Chennai Super Kings
{{short description|Indian Premier League cricket franchise}}
{{good article}}
{{redirect|Super Kings|the South African cricket team|Joburg Super Kings|the American cricket team|Texas Super Kings}}
{{Pp-semi-indef}}
{{Pp-vandalism|small=yes}}
{{Use Indian English|date=October 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2022}}
{{Infobox cricket team
| name = Chennai Super Kings
| native_name =
| logo_image = Chennai Super Kings Logo.svg
| league = Indian Premier League
| captain = MS Dhoni
| coach = Stephen Fleming
| city = Chennai
|colours={{color box|#FFFF00}} Yellow| manager = Russell Radhakrishnan
| title1 = IPL
| title1wins = 5 (2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, 2023)
| title2 = CLT20
| owner = Chennai Super Kings Cricket Limited
| founded = {{Start date and age|df=yes|24 January 2008}}
| ground = M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
| capacity = 38,200
| website = {{URL|https://www.chennaisuperkings.com/|chennaisuperkings.com}}
| t_pattern_la = _yellowborder
| t_pattern_b = _csk22
| t_pattern_ra = _yellowborder
| t_pattern_pants =
| t_leftarm = FFF100
| t_body = FFF100
| t_rightarm = FFF100
| t_pants = FFF100
| t_title = T20 kit
| current =Current season
}}
{{Season sidebar
|title = Seasons
|list =
}}
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) is an Indian professional T20 cricket franchise based in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The team competes in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and was one of the eight franchises incorporated when the league was established in 2008. The team plays its home matches at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium and is owned by Chennai Super Kings Cricket.
The Super Kings is the joint-most successful IPL franchise (along with Mumbai Indians), having won five IPL titles. It has also appeared in ten finals and qualified for the playoff stages 12 times, the most amongst the IPL teams. The franchise has also won the Champions League Twenty20 twice in 2010 and 2014. The team is currently captained by M S Dhoni and coached by Stephen Fleming.
The Super Kings was suspended for two years from the IPL from July 2015 to 2017 due to the involvement of its owners in the 2013 IPL betting case. The franchise re-joined the tournament for the 2018 season and won the title in its comeback season. In January 2022, CSK became India's first unicorn sports enterprise. As of 2022, it was the second most valuable IPL franchise with a valuation of $1.15 billion.
History
= Early years (2008–09) =
In September 2007, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the establishment of the Indian Premier League (IPL), a Twenty20 competition with the inaugural season planned for 2008.{{cite news|title=Franchises for board's new Twenty20 league|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/franchises-for-board-s-new-twenty20-league-310819|access-date=6 June 2013|work=ESPNcricinfo|archive-date=13 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210513165421/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/franchises-for-board-s-new-twenty20-league-310819|url-status=live }} Chennai was one of the eight city-based franchises unveiled for the inaugural edition in January 2008.{{cite news|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/ipl-announces-franchise-owners-333193|title=Big business and Bollywood grab stakes in IPL|date=24 January 2008|access-date=6 June 2013|work=ESPNcricinfo|archive-date=18 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210418005531/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/ipl-announces-franchise-owners-333193|url-status=live}}
File:IPL T20 Chennai vs Kolkata.JPG at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium in the 2008 Indian Premier League]]
The player auction for the inaugural IPL season took place in January 2008. Then captain of the Indian team MS Dhoni was bought by the Super Kings for $1.5 million, the most expensive buy at the auction.{{cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/dhoni-fetches-1-5-million-in-ipl-bidding/articleshow/2799084.cms?from=mdr|title=Dhoni fetches 1.5 million dollars at IPL bidding|newspaper=The Economic Times|date=20 February 2008|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=19 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240619043147/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/dhoni-fetches-1-5-million-in-ipl-bidding/articleshow/2799084.cms?from=mdr|url-status=live}} The franchise also bought international cricketers Suresh Raina, Matthew Hayden, Jacob Oram, Stephen Fleming, Muttiah Muralitharan and Michael Hussey in the inaugural auction.{{cite news|title=IPL Auction: Players' worth|url=https://www.rediff.com/cricket/2008/feb/20table.htm|work=Rediff|date=20 February 2008|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=12 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230812183807/https://www.rediff.com/cricket/2008/feb/20table.htm|url-status=live}} Ahead of the inaugural season, the franchise named Dhoni as the captain of the team and appointed Kepler Wessels as the head coach.{{cite news|title=Kepler Wessels to coach Chennai Super Kings|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/kepler-wessels-to-coach-chennai-super-kings-339856|date=27 February 2008|access-date=1 December 2023|work=ESPNcricinfo|archive-date=13 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213084941/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/kepler-wessels-to-coach-chennai-super-kings-339856|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/csk-told-me-to-not-accept-offer-from-delhi-sehwag-reveals-he-not-ms-dhoni-was-chennais-first-choice-captaincy-pick-101715945844324.html|title='CSK told me not to accept offer from Delhi': Sehwag reveals he, not MS Dhoni, was Chennai's first-choice captaincy pick|date=17 May 2024|access-date=1 June 2024|newspaper=The Hindustan Times|archive-date=28 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240528171355/https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/csk-told-me-to-not-accept-offer-from-delhi-sehwag-reveals-he-not-ms-dhoni-was-chennais-first-choice-captaincy-pick-101715945844324.html|url-status=live}} The team played its first game in the IPL on 19 April 2008 against Punjab Kings (then Kings XI Punjab) at Mohali, which it won by 33 runs.