CSK under MS Dhoni decimated DC by 77 runs in their final IPL 2023 league game to seal a place in the playoffs. By virtue of net run rate, they piped LSG for 2nd spot while GT are placed at No. 1.
The advantage of CSK being in the top 2 means that they have to win just 2 games to take home the IPL title. On May 23, CSK face defending champs and table toppers GT in the 1st Qualifier. If they win, it is a direct entry into the final and one more win after that means the crown is theirs.
BCCI
Of course, a loss in Qualifier 1 means they still won’t be out of it. CSK will then have to face the winner of the Eliminator in Qualifier 2 for a place in the final. But they will hope it does not come to that.
If CSK win IPL 2023, it will be their fifth title and they will equal the record currently held by MI. CSK won their 1st title in 2010 and last in 2021. The other wins came in 2011 and 2018. Till date, they remain the only side to win 2 consecutive titles and also play 4 consecutive finals between 2010 and 2013. In 13 editions they played out of the fifteen, CSK have played 9 finals, an IPL record.
BCCI
CSK narrowly missed out on becoming the 1st ever IPL winners when lost a close final to RR in 2008. But Dhoni did become the 1st Indian skipper to win it in 2010.