OTD in 2021: CSK scripted redemption to win 4th IPL trophy, beat KKR in final

sanjeev

khelja|15-10-2024

On this day in 2021, Chennai Super Kings lifted their fourth IPL trophy, defeating Kolkata Knight Riders by 27 runs in the final held in Dubai.
It was a moment of redemption for MS Dhoni's men, who bounced back after missing out on the playoffs in the previous season. CSK's consistent performances throughout IPL 2021 were capped off by an impressive win in the final, with young opener Ruturaj Gaikwad playing a pivotal role in their success during that particular season with a century and four fifties. Batting first, CSK posted a daunting total of 192/3. Faf du Plessis led the charge with a brilliant 86 off 59 balls, anchoring the innings with well-timed boundaries and clever running between the wickets. Ruturaj Gaikwad also made an impact with a steady 32, setting a solid platform at the top. Robin Uthappa (31) and Moeen Ali (37*) added crucial runs towards the end, taking CSK to a challenging score. CSK's epic redemption  
  CSK beat KKR in final In response, KKR made a flying start with openers Venkatesh Iyer (50) and Shubman Gill (51) adding 91 runs for the first wicket. However, CSK's bowlers pulled things back remarkably, picking up wickets at regular intervals. Shardul Thakur was the pick of the bowlers with 3/38, while Ravindra Jadeja and Josh Hazlewood also kept things tight, ensuring KKR could not maintain their momentum. With this victory, CSK became four-time IPL champions, joining Mumbai Indians as the most successful franchises in the tournament's history. Ruturaj Gaikwad's performances stood out throughout the season. His tally of 635 runs earned him the Orange Cap, making him the youngest player to win the prestigious award. He was also awarded as the Emerging Player of the Season for his performance. Gaikwad also became the first cricketer to win both the IPL title and the Orange Cap in the same season, marking a significant milestone in his young career. The triumph in 2021 further cemented MS Dhoni's legacy as one of the greatest leaders in T20 cricket. The title win was a testament to CSK's resilience and team spirit, as they once again proved why they are among the most consistent teams in the IPL.
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