{{cite web|title=Indian Premier League, 2007/08 Kings XI Punjab v Chennai Super Kings|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/indian-premier-league-2007-08-313494/kings-xi-punjab-vs-chennai-super-kings-2nd-match-335983/full-scorecard|work=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=30 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030202730/https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/indian-premier-league-2007-08-313494/kings-xi-punjab-vs-chennai-super-kings-2nd-match-335983/full-scorecard|url-status=live}} The Super Kings finished the league stage in third place with eight wins from 14 games.{{cite web|title=Indian Premier League, 2007/08 /Points table|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ipl/engine/series/313494.html?view=pointstable|work=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=27 June 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120627065532/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ipl/engine/series/313494.html?view=pointstable|url-status=live}} In the semifinal, the franchise beat Kings XI Punjab by nine wickets to reach the maiden IPL final.{{cite news|title=Inspired Chennai send Punjab packing|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/indian-premier-league-2007-08-313494/chennai-super-kings-vs-kings-xi-punjab-2nd-semi-final-336039/match-report|date=31 May 2008|access-date=1 December 2023|work=ESPNcricinfo|archive-date=24 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210724013532/https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/indian-premier-league-2007-08-313494/chennai-super-kings-vs-kings-xi-punjab-2nd-semi-final-336039/match-report|url-status=live}} In the final at Mumbai, Rajasthan Royals won the match off the last ball to defeat the Super Kings and lifted the first IPL title.{{cite news|title=Rajasthan champions after cliffhanger|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/indian-premier-league-2007-08-313494/chennai-super-kings-vs-rajasthan-royals-final-336040/match-report|date=1 June 2008|access-date=1 December 2023|work=ESPNcricinfo|archive-date=16 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211016150405/https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/indian-premier-league-2007-08-313494/chennai-super-kings-vs-rajasthan-royals-final-336040/match-report|url-status=live}} By finishing as the runners-up in the IPL, the Super Kings qualified for the inaugural season of the Champions League Twenty20 (CLT20). The tournament was later cancelled as a consequence of the 2008 Mumbai attacks and the Super Kings was given $5 million as compensation from the BCCI for the same.{{cite news|title=BCCI sanctions $5 million for IPL teams in 2008 Champions League|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/bcci-sanctions-5-million-for-ipl-teams-in-2008-champions-league-419945|date=17 August 2009|access-date=1 December 2023|work=ESPNcricinfo|archive-date=13 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213085605/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/bcci-sanctions-5-million-for-ipl-teams-in-2008-champions-league-419945|url-status=live}}
Ahead of the 2009 season, Stephen Fleming took over as the head coach of the Super Kings.{{cite news|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/fleming-likely-to-coach-chennai-super-kings-376920|title=Fleming likely to coach Super Kings|date=4 November 2008|access-date=1 December 2023|work=ESPNcricinfo|archive-date=19 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240619043308/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/fleming-likely-to-coach-chennai-super-kings-376920|url-status=live}} At the player auction, the franchise bought English all-rounder Andrew Flintoff for $1.55 million, making him the joint highest-paid cricketer in the IPL.{{cite news|title=Flintoff and Pietersen most expensive buys|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/flintoff-and-pietersen-most-expensive-buys-389466|date=6 February 2009|access-date=1 December 2023|work=ESPNcricinfo|archive-date=26 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210426015009/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/flintoff-and-pietersen-most-expensive-buys-389466|url-status=live}} Opening batter Hussey skipped the IPL season to focus on The Ashes.{{cite news|title=Worn down Hussey won't play in IPL|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/worn-down-hussey-won-t-play-in-ipl-397941|date=3 April 2009|access-date=1 December 2023|work=ESPNcricinfo|archive-date=15 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220515105759/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/worn-down-hussey-won-t-play-in-ipl-397941|url-status=live}} The Super Kings finished the league stage in second place with eight wins from 14 matches.{{cite web|title=Indian Premier League, 2009 / Points table|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ipl2009/engine/series/374163.html?view=pointstable|work=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=14 July 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120714065506/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ipl2009/engine/series/374163.html?view=pointstable|url-status=live}} In the semi-finals, the team lost to Royal Challengers Bangalore by six wickets.{{cite news|title=Efficient Bangalore outplay Chennai|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/indian-premier-league-2009-374163/chennai-super-kings-vs-royal-challengers-bangalore-2nd-semi-final-392238/match-report|access-date=1 December 2023|work=ESPNcricinfo|archive-date=2 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210302134614/https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/indian-premier-league-2009-374163/chennai-super-kings-vs-royal-challengers-bangalore-2nd-semi-final-392238/match-report|url-status=live}} Super Kings opener Hayden won the Orange Cap as the leading run-scorer of the season with 572 runs.