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OTD in 2010: When MS Dhoni-led CSK became world-beaters with Champions League glory

Soumyajit Dutta

CSK lifts maiden CLT20 trophy [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/X.com]CSK lifts maiden CLT20 trophy [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/X.com]

CSK under MS Dhoni have won multiple IPL titles and, notably, two Champions League Twenty20 trophies too. The first one is always special, and on just this day, September 26, back in 2010, the Yellow Army lifted the maiden silverware. 

It was a final that demanded a calm head, and Murali Vijay provided just that for the Chennai Super Kings. Chasing a modest 129 for glory, the pressure was not so much on the scoreboard as on the occasion itself. Alongside the ever-dependable Michael Hussey, Vijay constructed the innings that would ultimately define the match. 

Vijay, Hussey start off chase well

The Warriors' hopes, already dim after their stifled batting effort, rested on early breakthroughs that never materialised. Both batters played spin with aplomb, but it was Vijay who took the more assertive role, using his feet to loft the bowlers inside-out and piercing the off-side field with precision. His fifty, a composed 58 from 53 balls, was the bedrock upon which the chase was built.

The partnership between Vijay and Hussey brought up their 50-run stand in the seventh over and, crucially, never allowed the required rate to climb. The pair's century partnership, reached in the 15th over, seemed to have extinguished any lingering hope for the home side, reducing the contest to a mere formality.

Warriors find back their mojo

However, in a brief flicker of life for the Warriors, the game offered a slight tremor of a twist. Just as victory seemed a foregone conclusion, Murali Vijay fell, caught by Justin Kreusch off the bowling of Nicky Boje with the score at 103. Two deliveries later, Suresh Raina departed cheaply, and the equation suddenly tightened from a comfortable 26 needed from 31 balls to a slightly more nervous 13 from 12. 

Hussey-Dhoni finish off the chase

The Wanderers crowd found its voice once more, wondering if a dramatic collapse was possible. But the experience of Chennai Super Kings shone through. Any anxiety was short-lived as the cool heads of Michael Hussey, who remained unbeaten on a masterful 51, and captain MS Dhoni, with a brisk 17 from 12 balls.

The duo calmly escorted their team across the line with an over to spare as the team lifted their maiden CLT20 trophy. Notably, Ravichandran Ashwin bagged the Player of the Tournament for his 13-wicket tally.