Chennai Super Kings, often referred to as CSK, is a cricketing powerhouse in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and a source of immense pride for the cricket-crazy fans of Tamil Nadu. Founded in 2008, this team has etched its name in cricket history through its remarkable journey, legendary players, and unwavering fan support.
A Cricketing Legacy Begins
In September 2007, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) unveiled its ambitious project, the Indian Premier League, set to commence in 2008. This marked the birth of CSK, and in January 2008, the India Cements acquired the franchise for an astounding $91 million, making it the fourth most expensive team in the league at the time.
Notably, former ICC Chairman N. Srinivasan played a pivotal role in the team’s ownership, wearing the dual hats of vice-chairman and managing director of India Cements Ltd. However, this structure was later revamped after a Supreme Court ruling in January 2015, ensuring transparency and compliance with the BCCI constitution.
The Roaring Lion’s Den: Home Ground
The iconic M. A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, often called “The Chepauk,” serves as the fortress of CSK. This historic stadium, named after former BCCI President M. A. Chidambaram, has a rich cricketing heritage and a seating capacity of 50,000.
The Super Kings have enjoyed a formidable home record at this venue, making it an intimidating battleground for visiting teams. The taglines “Fortress Chepauk” and “Lions’ Den” aptly describe the stadium’s atmosphere, where CSK has scripted numerous memorable victories.
2008-2009: The First Seasons
The inception of the IPL in 2008 marked a new beginning for CSK. In the inaugural season, they made some impressive buys during the player auctions, including star cricketers like Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Matthew Hayden, Stephen Fleming, Muttiah Muralitharan, and Michael Hussey. Dhoni became the costliest player in the auction, purchased for $1.5 million.
Under the captaincy of Dhoni and coached by Kepler Wessels, CSK played their first match against Kings XI Punjab, securing a 33-run victory with a record total of 240/5. They finished third in the league stage but lost to the Rajasthan Royals in the final. CSK’s inaugural journey was significant as they earned a spot in the canceled Champions League Twenty20.
In 2009, the Super Kings bought English all-rounder Andrew Flintoff for a hefty $1.55 million, but his season was cut short due to injury. Despite his absence and Hussey skipping the season, CSK finished second in the league stage. Matthew Hayden was the star performer, winning the Orange Cap for being the leading run-scorer.
2010: IPL and CLT20 Double
The 2010 season was a turning point for CSK. Despite a shaky start, they clinched the IPL title. They secured a place in the final, facing the Mumbai Indians. Suresh Raina’s brilliant 57 helped them secure their first IPL championship.
Their success continued in the Champions League Twenty20 (CLT20) where they emerged as champions. Murali Vijay was the standout performer and won the Golden Bat.
2011-2015: Success and Suspension
In 2011, CSK retained key players and finished second in the league stage. They won the IPL title for the second time, defeating Royal Challengers Bangalore in the final. Despite their IPL success, they couldn’t make an impact in the CLT20.
The following years were filled with ups and downs. They retained their dominance in the IPL, securing the championship again in 2011 and 2018. CSK’s star performers included players like Michael Hussey, Ravindra Jadeja, and Dwayne Bravo.
In 2015, they lost the final against Mumbai Indians, ending their campaign as the runner-up. CSK’s performance in the CLT20 varied, with some seasons witnessing group-stage exits.
2018 – The Grand Comeback
After a two-year suspension from the IPL, CSK made a stunning comeback in 2018. They retained iconic players, including MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina, and Ravindra Jadeja. The return of CSK to the tournament was celebrated by their passionate fans.
CSK’s campaign started with a thrilling victory over the Mumbai Indians. They eventually secured their third IPL title, led by Shane Watson’s remarkable century in the final. The 2018 season also saw CSK players Ambati Rayudu and Shane Watson scoring centuries.
Throughout their journey, CSK established themselves as one of the most successful and beloved IPL franchises. They’ve faced various challenges but continued to shine in the world of T20 cricket.
As CSK’s loyal “Yellow Army” continues to cheer for their team, the Chennai Super Kings remain an integral part of the IPL’s rich history. With their rich legacy, the Super Kings are sure to be a force to reckon with in the years to come.
2019: A Bittersweet Season
In 2019, the Super Kings once again showcased their dominance by becoming the first team to qualify for the IPL Playoffs. They reached the final for the eighth time in the league. In the final, they faced the Mumbai Indians and set a target of 149/8. While they came close, CSK managed to make 148/7, narrowly missing the title. Imran Tahir emerged as their star bowler, winning the Purple Cap for taking the most wickets.
2020: Facing Unprecedented Challenges
Before the 2020 season, CSK made notable signings, including Sam Curran, Josh Hazlewood, Piyush Chawla, and R. Sai Kishore. However, the season was unlike any other due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Cricketers Ruturaj Gaikwad and Deepak Chahar tested positive for the virus, and key players like Suresh Raina and Harbhajan Singh withdrew from the IPL.