{{cite web|title=Indian Premier League, 2009 / Records / Most runs|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/records/tournament/batting-most-runs-career/indian-premier-league-2009-4801|work=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=3 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231203052345/https://www.espncricinfo.com/records/tournament/batting-most-runs-career/indian-premier-league-2009-4801|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://olympics.com/en/news/indian-premier-league-orange-cap-winners-list|title=IPL Orange Cap winners: Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, David Warner feature in star-studded list|date=26 May 2024|access-date=1 June 2024|work=Olympics.com|archive-date=27 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240527203912/https://olympics.com/en/news/indian-premier-league-orange-cap-winners-list|url-status=live}}
= Championship and further success (2010–12) =
In 2010, the Super Kings struggled in the first half of the regular season, winning only two matches out of seven.{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/indian-premier-league-2009-10-418064/match-schedule-fixtures-and-results|title=Indian Premier League, 2010 / Results|work=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=20 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230320102845/https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/indian-premier-league-2009-10-418064/match-schedule-fixtures-and-results|url-status=live}} They won five of their next seven games including a must-win encounter against Kings XI Punjab at Dharamshala.{{cite news|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/indian-premier-league-2009-10-418064/kings-xi-punjab-vs-chennai-super-kings-54th-match-419159/match-report|title=Dhoni blasts Chennai to semi-finals|work=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=19 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240619043315/https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/indian-premier-league-2009-10-418064/kings-xi-punjab-vs-chennai-super-kings-54th-match-419159/match-report|url-status=live}} With seven wins from 14 matches, the team finished the league stage in third place and qualified for the semi-finals for the third consecutive season.{{cite web|title=Indian Premier League, 2009/10 / Points table|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ipl2010/engine/series/418064.html?view=pointstable|work=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=11 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130511115753/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ipl2010/engine/series/418064.html?view=pointstable|url-status=live}} In the semifinal, the Super Kings scored a modest 142/7 in 20 overs against the defending champions Deccan Chargers but restricted the opposition to 104 runs to score a 38-run victory.{{cite news|title=Bollinger charges Chennai into final|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/indian-premier-league-2009-10-418064/chennai-super-kings-vs-deccan-chargers-2nd-semi-final-419163/match-report|access-date=1 December 2023|work=ESPNcricinfo|archive-date=23 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220123194243/https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/indian-premier-league-2009-10-418064/chennai-super-kings-vs-deccan-chargers-2nd-semi-final-419163/match-report|url-status=live}} The Super Kings defeated Mumbai Indians by 22 runs in the final to secure their first ever IPL title.{{cite news|title=All-round strength gives Mumbai the edge|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/all-round-strength-gives-mumbai-the-edge-457119|access-date=5 June 2013|work=ESPNcricinfo|archive-date=13 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213093012/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/all-round-strength-gives-mumbai-the-edge-457119|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Raina, Dhoni star in Chennai triumph|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/indian-premier-league-2009-10-418064/mumbai-indians-vs-chennai-super-kings-final-419165/match-report|access-date=1 December 2023|work=ESPNcricinfo|archive-date=26 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210226065304/https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/indian-premier-league-2009-10-418064/mumbai-indians-vs-chennai-super-kings-final-419165/match-report|url-status=live}} With the win, the franchise qualified for the 2010 Champions League Twenty20 that was to be held in South Africa. In the Champions League, the team finished at the top of Group A with three wins and a defeat.{{cite web|title=Champions League Twenty20, 2010/11 / Points table|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/t20champions2010/engine/series/456281.html?view=pointstable|work=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=5 June 2013|archive-date=8 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131008231501/http://www.espncricinfo.com/t20champions2010/engine/series/456281.html?view=pointstable|url-status=live}} In the semifinal at Durban, the Super Kings defeated fellow IPL team Royal Challengers Bangalore by 52 runs.{{cite news|title=CLT20: Ruthless Raina takes Chennai to final|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/champions-league-twenty20-2010-11-456281/chennai-super-kings-vs-royal-challengers-bangalore-1st-semi-final-465139/match-report|access-date=21 April 2012|work=ESPNcricinfo|archive-date=5 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210505162040/https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/champions-league-twenty20-2010-11-456281/chennai-super-kings-vs-royal-challengers-bangalore-1st-semi-final-465139/match-report|url-status=live }} In their first CLT20 final at Johannesburg, they beat the Warriors of South Africa by eight wickets to win the tournament.