Which IPL team is the most like Manchester United?
Although the IPL is in its infancy stage compared to the traditional English football structure or even the Premier League, it has had a meteoric rise, which has naturally led to comparisons. The IPL and the Premier League are two of the best competitions in the world that generate the highest revenue and viewership because of its undeniable quality and star power.
Manchester United are one of the most recognizable football clubs in the world, with a staggering and ardent fan base. Their trophy room is laden with silverware and some of the best players in the world have donned the iconic jersey.
Now there is only a need to replace some words in the above paragraph, and you more or less get an accurate description of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
With the Premier League kickstarting its new season and the IPL currently in its off-season, one can only draw comparisons to get the most out of the two worlds. On that note, let us take a look at some key factors that make the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), the closest thing to Manchester United in the Indian Premier League (IPL)
#1 A godfather figure
Sir Alex Ferguson is a name synonymous with each Manchester United fan. The legendary Scottish manager oversaw the most successful period in their history, spoiling them for silverware. He was part of the Manchester United setup from 1986 to 2013, and he still plays a role behind the scenes when it comes to decision-making or advice. He is the most respected person at the club, and he has earned it.
As Sir Alex is to Manchester United, Stephen Fleming is to CSK. The former New Zealand cricketer represented the team as a player in the inaugural edition, and has been serving as the head coach since then. His astute cricketing brain and his chemistry with MS Dhoni along with his ability to create a high-performance team environment have made him a very popular figure in the CSK habitat.
#2 Trust in youngsters
One of the biggest flex that Manchester United have undisputed control over is their world-famous academy. Even during the lean phase, they have consistently managed to churn out brilliant talent year after year. Their current squad features some exciting names like Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho, Toby Collyer, and Harry Amass.
Furthermore, some of their most iconic players have been academy graduates like Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, David Beckham, and more constituting the famous 'Class of 92'
The IPL is only starting to build the 'academy' concept, but CSK have utilized trials and auctions to identify some young talent and groom them. The team's current skipper is Ruturaj Gaikwad, who was roped in for his base price of INR 10 Lakh at the age of 22. Furthermore, their current squad features some young talent like Matheesha Pathirana, Sameer Rizvi, Nishant Sindhu, and Rachin Ravindra.
Even in the past, CSK have helped youngsters grow in their setup. Their leading run-scorer Suresh Raina came into the setup at the age of 21.
CSK does have a reputation for being oriented towards the senior players, but there is also a place for youth to grow and flourish.
#3 Silverware
The most distinct feature that ties together Manchester United and the Chennai Super Kings is that they are the most successful teams in their respective league.
The Red Devils have won the Premier League a record 13 times, while their English top-flight title triumphs read 20. They have also won the FA Cup a total of 13 times and the UEFA Champions League thrice.
Similarly, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have won the Indian Premier League (IPL) five times, a record they share with rivals Mumbai Indians (MI). They also have two Champions League T20 titles to their name.
#4 Glory after turmoil
The harrowing Munich Air Disaster in 1958 that devastated Manchester United, and the match-fixing scandal that Chennai Super Kings had to go through, are not comparable in any way, shape, or form whatsoever. However, a setback is a setback, and it is the manner through which a team responds after a mishap that ends up defining them.
Manchester United had to build from scratch under the great Sir Matt Busby, who went on to guide the team to glory in the 1968 Champions League. Manchester United became the first club from England to win the competition, a decade after suffering their darkest moment.
CSK were handed a two-year ban from the competition, following which the squad was split apart and the players were shipped off to different franchises. Skipper MS Dhoni has mentioned that the entire fixing saga was the toughest phase of his career.
After serving their ban, the franchise returned in 2018 and won their third title. Including that triumph, they have won three titles in six years, managing to level the record held by their rivals.
#5 Fan base
With two of the most iconic No.7's representing these mega franchises, there is hardly any need to emphasize the fan following. Cristiano Ronaldo and MS Dhoni have been a huge influence on both fan bases. But, the best part is, there is more to the fan base than just this.
Even in the Red Devils' ongoing lean period, the support has been ever-constant, and the same was the case with CSK when they struggled in the 2020 and 2022 campaigns.
The iconic Old Trafford and the Stretford end and the Chepauk 'Anbuden' are easily among the top atmospheres in their own world, which ties together the two iconic teams in yet another way.
A section of the fan base of these two sides could be adjudged as a bit deluded. But again, where there is sport, there is at least some degree of delusion.