Highest Run Chase in IPL by CSK – Reliving Thrillers by the Men in Yellow

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have been one of the most consistent franchises in IPL history with 4 titles to their name. Known for their thrilling brand of cricket, CSK have successfully chased down huge targets multiple times over the years. Let’s revisit some enthralling high-scoring matches where CSK pulled off the highest run chase in IPL.

Overview of Chennai Super Kings

One of the original eight IPL teams, CSK is owned by India Cements and captained by the legendary MS Dhoni.

Some key facts:

• Based in Chennai, their home ground is M.A.Chidambaram Stadium.
• Coached by Stephen Fleming and captained by MS Dhoni since inaugural season.
• Won IPL title in 2010, 2011, 2018 and 2021 under Dhoni’s leadership.
• Known for retaining core group of players over the years.
• Rivalry with Mumbai Indians is one of IPL’s biggest.

With batting icons like Dhoni, Raina, Hussey in their ranks, CSK has successfully chased down plenty of stiff targets.

CSK’s Top 5 Highest Successful IPL Run Chases

Here are the 5 biggest run chases by CSK in IPL:

1. 208/5 vs RCB in 2013

Score: CSK – 209/5 in 19.3 overs

Chased: RCB – 208/4 in 20 overs

In 2013 at Bengaluru, RCB posted a mammoth 208/4 batting first courtesy Virat Kohli’s 58 and Gayle’s 68. CSK lost early wickets but Michael Hussey anchored the chase brilliantly with an unbeaten 63-ball 95 studded with 6 fours and 4 sixes. Dhoni provided final flourish with 22 off just 8 balls as CSK triumphed by 5 wickets.

2. 206/4 vs KXIP in 2008

Score: CSK – 208/5 in 19 overs

Chased: KXIP – 207/7 in 20 overs

During the opening season in 2008, KXIP racked up 207/7 batting first in Mohali. The CSK chase was powered by superb half-centuries from Parthiv Patel (53 off 37) and captain Dhoni (54 off 29). Quickfire cameos from Albie Morkel and Joginder Sharma got CSK over the line with 6 wickets in hand.

3. 204/5 vs KKR in 2012

Score: CSK – 205/4 in 19.4 overs

Chased: KKR – 203/5 in 20 overs

In IPL 2012, KKR posted 203/5 at Chepauk after batting first. CSK lost early wickets but Suresh Raina played a brilliant unbeaten knock under pressure. His 43-ball 73 guided CSK to a 5 wicket win achieved off the penultimate ball.

4. 203/4 vs SRH in 2019

Score: CSK – 204/4 in 19.5 overs

Chased: SRH – 201/6 in 20 overs

During 2019 season, SRH could only manage 201/6 batting first at Chepauk. CSK rode on Shane Watson’s 53 off 37 balls and Ambati Rayudu’s 57 off 39 balls to stay in the hunt. An unbeaten 25 off 8 balls from MS Dhoni sealed the chase on the last ball for CSK.

5. 200/3 vs RR in 2010

Score: CSK – 203/3 in 19.3 overs

Chased: RR – 200/6 in 20 overs

In 2010 edition at Chennai, RR posted exactly 200 batting first with Amit Paunikar scoring 97. CSK lost early wicket before Suresh Raina stabilized the chase through a quickfire 78 off 39 balls. Murali Vijay supported well with 42 as CSK chased the target with 3 balls remaining.

Memorable Knocks in CSK’s Highest IPL Chases

Here are some batting masterclasses that shaped CSK’s successful gargantuan IPL chases over the years:

• Michael Hussey – 95* off 63 balls against RCB in 2013
• MS Dhoni – 51* off 22 balls against MI in 2015
• Suresh Raina – 73* off 43 balls against KKR in 2012
• Ambati Rayudu – 57 off 39 balls against SRH in 2019
• Faf du Plessis – 67 off 42 balls against KXIP in 2020

Finishers like Dhoni and Raina played instrumental knocks during many famous CSK heists in IPL.

Top Individual Scores in CSK’s Biggest IPL Chases

Here are the best individual batting efforts in successful chases of 180+ targets by CSK:

Batsman	Runs	Balls	4s	6s	Against	Venue	Edition
Michael Hussey	95*	63	6	4	RCB	Bengaluru	2013
Suresh Raina	73*	43	8	2	KKR	Chennai	2012
MS Dhoni	51*	22	2	2	MI	Mumbai	2015
Ambati Rayudu	57	39	6	1	SRH	Chennai	2019
Faf du Plessis	67	42	7	1	KXIP	Dubai	2020

Michael Hussey’s sensational unbeaten 95 off 63 balls against RCB in 2013 remains the highest individual score by a CSK batsman in an successful chase above 180 runs.

Key Takeaways from CSK’s Highest IPL Chases

Analyzing all of CSK’s successful gargantuan IPL chases, we can summarize:

• Openers like Hussey, Raina providing solid platforms upfront.
• Presence of anchors like Raina, Rayudu to stabilize during middle overs.
• MS Dhoni playing numerous match-winning cameos in high-pressure chases.
• Availability of power hitters like Bravo, Jadeja, Curran.
• Ability to maintain calm despite fall of early wickets.
• Self-belief to chase any target due to batting depth and firepower.
• Tactical brilliance of captains like Dhoni and Fleming.

Conclusion

Over the years, Chennai Super Kings have emerged as one of the top T20 franchises who never give up despite the most daunting run chases. With the likes of Dhoni, Raina, Rayudu in their batting unit, they have the firepower and temperament required to routinely script incredible heists in IPL cricket by overhauling gargantuan targets.

Going forward, we can expect many more famous wins and some new records of highest successful chases carved out by the men in yellow.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some queries on CSK’s biggest IPL run chases: