IPL 2021 Final | KKR deserved to win after their massive turnaround, says MS Dhoni after leading CSK to fourth IPL title

Chennai Super Kings had a rather unimpressive IPL 2020, with just six wins from 14 matches, which deprived them of a playoffs berth for the first time in the tournament’s history. The MS Dhoni led outfit bounced back strongly a year later, clinching their fourth IPL title - a second in four years.

"Before I start talking about CSK, I need to talk about KKR. Difficult to come back and do what they have, if any team deserved to win the IPL, it's KKR. Huge credit to the coaches, team and support staff. The break really helped them,” said Dhoni in a highly engaging post-match conversation.

“Frankly no chats, we don't talk a lot . It's more one-on-one, our practice sessions are meeting sessions. The moment you get into a team room, it brings about different pressures. Our practice sessions have been good. 

“I would love to thank the fans, wherever we've played, even when we were in South Africa, we've always had a good number of CSK fans. That is what you crave for. Thanks to all of them, it feels like we're playing in Chennai. Hopefully we'll be back in Chennai for the fans."

“Again I've said it before, it depends on the BCCI (on playing next season for CSK). With two new teams coming in, we have to decide what is good for CSK. It's not about me being there in the top-three or four. It's about making a strong core to ensure the franchise doesn't suffer. The core group, we have to have a hard look to see who can contribute for the next 10 years," he said.

Earlier, Faf du Plessis’ fluent 59-ball 86 propelled CSK to 192/3, after Eoin Morgan opted to bowl. Ruturaj Gaikwad (32 off 27) became the youngest batsman ever to claim the IPL Orange cap, while Robin Uthappa (31 off 15) and Moeen Ali (37* off 20) too, played their parts.

"That was a great day. I am really grateful for today,” said du Plessis as he received the Player of the Match award. “It was also my 100th game in the IPL. I have loved my time here. I have done almost ten years here - two seasons were a bit of a break. No. 4 in the trophy cabinet is really good. Gaikwad is a special talent. Indian cricket is blessed with talent. He is getting better. He's got a super, bright future ahead of him."

Head coach Stephen Fleming reflected on a highly impressive campaign, and emphasised the value of experience within the group.

“We don't get too deep into analytics and numbers, we go with gut feel and develop relationships with players, it's old-school but it works for us. The years tick by, we've done work over the years gone by, we've got some great memories. Very proud to have been with one franchise and have success."