Dhoni is well and truly a cult figure in Chennai. While his power-hitting has waned in recent times, he still finds a way to finish games for his franchise. In 2022, however, they crashed and burned again, just about managing to avoid the wooden spoon.Įven as analytics change the T20 landscape, Dhoni continues to trust his instincts to mastermind victories for Super Kings. They bounced right back the next season, going about things the clinical Super Kings way, finishing second in the league stage, then beating Kolkata Knight Riders in the final.

The following year, they struggled to adjust to the conditions in the UAE, finishing near the bottom of the table. In 2019, Super Kings played a thrilling final against their bogey opponents, Mumbai Indians, with Rohit Sharma and Co eventually stealing a one-run victory over them. In 2018, however, Super Kings marked their return with their third title - despite, or because of, their squad being heavy on players over 30. They faltered in the knockouts in the next four IPLs and were then banned for two years because of a spot-fixing scandal. His instincts, coupled with coach Stephen Fleming’s tactical nous, have been central to Super Kings’ success over the years.Īfter losing the final off the last ball in 2008, and the semi-final in 2009, Super Kings secured back-to-back titles the next two seasons. Dhoni, who was the highest-paid player (Rs 9.5 crore, about US$1.5 million) in the inaugural auction, became the face, heart and soul of the side. Super Kings have reached the knockouts in 11 of their 13 seasons.

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