Despite the early setbacks, CSK began the season impressively with a win over the Mumbai Indians. However, their performance took a downward turn. CSK faced criticism, and their playoffs hopes were dashed after a humiliating defeat against the Mumbai Indians. The season ended on a positive note, with CSK winning their last three games thanks to Ruturaj Gaikwad’s consistent fifties. This season marked their first failure to qualify for the playoffs.
2021: A Return to Glory
In 2021, CSK made strategic picks during the auctions, including Cheteshwar Pujara, Krishnappa Gowtham, Moeen Ali, and several talented Indian cricketers. They started the season with a loss but went on an impressive five-match winning streak before the IPL was suspended due to the pandemic.
When the tournament resumed in the UAE, CSK continued their strong form and secured their spot in the playoffs, becoming the first team to qualify. Despite some late losses, they maintained a top-two position in the points table. In the Qualifier 1, they defeated Delhi Capitals, entering the finals for the ninth time. CSK delivered an all-round performance in the final against Kolkata Knight Riders to claim their fourth IPL title.
2022: A Season of Challenges
In 2022, CSK made headlines by becoming India’s first unicorn sports enterprise. The season had its share of captaincy changes, with Ravindra Jadeja initially leading the team before passing the role back to MS Dhoni. Under Jadeja’s captaincy, the team faced challenges, finishing at the bottom of the table, missing the playoffs for only the second time.
2023: Resilience and Triumph
After a challenging 2022 season, CSK looked forward to the 2023 IPL auctions. They made significant signings, including Ben Stokes, Kyle Jamieson, and Ajinkya Rahane. However, they faced early setbacks with injuries to key players, including Stokes and Jamieson.
Despite these challenges, CSK showcased their fighting spirit, finishing the group stage with 17 points and eight wins. They advanced to the first qualifier. Winning the qualifier against Gujarat Titans, they secured their place in their 10th IPL final.
In the final, held in Ahmedabad, CSK faced the defending champions, Gujarat Titans. Chennai Super Kings emerged victorious, winning their fifth IPL title. Ambati Rayudu, a CSK veteran since 2018, announced his retirement from IPL, marking an emotional end to the season.
The journey of Chennai Super Kings from 2019 to 2023 has been a roller-coaster ride, filled with triumphs, challenges, and resilience. As they continue to be a force in the IPL, CSK’s legacy in T20 cricket remains unmatched. The loyal CSK fans eagerly await the team’s future endeavors in the league.
IPL Season Summary
| Year | Pld | Won | Loss | Tied | NR | SR (%) | Position | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 16 | 9 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 56.25% | 2/8 | Runners-up |
| 2009 | 15 | 8 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 53.33% | 4/8 | Semi-Finalists |
| 2010 | 16 | 9 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 59.38% | 1/8 | Champions |
| 2011 | 16 | 11 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 68.75% | 1/10 | Champions |
| 2012 | 19 | 10 | 8 | 0 | 1 | 52.63% | 2/9 | Runners-up |
| 2013 | 18 | 12 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 66.67% | 2/9 | Runners-up |
| 2014 | 16 | 10 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 62.5% | 3/8 | Playoffs |
| 2015 | 17 | 10 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 58.82% | 2/8 | Runners-up |
| 2016 | Suspended | |||||||
| 2017 | Suspended | |||||||
| 2018 | 16 | 11 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 68.75% | 1/8 | Champions |
| 2019 | 17 | 10 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 58.82% | 2/8 | Runners-up |
| 2020 | 14 | 6 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 42.85% | 7/8 | League Stage |
| 2021 | 16 | 11 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 68.75% | 1/8 | Champions |
| 2022 | 14 | 4 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 28.57% | 9/10 | League Stage |
| 2023 | 16 | 10 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 62.5% | 1/10 | Champions |
| Total | 226 | 131 | 91 | 1 | 3 | 57.96 | 0 | 5 titles |
By opposition
| Opposition | Years | Mat | Won | Lost | Tied | NR | Win (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunrisers Hyderabad | 2013–2015, 2018-2022 | 20 | 15 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 75.00 |
| Royal Challengers Bangalore | 2008–2015, 2018-2023 | 32 | 21 | 10 | 0 | 1 | 67.73 |
| Rajasthan Royals | 2008–2015, 2018-2023 | 29 | 15 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 51.72 |
| Punjab Kings | 2008–2015, 2018-2023 | 29 | 16 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 56.89 |
| Pune Warriors India | 2011–2013 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 66.66 |
| Mumbai Indians | 2008–2015, 2018-2023 | 38 | 17 | 21 | 0 | 0 | 44.73 |
| Lucknow Super Giants | 2022-2023 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 50.00 |
| Kolkata Knight Riders | 2008–2015, 2018– 2023 | 29 | 19 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 63.33 |
| Kochi Tuskers Kerala | 2011 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 50 |
| Gujarat Titans | 2022-2023 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 40.00 |
| Delhi Capitals | 2008–2015, 2018–2023 | 29 | 19 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 65.51 |
| Deccan Chargers | 2008–2012 | 10 | 6 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 60 |
| Total | 2008–2015 2018-2023 | 232 | 136 | 93 | 0 | 2 | 58.62 |
Name, Logo, and Colors
CSK’s name pays homage to the great rulers of the Tamil empire. The word “super” reflects the vibrant spirit of southern India, especially Tamil Nadu. Additionally, the team’s name is inspired by India Cements’ brand “Coromandel King.”