{{cite news|title=Warriors v Chennai: Dominant Chennai seal title|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/champions-league-twenty20-2010-11-456281/warriors-vs-chennai-super-kings-final-465141/match-report|access-date=21 April 2012|work=ESPNcricinfo|archive-date=13 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213093451/https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/champions-league-twenty20-2010-11-456281/warriors-vs-chennai-super-kings-final-465141/match-report|url-status=live }} Murali Vijay, who won the Man of the Match in the final, was awarded the Golden Bat for scoring the most runs in the tournament, and Ravichandran Ashwin, who was the leading wicket-taker, was adjudged the Player of the Series.{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/champions-league-twenty20-2010-11-456281|title=Champions League Twenty20 2010|work=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=20 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120150959/https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/champions-league-twenty20-2010-11-456281|url-status=live}}
File:Last stategic time out.JPG, Mumbai in 2012]]
For the 2011 IPL season, a fresh auction was held after two new teams were added to the IPL.{{cite news|url=https://www.skysports.com/cricket/news/5778149/two-new-teams-for-ipl-2011|title=Two new teams for IPL 2011|date=17 December 2009|access-date=1 December 2023|work=Sky Sports|archive-date=19 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240619043251/https://www.skysports.com/cricket/news/5778149/two-new-teams-for-ipl-2011|url-status=live}} Each franchise was allowed to retain a maximum of four players from its current squad with a maximum of three Indian players. The Super Kings retained captain Dhoni, Raina, Vijay and South African Albie Morkel.{{cite news|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/sport/cricket/2012/Mar/24/ipl-5-can-anyone-stop-the-csk-juggernaut-351842.html|title=IPL 5: Can anyone stop the CSK juggernaut?|date=17 May 2012|access-date=1 June 2024|newspaper=The New Indian Express|archive-date=22 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240822102108/https://www.newindianexpress.com/sport/cricket/2012/Mar/24/ipl-5-can-anyone-stop-the-csk-juggernaut-351842.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/ipl-news-ganguly-dravid-shown-the-door-kohli-stays-on-490973|title=Ganguly, Dravid shown the door, Kohli stays on|date=8 December 2010|access-date=1 June 2024|work=ESPNcricinfo|archive-date=22 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240822101936/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/ipl-news-ganguly-dravid-shown-the-door-kohli-stays-on-490973|url-status=live}} In the subsequent auction, they bought back Hussey, Ashwin, Bollinger and Subramaniam Badrinath.{{cite news|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/ipl-2011-auction-the-big-gainers-and-losers-496202|title=Big Gainers and Losers|work=ESPNcricinfo|date=10 January 2011|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=28 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231028100839/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/ipl-2011-auction-the-big-gainers-and-losers-496202|url-status=live}} In the 2011 season, they finished second in the league stage with nine wins and five loses.{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/indian-premier-league-2011/engine/series/466304.html|title=Results: Indian Premier League 2011|access-date=3 May 2013|work=ESPNcricinfo|archive-date=9 February 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130209205143/http://www.espncricinfo.com/indian-premier-league-2011/engine/series/466304.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/indian-premier-league-2011-466304/points-table-standings|title=IPL 2011 table|work=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=1 June 2024|archive-date=22 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240822101937/https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/indian-premier-league-2011-466304/points-table-standings|url-status=live}} The team won the first qualifier against Royal Challengers by six wickets to qualify for the final.{{cite news|title=Raina stuns Bangalore to power Chennai into final|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/indian-premier-league-2011-466304/chennai-super-kings-vs-royal-challengers-bangalore-1st-qualifying-final-501268/match-report|date=24 May 2011|access-date=1 December 2023|work=ESPNcricinfo|archive-date=25 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125053850/https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/indian-premier-league-2011-466304/chennai-super-kings-vs-royal-challengers-bangalore-1st-qualifying-final-501268/match-report|url-status=live}} In the final, the Super Kings again met Royal Challengers in Chennai. The team won a second consecutive IPL title and Vijay was named as Man of the Match for his innings of 95 runs.{{cite news|title=Vijay stars in Chennai's successful title defence|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/indian-premier-league-2011-466304/chennai-super-kings-vs-royal-challengers-bangalore-final-501271/match-report|date=28 May 2011|access-date=1 December 2023|work=ESPNcricinfo|archive-date=18 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210418220556/https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/indian-premier-league-2011-466304/chennai-super-kings-vs-royal-challengers-bangalore-final-501271/match-report|url-status=live}} In the Champions League held later that year, the Super Kings won only one out of their four group matches and finished at the bottom of the table.{{cite web|title=Nokia Champions League T20, 2011/12 / Points table|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/champions-league-twenty20-2011/engine/series/519661.html?view=pointstable|work=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=20 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131020102919/http://www.espncricinfo.com/champions-league-twenty20-2011/engine/series/519661.html?view=pointstable|url-status=live}}
