WATCH: Throwback to when CSK beat KKR to clinch fourth IPL title under MS Dhoni in 2021

The 14th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2021 was the redemption year for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) as they went on to beat Kolkata Knight Riders in the finals on October 15. The Men in Yellow clinched their fourth IPL trophy under the leadership of MS Dhoni. That was a redemption year for them because they finished in the 7th position in the IPL 2020. Hence, winning in 2021 felt different. CSK have always been a dominating side in the IPL since the first edition. Until 2024, they had played in 10 finals in 14 editions of the tournament. 

Additionally, they have just missed out on play-offs thrice in the entire 17 editions, which is evidence of their domination in the tournament. Moreover, beating KKR in the finals was more of a revenge for the CSK team and the fans as KKR denied them a hat-trick title victory in 2012. Hence, after nine years, MS Dhoni got the chance to complete his revenge and did his best to clinch victory. 

Watch the video here:

CSK WON THEIR FOURTH IPL TROPHY "OTD in 2021". 🏆

- After the downfall in 2020, CSK made a historic comeback in 2021 under the leadership of MS DHONI to win the league for the 4th time. 💛 pic.twitter.com/uSkPApxQVq

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 15, 2024

Even though CSK lost the toss, they didn't let the match slip away from their hands. They batted first and scored 192 runs, thanks to Faf du Plessis' 86 run-knock off 59 balls. Sunil Narine was the standout bowler for KKR, as he claimed two wickets but couldn't dismantle the entire batting lineup, and CSK lost just three wickets. 

Lord Shardul Thakur came to the rescue for CSK in the Finals

When KKR batters came in to bat, the openers wreaked havoc on the CSK bowlers as they refused to throw away their wicket. They went on to make a partnership of 91 runs in 10 overs. The game's turning point came when Dhoni handed the ball to Shardul Thakur. He made the first breakthrough by dismissing Venkatesh Iyer, who was batting 50 runs.

After Iyer and Shubman Gill's wicket, the batting order collapsed like a pack of cards. The batters struggled to touch the 10-run mark, helping CSK lift the trophy after three years of wait. Ruturaj Gaikwad was the Orange Cap winner in the IPL, as he played brilliantly throughout the tournament. After 2021, CSK went on to win another trophy in 2023 by beating Hardik Pandya-led Gujarat Titans.