The Chennai Super Kings has won the tournament for second consecutive edition. Without winning many matches with the highest difference, they sailed smoothly. Their team has the best lot of batsmen and bowlers. They did not earn Orange Cap and Purple Cap or even Karbon Kamaal Catch, but finished close to top in lots. One of the best allrounders of the World Dwayn Bravo could not find much space in the team as batsman or bowler, such was the team strength. With more than 5 players winning MOM, team proved the team of stars is a truly champion team.
Chennai Super Kings is The 70s-era West Indies of IPL
Super Kings Reign, Raining Stars in Chennai
CSK Team Performance Factoid
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Two players taking 8 catches (Anirudha and Jakati), against 10 highest number of catches by Pollard.
Ashwin with 20 wickets finishing 4th in Wicket-takers list. 4 players took wickets in double digit, although they have only five 3-plus wicket taking individual performances in an inning.
6 players scored 100-plus runs. 5 of them scored from 392-492 runs with more than 15 half-centuries.
Team with maximum 11 win of IPL 2011.
Maximum 3 highest run partnerships by any team for different wickets.
7 different players won Player of the match award.
On 9 occasions CSK posted 150-plus totals, maximum by any team.
Performance of Retained Players
Dhoni, the captain of 2011 World Cup winner team India, displayed why he is the best captain available in the World. He also scored 392 runs with two half-centuries, was responsible for 10 dismissals, and won player of the match award against Delhi Daredevils.
Raina started slow but became the 2nd highest run scorer of his team, after Hussey, scoring 438 runs with 4 half-centuries, took 4 catches, and 4 wickets too, winning the player of the match award in semifinal (First playoff) against RCB taking his team to final.
Morkel took 15 wickets, scored 138 runs with 8 sixes, giving the perfect finish to CSK innings when required and received player of the match against Deccan Chargers.
Murali Vijay played the role of a perfect opener, often giving CSK the good start, scoring 434 runs 3 half-centuries, took 3 catches and won 2 player of the match awards, including one in the final against RCB, besides one against Rajasthan Royals.
Other Exceptional Performers
Ashwin played the most crucial role in CSKs win. With 20 wickets he was the 4th best bowler of the IPL 2011. The offie has redefined the use of new ball. He took the best wickets of opposition, including the much-feared Gayle twice in the knockouts. On both occasions Gayle could not even score.
Michael Hussey adjusted magnificently to his role as opener and scored 492 runs with 4 half-centuries. He also took 6 catches. He received maximum player of the match awards for CSK, winning 3. First he received against RCB in first group match, then against Pune Warriors and the last one against Rajasthan Royals.
Badrinath was the revelation of its sorts. Everyone agrees about his talent and deservingly he has earned a place in Indian team for West Indies tour of 2011. His 396 runs with 6 not out and 4 half-centuries brought the defining moments in CSKs match winning streak.
Bollinger also displayed why he was one of the best fast bowlers of the tournament. He earned only one player of the match award, against Pune Warriors, but his 17 wickets played a decisive role in CSKs wins.
Lesser Popular Performers
Anirudha opened the inning before Hussey joined the team. In the first match of CSK against KKR, in the low scoring match he earned player of the match with his batting. After Hussey’s arrival, he could not find a place in the team plans. He also took 8 catches.
Wriddhiman Saha got less opportunities and scored only 68 runs. Yet in the four innings he played, the moment he got more time at crease he earned the player of the match award, against Kochi Tuskers.
Jakati finished as 4th best bowler taking 10 wickets and held 8 catches to finish as joint 2nd safest hands of the tournament.
Southee was the most economical bowler before Bollinger’s arrival dislodged him from the playing XI. Randiv played his part with 6 wickets till his return to serve Sri Lankan team. Bravo showed his impact as one of the best allrounders, although he played very less number of matches.
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