Ahead of the 2012 IPL season, the franchise bought Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja for $2 million at the players' auction.{{cite news|title=Millions for Jadeja, Jayawardene and Vinay|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/ipl-2012-auction-millions-for-ravindra-jadeja-mahela-jayawardene-and-vinay-kumar-552094|date=4 February 2012|access-date=1 December 2023|work=ESPNcricinfo|archive-date=27 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127003156/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/ipl-2012-auction-millions-for-ravindra-jadeja-mahela-jayawardene-and-vinay-kumar-552094|url-status=live }} The Super Kings won only five of their first 12 games but won three of their last four matches to qualify for the playoffs.{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/indian-premier-league-2012-520932/match-schedule-fixtures-and-results|title=Matches and Results – Indian Premier League 2012|work=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=3 May 2013}}{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/indian-premier-league-2012/engine/series/520932.html?view=pointstable|title=Points Table – Indian Premier League 2012|work=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=3 May 2013|archive-date=10 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110123040/http://www.espncricinfo.com/indian-premier-league-2012/engine/series/520932.html?view=pointstable|url-status=live}} In the playoffs, the team beat Mumbai Indians by 38 runs and league stage table-toppers Delhi Daredevils by 86 runs in consecutive matches to qualify for the final.{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/indian-premier-league-2012-520932|title=Indian Premier League 2012|work=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=1 May 2023|archive-date=8 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230208102726/https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/indian-premier-league-2012-520932|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Vijay century overpowers Delhi|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/indian-premier-league-2012-520932/chennai-super-kings-vs-delhi-daredevils-2nd-qualifying-match-548380/match-report|date=25 May 2012|access-date=1 December 2023|work=ESPNcricinfo|archive-date=13 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213094044/https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/indian-premier-league-2012-520932/chennai-super-kings-vs-delhi-daredevils-2nd-qualifying-match-548380/match-report|url-status=live }} In their third consecutive final appearance, the Super Kings lost to Kolkata Knight Riders by five wickets.{{cite news|title=Kolkata take title after Bisla blitz|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/indian-premier-league-2012-520932/chennai-super-kings-vs-kolkata-knight-riders-final-548381/match-report|date=27 May 2012|access-date=1 December 2023|work=ESPNcricinfo|archive-date=4 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210304102147/https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/indian-premier-league-2012-520932/chennai-super-kings-vs-kolkata-knight-riders-final-548381/match-report|url-status=live }} In the subsequent Champions League, the Super Kings ended with two wins from four matches and did not progress past the group stage.{{cite web|title=Champions League Twenty20, 2012/13 / Points table|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/champions-league-twenty20-2012/engine/series/566250.html?view=pointstable|work=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=14 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121014232306/http://www.espncricinfo.com/champions-league-twenty20-2012/engine/series/566250.html?view=pointstable|url-status=live}}
= Consistent performance and suspension (2013–17) =
Ahead of the 2013 IPL season, the Super Kings strengthened their bowling by signing up five new bowlers.{{cite news|title=Chennai Super Kings sign five uncapped bowlers|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/chennai-super-kings-sign-five-uncapped-bowlers-603502|date=5 February 2013|access-date=1 December 2023|work=ESPNcricinfo|archive-date=17 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211017080132/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/chennai-super-kings-sign-five-uncapped-bowlers-603502|url-status=live}} In the IPL season, the team finished on top of the group stage points table for the first time with 11 wins from 16 matches.{{cite web|title=Indian Premier League, 2013 / Points table|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/indian-premier-league-2013/engine/series/586733.html?view=pointstable|work=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=10 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130610031244/http://www.espncricinfo.com/indian-premier-league-2013/engine/series/586733.html?view=pointstable|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://statisticstimes.com/sports/ipl/all-ipl-points-table.php|title=All IPL Points table|work=Statistics Times|access-date=1 June 2024|archive-date=22 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240822101937/https://statisticstimes.com/sports/ipl/all-ipl-points-table.php|url-status=live}} During the season, they also equaled the record for most successive match wins in the IPL with seven wins.{{cite news|title=Raina ton makes it seven in seven for Chennai|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/indian-premier-league-2013-586733/chennai-super-kings-vs-kings-xi-punjab-45th-match-598041/match-report|access-date=1 December 2023|work=ESPNcricinfo|archive-date=13 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213095144/https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/indian-premier-league-2013-586733/chennai-super-kings-vs-kings-xi-punjab-45th-match-598041/match-report|url-status=live}} In the first qualifier against the Mumbai Indians at Delhi, the Super Kings won by 48 runs, aided by unbeaten half-centuries from Hussey and Raina, to qualify for the final.