted 20 overs. Skipper Ajinkya Rahane anchored the innings with a well-crafted 48 off 40 balls, while the explosive Andre Russell chipped in with a quickfire 38 off 22 balls. Veteran Manish Pandey provided the late flourish, remaining unbeaten on 36 off 18 balls, ensuring KKR had a defendable total. For CSK, young Afghan spinner Noor Ahmad was the standout performer with the ball, scalping an impressive 4 for 29 in his spell, rattling KKR’s middle order.
This victory holds special significance for CSK, as it marks the first time since 2019 that they have successfully chased a target of 180 or more in the IPL. Prior to this game, CSK had endured a staggering 12 consecutive losses while chasing such totals, a streak only surpassed by Punjab Kings with 15 losses between 2015 and 2021. Even Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) had suffered a similar fate with 12 unsuccessful chases from 2019 to 2023. Moreover, CSK’s chase of 180 after being 60 for 5 is now the second-highest successful run chase in IPL history under such dire circumstances, only behind Delhi Capitals’ 210 against Lucknow Super Giants earlier this season after being 65 for 5.
As the IPL 2023 season heats up, this win not only boosts CSK’s position on the points table but also sends a strong message to their rivals that the ‘Yellow Brigade’ is back in contention. With MS Dhoni at the helm, displaying his trademark composure under pressure, and young talents like Brevis stepping up, CSK fans have every reason to believe that more such thrilling victories are on the horizon. Can they carry this momentum forward and clinch yet another IPL title? Only time will tell, but for now, Chennai roars in celebration of breaking a long-standing curse!