IPL 2019: 4 secrets to CSK’s success over the years
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are undoubtedly the most successful team in the cash-rich Indian Premier League (IPL). Not only have they successfully won the prestigious title on three occasions (2010, 2011 and 2018), they have also always made it through to the playoffs (runners-up on four occasions – 2008, 2012, 2013, 2015) in every single edition they have played.
There has been no other team in the league that has managed to replicate the CSK magic. Yes, Mumbai Indians have also won three IPL titles (2013, 2015 and 2017), but the consistency with which CSK have dominated the high-intensity tournament over the years has been nothing less than astonishing – almost unreal to be honest.
Since the very inception of IPL way back in 2008 CSK have always been a very strong team, and they have only got better with every passing edition. But in 2015 something completely unexpected shook not just the franchise but the entire nation - CSK’s key officials were found guilty of betting.
That prompted the darkest phase for CSK – they were banned for two years (2016-2017).
As expected, the CSK core that was built not just strategically but with a lot of emotions, was then completely scattered all over the other IPL franchises. Though the ban was only for two years, many IPL experts believed it to be an inevitable end of the CSK era.
But little did we know that the unfortunate ban would only make CSK stronger.
Two long years passed and the league's most loved team returned back to the action. Not only were they back, they were also successful in bringing together their core team with players like MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina, Dwayne Bravo, Ravindra Jadeja and Faf du Plessis.
Surpassing all expectations, CSK went on to win their third IPL title. So what is really the success mantra for CSK? Here is a look at four reasons that make them as strong as they are.
#1 MS Dhoni - A true leader
First things first - CSK are extremely fortunate to have someone like MS Dhoni lead the side. Without MSD, CSK would just have been just another franchise. Without an inch of a doubt, huge credit for CSK’s success goes to the Indian cricket legend.
The 37-year-old has excellent cricketing acumen, vast experience and a composed head on his shoulders - he is a true leader in every sense. Over the years, he has earned the respect of everyone through not just through his exceptional performances on the field but also in the way he has inspired, guided, supported and most importantly, shown immense faith in his players off the field.
It was his sheer leadership skills more than anything else that kept CSK moving forward in a positive spirit through thick and thin.
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