{{cite news|title=CSK crush Mumbai to reach fifth final|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/indian-premier-league-2013-586733/chennai-super-kings-vs-mumbai-indians-qualifier-1-598070/match-report|date=21 May 2013|access-date=1 December 2023|work=ESPNcricinfo|archive-date=13 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213095312/https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/indian-premier-league-2013-586733/chennai-super-kings-vs-mumbai-indians-qualifier-1-598070/match-report|url-status=live}} In the final against the same opposition at Kolkata, the team lost by 23 runs.{{cite news|title=Aggressive Mumbai end title drought|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/indian-premier-league-2013-586733/chennai-super-kings-vs-mumbai-indians-final-598073/match-report|date=26 May 2013|access-date=1 December 2023|work=ESPNcricinfo|archive-date=13 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213095445/https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/indian-premier-league-2013-586733/chennai-super-kings-vs-mumbai-indians-final-598073/match-report|url-status=live}} Hussey top scored with 733 runs, winning the Orange Cap for the most runs in the season and Dwayne Bravo won the Purple Cap for the most wickets (32).{{cite web|url=https://olympics.com/en/news/indian-premier-league-purple-cap-winners-list|title=Purple cap winners|work=Olympics.com|access-date=1 June 2024|archive-date=16 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240816081335/https://olympics.com/en/news/indian-premier-league-purple-cap-winners-list|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Indian Premier League& 2013|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/indian-premier-league-2013-586733|work=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=3 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231203043443/https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/indian-premier-league-2013-586733|url-status=live}} The Super Kings qualified for the 2013 Champions League Twenty20 held in India in September–October. The team won three of the four matches in the group stage to qualify for the semi-finals, in which it lost to the Rajasthan Royals by 14 runs.{{cite web|title=Champions League Twenty20, 2013/14 / Points table|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/series/629521.html?view=pointstable|work=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=16 September 2014|archive-date=5 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150405024201/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/series/629521.html?view=pointstable|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=1st Semi-Final: Rajasthan Royals v Chennai Super Kings at Jaipur, Oct 4, 2013|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/champions-league-twenty20-2013-14-629521/rajasthan-royals-vs-chennai-super-kings-1st-semi-final-654381/full-scorecard|work=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=16 September 2014|archive-date=15 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210615203913/https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/champions-league-twenty20-2013-14-629521/rajasthan-royals-vs-chennai-super-kings-1st-semi-final-654381/full-scorecard|url-status=live}}
In May 2013, Gurunath Meiyappan, who was the team principal of the Super Kings, was arrested by Mumbai Police on charges of placing bets on IPL matches.{{cite news|title=Gurunath Meiyappan arrested in Mumbai|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/gurunath-meiyappan-arrested-in-mumbai-637612|access-date=1 December 2023|date=24 May 2013|work=ESPNcricinfo|archive-date=21 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210621050240/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/gurunath-meiyappan-arrested-in-mumbai-637612|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=CSK owner Gurunath Meiyappan arrested in IPL betting case|newspaper=The Economic Times|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/csk-owner-gurunath-meiyappan-arrested-in-ipl-betting-case/articleshow/20251994.cms?from=mdr|date=24 May 2013|access-date=23 October 2021|archive-date=23 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211023163113/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/csk-owner-gurunath-meiyappan-arrested-in-ipl-betting-case/articleshow/20251994.cms?from=mdr|url-status=live}} In February 2014, a three-member panel appointed by the Supreme Court of India inquired into the betting case and indicted Meiyappan for illegal betting during the 2013 IPL season.{{cite news|title=IPL spot-fixing: Gurunath Meiyappan guilty of betting, CSK faces uncertain future|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/ipl-spot-fixing-gurunath-meiyappan-guilty-of-betting-csk-faces-uncertain-future/articleshow/30180920.cms|newspaper=The Economic Times|date=11 February 2014|access-date=11 February 2014|archive-date=13 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181113075829/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/ipl-spot-fixing-gurunath-meiyappan-guilty-of-betting-csk-faces-uncertain-future/articleshow/30180920.cms|url-status=live}}
