IPL 2021: Dhoni Celebrates As CSK Becomes First Team To Reach Playoffs

CSK Vs SRH: Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings performed extremely poor last year. But this year CSK made a strong comeback and became the first team in this season to reach the playoffs.

(File Photo)

IPL 2021: After a dismal performance last year, Mahendra Singh Dhoni's Chennai Super Kings have made a stunning comeback in IPL 14. CSK has become the first team in IPL 14 to make it to the playoffs. Team captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni believes that this year the team's performance matters more. 

Chennai Super Kings have secured a place in the IPL playoffs for the 11th time. Last year, the team failed to qualify for the playoffs for the first time. Chennai advanced to the playoffs after beating Sunrisers Hyderabad by 6 wickets. CSK now has 18 points from 11 matches.

Dhoni said, "Reaching the playoffs means a lot because the last time we said we wanted to make a come back strong. We learnt from the past. Full credit goes to the players and the support staff.''

Thala Thala dhan 💛➡️💛#WhistlePodu #Yellove 🦁 pic.twitter.com/BrI0Ixbn33

— Chennai Super Kings - Mask P😷du Whistle P🥳du! (@ChennaiIPL) October 1, 2021

Praise for Bowlers

The captain credited the victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad to the bowlers who restricted the opposition to 134 for 7 wickets. Dhoni said, "It was not a wicket where the ball was getting more turn or it was coming to the bat later on. The bowlers adjusted their pace and length very well. That's what I told them before the match and they implemented that strategy well.''

Chennai Super Kings currently remain at the top of the points table. Given CSK's stellar performance, it is expected that the team will be able to finish in the top two easily. Thus, the CSK will not have to play a direct knockout match in the playoffs.