Attention to detail, focusing on team culture, giving players freedom: How Chennai Super Kings won a record-equalling fifth IPL title

This triumph must feel special for Chennai Super Kings. They have tasted success before, and the first one in 2010 holds a special place and so does the one in 2018 after serving a two-year suspension. During the previous occasions when they lifted the title, CSK started as one of the favourites, like they do every season. But not this year when they started as rank outsiders and have managed to punch above their weight to claim a record-equalling fifth title that puts them on par with arch-rivals Mumbai Indians.
Chennai Super Kings players celebrate with the trophy after winning the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. (PTI Photo)
In a cricketing eco-system where franchises seek a cutting edge every season in terms of adding new players as well as support staff and rely extensively on data, CSK remain an old-fashioned team. They don’t believe in the concept of match-ups. They don’t believe a wr-spinner is a non-negotiable part of the XI. They don’t deep-dive into data. They don’t have in place a robust scouting system. They don’t believe in coaches having a three-year cycle or sell- date. In a tournament where commercial elements play a big role, they don’t believe in off-field gimmicks like jersey launches.
Instead, they keep it simple being meticulous in their planning and preparation, and let the process take over. There is a reason why players (past and present) speak fondly of the CSK team culture, where there is no concept of team meetings, where training sessions are optional, players are allowed to plan their own sessions, where there is no interference from team owners and officials. There is no compulsion to train, but it is hard to see any player skipping a training session and relaxing in their room overlooking the Marina beachfront enjoying their favourite cuisine. In essence, cricket remains in the forefront without one even realising it.
While much has been spoken of the influence of MS Dhoni, the Super Kings have also benefited from a strong support staff led head coach Stephen Fleming who has been part of the side since the first IPL season. Instead of looking outside for new coaches, Chennai have looked within, with Mike Hussey and Dwayne Bravo graduating into coaches after their playing days. And when it comes to driving the team forward, they are the ones who are at the wheel, who hand it over to Dhoni on match days.
Preparation is key
Starting from their pre-season camp that begins in March, training sessions are so well planned and documented that they only replicate it in the match. Having struggled last season in conditions that were totally different to the strengths of their side, the Super Kings didn’t fret too much. While most teams would have gone for a complete rejig at the auction, Chennai chose to buy two players – Ben Stokes and Ajinkya Rahane – who could potentially walk into the XI and strengthen it. With the tournament going back to the home-and-away format in varied conditions, the Super Kings showed the vision that many teams lacked, opting for pitches at the MA Chidambaram Stadium that were far different to the ones they had played on previously. Instead of the usual low, slow pitches, they played on varied surfaces at home, something that prepared them well for the away legs as well. It meant they won only four matches at home – their joint-lowest ever, but it put them in good stead to be ready for all conditions, especially what they would face in the play-offs. For a team that has made 10 finals, prior to the 2023 edition, they had won only four, and they believed it was time to rectify the record.
Ravindra Jadeja did what Dhoni had done for CSK for all these years. (IPL/BCCI)
“In the past, we geared ourselves up for Chennai so well that we struggled in different conditions at times in the away games. So, the finals are always a little bit of a challenge, our record is about 50 percent maybe, that’s due to the style of game that we created. The victim of being so good at home is that we had to make adjustments when we went to a neutral venue. This year we’re a bit more rounded, we’ve had to be because of that reason. Going back to Chennai was hard in terms of conditions. I wanted to bowl (first vs Mumbai), MS was the other way, and in Qualifier 1, it was the opposite. So we were well off the mark in trying to get the conditions right, but this time around, the team was rounded enough to put performances together come the finals,” Fleming said.
Culture kings
This sort of attention to detail even before the start of the season is crucial, and also speaks of the culture in the team where they set their sight on the final despite talking of “one match at a time” at all points. When the Super Kings came out of the auction room, they were unsure of their playing XI, something that is not common with them. With limited resources in hand, for Chennai to go all the way, they had to maximise them and to do that, they just relied on having key conversations with players.
“Everyone gets an opportunity to express themselves, to discuss with various coaches and also with the skipper. So, I think it does help a lot as a player when you know there are people around who give you a lot of confidence and positivity. Even though you face 10 deliveries and you have played seven-eight badly, there are people who will come to you and speak about those two-three good deliveries you played. I think it’s in the DNA of CSK, and that is a big plus. So, I think the doubt kind of fades away and naturally, you start feeling positive and confident. That’s what I think separates us from the rest,” prolific opener Ruturaj Gaikwad said.