Before the 2014 season, the Super Kings retained Dhoni, Raina, Jadeja, Ashwin and Bravo ahead of the players' auction.{{cite news|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/list-of-players-retained-ahead-of-the-2014-ipl-auction-708731|title=List of players retained ahead of the 2014 IPL auction|date=10 January 2014|access-date=1 December 2023|work=ESPNcricinfo|archive-date=19 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240619043251/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/list-of-players-retained-ahead-of-the-2014-ipl-auction-708731|url-status=live}} At the auction, the franchise bought Brendon McCullum, Dwayne Smith, Faf du Plessis, Ashish Nehra and Mohit Sharma among others.{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/ipl2014_auction/content/site/ipl2014_auction/index.html|title=Who was sold at the 2014 IPL auction|date=10 January 2014|access-date=1 December 2023|work=ESPNcricinfo|archive-date=19 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230419140917/https://www.espncricinfo.com/ipl2014_auction/content/site/ipl2014_auction/index.html|url-status=live}} The first phase of the IPL season was held in the UAE with the second phase returning to India, but the Super Kings' home matches were shifted from Chennai to Ranchi due to a dispute between the Government of Tamil Nadu and the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association.{{cite news|title=Chennai Super Kings Set to Play All 'Home' Indian Premier League Matches in Ranchi|url=https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/chennai-super-kings-set-to-play-all-home-indian-premier-league-matches-in-ranchi-1518699|work=NDTV|date=10 May 2014|access-date=16 September 2014|archive-date=19 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231219011303/https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/chennai-super-kings-set-to-play-all-home-indian-premier-league-matches-in-ranchi-1518699|url-status=live}} The Super Kings started the season with eight wins in their first ten matches before suffering from a dip in form towards the end of the regular season.{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/pepsi-indian-premier-league-2014-695871/match-schedule-fixtures-and-results|title=Matches and results, IPL 2014|access-date=1 June 2024|work=ESPNcricinfo|archive-date=22 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240822101937/https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/pepsi-indian-premier-league-2014-695871/match-schedule-fixtures-and-results|url-status=live}} The team recovered to finish third in the points table to qualify for the playoffs.{{cite news|title=Warner keeps Sunrisers in the race|date=22 May 2014|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/pepsi-indian-premier-league-2014-695871/chennai-super-kings-vs-sunrisers-hyderabad-50th-match-734029/match-report|access-date=16 September 2014|work=ESPNcricinfo|archive-date=17 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211017110747/https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/pepsi-indian-premier-league-2014-695871/chennai-super-kings-vs-sunrisers-hyderabad-50th-match-734029/match-report|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/pepsi-indian-premier-league-2014-695871/points-table-standings|title=Indian Premier League table 2014|work=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=16 September 2014|archive-date=20 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120104621/https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/pepsi-indian-premier-league-2014-695871/points-table-standings|url-status=live}} In the first match of the playoffs, the team beat the Mumbai Indians by seven wickets before losing to the Kings XI Punjab side in the next match.{{cite web|title=Qualifier 2: Chennai Super Kings v Kings XI Punjab at Mumbai, May 30, 2014|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/indian-premier-league-2014/engine/match/734047.html|work=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=16 September 2014|archive-date=21 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140921021323/http://www.espncricinfo.com/indian-premier-league-2014/engine/match/734047.html|url-status=live}} In the 2014 Champions League, the Super Kings won two matches to finish second in the group stage to qualify for the semifinal.{{cite web|title=Champions League Twenty20, 2014/15 / Points table|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/champions-league-twenty20-2014/engine/series/763543.html?view=pointstable|work=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=16 April 2015|archive-date=11 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150511105732/http://www.espncricinfo.com/champions-league-twenty20-2014/engine/series/763543.html?view=pointstable|url-status=live}} The team beat the Kings XI Punjab in the semi-finals by 65 runs.{{cite web|title=Champions League Twenty20, 2nd Semi-Final: Kings XI Punjab v Chennai Super Kings at Hyderabad (Deccan), Oct 2, 2014|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/champions-league-twenty20-2014/engine/match/763631.html|work=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=16 April 2015|archive-date=11 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150411012355/http://www.espncricinfo.com/champions-league-twenty20-2014/engine/match/763631.html|url-status=live}} At the final in Bangalore, the Super Kings defeated then IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders by eight wickets to win their second CLT20 title.{{cite news|title=Raina century leads CSK to title|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/champions-league-twenty20-2014-15-763543/chennai-super-kings-vs-kolkata-knight-riders-final-763633/match-report|access-date=16 April 2015|work=ESPNcricinfo|archive-date=13 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210813232423/https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/champions-league-twenty20-2014-15-763543/chennai-super-kings-vs-kolkata-knight-riders-final-763633/match-report|url-status=live}} Raina finished as the highest run-scorer of the tournament and was awarded Man of the Series.{{cite web|title=Champions League Twenty20, Final: Chennai Super Kings v Kolkata Knight Riders at Bangalore, Oct 4, 2014|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/champions-league-twenty20-2014-15-763543/chennai-super-kings-vs-kolkata-knight-riders-final-763633/full-scorecard|work=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=11 April 2024|archive-date=2 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240402124824/https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/champions-league-twenty20-2014-15-763543/chennai-super-kings-vs-kolkata-knight-riders-final-763633/full-scorecard|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/champions-league-twenty20-2014-15-763543|title=Champions League T20 2014|work=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=11 April 2024|archive-date=9 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209080159/https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/champions-league-twenty20-2014-15-763543|url-status=live}}