The franchise’s logo features the fierce head of a roaring lion in orange, with the team name in blue and a crown symbolizing leadership. The lion signifies qualities like youth, vibrancy, solid performance orientation, and fiery spirit.
Yellow is the primary color of the team, accentuated by blue and orange stripes on the jersey. The roaring lion logo takes center stage on the shirt, below the main sponsor’s logo. While the basic look of the jersey has remained consistent, the team’s kits have been produced by Reebok until 2014 and by Spartan since 2015.
The Whistle Podu Mantra
CSK’s iconic theme song, “Whistle Podu,” designed by the duo of Aravind Murali and Jaishankar Iyer, has become synonymous with the team. It gained immense popularity in the 2009 season, signifying the energy and passion of CSK fans. The song’s video showcases the unique street dance form of dappangutthu, a cultural gem in Tamil Nadu. Some of the Super Kings players’ whistles were incorporated into the music video, making it an anthem for CSK loyalists.
Kit and Sponsors
Sponsors play a pivotal role in a franchise’s journey, and CSK has had its share of prominent partners. For the 2022 season, the team secured TVS Eurogrip as the principal shirt sponsor. Myntra held this position for the 2021 season, while the Muthoot Group, which inked a three-year deal in 2018, was another principal shirt sponsor.
Other sponsors include India Cements, Gulf Oil, Equitas Small Finance Bank, HIL, Nippon Paint, Parle Agro Frooti, and Atria Convergence Technologies.
The Yellow Brigade: A Fervent Fan Following
CSK has garnered a massive fan following across India, affectionately known as the “Yellow Army.” The official fan club, named the “Whistle Podu Army,” was established in January 2016. In 2018 and 2019, reports surfaced of over 10,000 fans attending the team’s practice sessions, highlighting the unwavering support.
During the 2018 season, when CSK’s home games were moved to Pune due to political protests, the team management arranged a charter train and free accommodation for more than 1,000 fans traveling from Chennai to Pune, exemplifying the incredible bond between the team and its supporters.
A Valuable Cricket Brand
Chennai Super Kings’ brand value and financial worth have soared over the years. In 2018, it was recognized as the most valuable brand in the IPL, with a value of $65 million. The team’s popularity continued to rise, with a valuation of $900 million in October 2021, on track to become India’s first sports unicorn.
Controversies and Challenges
Despite its incredible success on the field, CSK has faced controversies off it. Issues related to ownership, conflicts of interest, and allegations of rigging in IPL auctions have clouded the team’s journey. The involvement of key figures in the IPL betting case in 2013 led to CSK’s suspension from the IPL for two years.
Despite these challenges, the spirit of CSK and its loyal fan base remain unshaken. The team’s resurgence in 2018, winning the IPL title, exemplifies the resilience and determination that are integral to the Chennai Super Kings’ DNA.
Highest Score
| SCORE | AGAINST | GROUND |
| 246/5 | RAJASTHAN ROYALS | CHENNAI |
| 240/5 | PUNJAB KINGS | MOHALI |
| 235/4 | KOLKATA KNIGHT RIDERS | KOLKATA |
| 226/6 | RCB | BENGALURU |
Lowest Score
| SCORE | OPPONENT | GROUND |
| 79 | MUMBAI INDIANS | WANKHEDE |
| 97 | MUMBAI INDIANS | WANKHEDE |
| 109 | RAJASTHAN ROYALS | JAIPUR |
| 109 | MUMBAI INDIANS | CHENNAI |
Most Runs
| PLAYER | MATCH | INNINGS | RUNS |
| SURESH RAINA | 176 | 171 | 4687 |
| MS DHONI | 220 | 191 | 4508 |
| FAF DU PLESSIS | 92 | 86 | 2721 |
| AMBATI RAYUDU | 90 | 80 | 1932 |
Most Wicket
| PLAYER | MATCH | WICKET |
| DWAYNE BRAVO | 116 | 140 |
| RAVINDRA JADEJA | 158 | 125 |
| RAVICHANDRAN ASHWIN | 97 | 90 |
| ALBIE MORKEL | 78 | 76 |
CSK Squad
Moeen Ali, Deepak Chahar, Devon Conway, Tushar Deshpande, MS Dhoni, Shivam Dube, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Ravindra Jadeja, Sisanda Magala, Ajay Mandal, Matheesha Pathirana, Dwaine Pretorius, Ajinkya Rahane, Shaik Rasheed, Ambati Rayudu, Mitchell Santner, Subhranshu Senapati, Nishant Sindhu, Simarjeet Singh, Prashant Solanki, Ben Stokes, Maheesh Theekshana, Bhagath Varm
