IPL 2021: 'It means a lot': MS Dhoni after CSK grabs playoff spot

What a season this has turned out to be for Chennai Super Kings (CSK). With 9 wins in 11 games, they have become the first team to qualify for the playoffs in IPL 2021. This is a remarkable turnaround considering that the same group failed to go past the group stage in the previous edition. CSK defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad to climb to the helm of the table.

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Skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni is mighty pleased with the performance and said it means a lot to the team as the players were determined to deliver a better show after horrid outings in the 2020 season.

"It means a lot, because the last time, we said we wanted to come back strong. We are known for that and there was a lot at stake," Dhoni said in the post-match presentation.

"You won't always win games and a lot didn't go our way last time, and it's important not to make excuses and we have done that this year."

The bowling has been fantastic from CSK with every bowler chipping in with vital contributions. The performances of the bowlers have been well backed by the openers Ruturaj Gaikwad and Faf du Plessis. Both players are among the top 5 highest run scorers in the tournament. Lauding the performance of players, Dhoni said, “ The boys did well to keep the momentum going, and they've taken responsibilities to keep all departments of the game in balance so the players and the support staff get the credit.

CSK bowlers were once again at the top of their game and restricted SRH to a paltry 139. The runs were never going to be enough, especially with the form CSK openers are in. Gaikwad and Du Plessis stitched their sixth half-century stand this season and helped CSK cruise to a win by 6 wickets.