Relive MS Dhoni's Genius Domination Of KKR As CSK Lifted IPL 2021 Trophy

Soumyajit Dutta

MS Dhoni with IPL trophy [Source: iplt20.com]MS Dhoni with IPL trophy [Source: iplt20.com]

Under the shimmering lights of Dubai, the IPL witnessed a clash of redemption arcs. The Chennai Super Kings (CSK), determined to erase the scars of their 2020 campaign, collided with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), a team reborn in the UAE leg of the tournament. What followed was a final brimming with drama, masterclasses, and a reminder of CSK’s timeless dominance.

KKR, led by Eoin Morgan, had scripted a fairytale turnaround, rising from the ashes of a dismal first half to storm into the final. CSK, however, were on a mission. After their first-ever playoff miss in 2020, MS Dhoni’s men returned with a vengeance, blending experience and flair to reclaim their throne.

Du Plessis, the Unshakable Pillar Led With The Bat

Faf du Plessis, the evergreen warrior, orchestrated Chennai’s charge with a majestic 86 off 59 balls. Paired with Ruturaj Gaikwad (32 off 27), the duo unleashed a powerplay blitz, targeting KKR’s ace spinner Shakib Al Hasan. 

Gaikwad’s audacious sixes off Shakib set the tone, but it was du Plessis who stole the show. Robin Uthappa (31 off 15) and Moeen Ali (37* off 20) turbocharged the innings. Uthappa’s sixes off Shakib and Lockie Ferguson’s pace, followed by Moeen’s three towering hits, propelled CSK to 192/3. 

Despite tiring legs, du Plessis anchored three consecutive 50+ partnerships, ensuring CSK posted the highest total in an IPL final at the time.

Iyer’s Spark, Gill’s Luck, and CSK’s Ruthless Fightback

KKR’s openers, Venkatesh Iyer and Shubman Gill, began fearlessly. Iyer edged Josh Hazlewood’s second ball, but Dhoni spilt a regulation catch. The left-hander capitalised, smashing 50 off 32 balls.

Shubman Gill’s reprieve via a spider-cam wire (dead ball) during a miscued slog added to CSK’s frustration. At 91/0 in 10.4 overs, KKR seemed unstoppable. Then, Shardul Thakur happened.

Shardul Thakur, The Game-Changer Enters

Thakur’s double strike in the 13th over, flipped the script. Venkatesh Iyer attempts a sliced drive to Ravindra Jadeja at sweeper cover (54 off 32) and walks back.

Rana goes for a golden duck. A skiddy delivery induced a tame catch to mid-off. Sunil Narine promoted to No. 4, fell for a duck as Hazlewood’s pace shattered his stumps. From 91/0, KKR crumbled to 120/6 by the 15th over. Jadeja’s twin strikes of Dinesh Karthik and Shakib sealed the collapse.

CSK Lifts The Trophy

Despite late fireworks from Lockie Ferguson and Shivam Mavi, KKR folded for 165, handing CSK their fourth IPL title. MS Dhoni’s tactical genius, rotating bowlers, backing Thakur’s knack for breakthroughs, and trusting his veterans had triumphed again.

For KKR, it was a story of “what ifs,” a fairytale comeback cut short by one off day. But for CSK, it was a reaffirmation of their IPL royalty. As the yellow confetti rained in Dubai, Dhoni’s smirk said it all underlining the fact that Chennai’s dynasty was far from over.