Ahead of the 2015 season, the Super Kings got Hussey back and also bought Kyle Abbott, Irfan Pathan and Andrew Tye among others in the players' auction.{{cite news|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/list-of-players-sold-and-unsold-in-ipl-2015-auction-832783|title=Players sold and unsold in IPL 2015 auction|date=15 February 2015|access-date=1 December 2023|work=ESPNcricinfo|archive-date=1 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231101183854/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/list-of-players-sold-and-unsold-in-ipl-2015-auction-832783|url-status=live}} In the group stage, the team topped the table with nine wins from 14 matches.{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/pepsi-indian-premier-league-2015-791129/points-table-standings|title=Indian Premier League 2015, Points table|access-date=1 December 2023|work=ESPNcricinfo|archive-date=8 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208070113/https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/pepsi-indian-premier-league-2015-791129/points-table-standings|url-status=live}} In the playoffs, the Super Kings lost to the Mumbai Indians by 25 runs in the first qualifier before defeating the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the next match to qualify for the final.{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/pepsi-indian-premier-league-2015-791129/match-schedule-fixtures-and-results|title=Matches and results, IPL 2015|work=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=1 June 2024|archive-date=22 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240822101939/https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/pepsi-indian-premier-league-2015-791129/match-schedule-fixtures-and-results|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/pepsi-indian-premier-league-2015-791129|title=Indian Premier League 2015|access-date=1 December 2023|work=ESPNcricinfo|archive-date=19 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231219014908/https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/pepsi-indian-premier-league-2015-791129|url-status=live}} In the final, the team was again beaten by the Mumbai Indians by 41 runs.{{cite news|last1=Jayaraman|first1=Subash|title=IPL 8: Chennai Super Kings lost another final because they are stuck in the past|url=https://www.firstpost.com/sports/ipl-8-final-chennai-super-kings-lost-because-they-are-stuck-in-the-past-2260782.html|access-date=17 February 2021|work=Firstpost|date=25 May 2015|archive-date=14 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210614174926/https://www.firstpost.com/sports/ipl-8-final-chennai-super-kings-lost-because-they-are-stuck-in-the-past-2260782.html|url-status=live}} On 14 July 2015, the Supreme Court appointed committee headed by RM Lodha, suspended the Rajasthan Royals and the Chennai Super Kings franchises from the IPL for a period of two years due to the association of their owners with illegal betting.{{cite news|date=14 July 2015|title=CSK, RR owners suspended for two years|work=ESPNcricinfo|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/csk-rr-owners-suspended-for-two-years-898461|access-date=13 February 2023|archive-date=13 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213084432/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/csk-rr-owners-suspended-for-two-years-898461|url-status=live}}
= Comeback (2018–20) =
File:IPL 2018 - CSK vs KXIP.jpg in the 2018 Indian Premier League at Pune]]
Ahead of the player auction in 2018, the Super Kings retained Dhoni, Raina and Jadeja from its old team roster.{{cite news|url=https://www.iplt20.com/news/113790/vivo-ipl-2018-player-retention-announced|title=IPL 2018 player retention announced|date=4 January 2018|access-date=1 December 2023|work=Indian Premier League|archive-date=1 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231201162754/https://www.iplt20.com/news/113790/vivo-ipl-2018-player-retention-announced|url-status=live}} In the auction, the franchise bought back Bravo, du Plessis, and Vijay. It also added international cricketers Imran Tahir, Lungi Ngidi, Mark Wood, Mitchell Santner, Sam Billings along with Indians Deepak Chahar and Shardul Thakur amongst others.{{cite web|url=https://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-series/ipl-2018/auction/completed|title=IPL auction 2018|work=Cricbuzz|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=10 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230310191931/https://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-series/ipl-2018/auction/completed|url-status=live}} Ahead of the team's return to the IPL after two seasons, anticipating fans turned up for the practice sessions held at the M. A. Chidambaram stadium in Chennai before the start of the tournament.{{cite news|title=CSK attract 10,000 fans for practice match at Chepauk; watch video|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/ipl/csks-sam-billings-amazed-by-10000-people-at-practice-session-5121584/|access-date=17 February 2021|newspaper=The Indian Express|date=5 April 2018|archive-date=13 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210613034252/https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/ipl/csks-sam-billings-amazed-by-10000-people-at-practice-session-5121584/|url-status=live}} The Super Kings started off with a one wicket win over the Mumbai Indians in their first match in over two years.{{cite news|url=https://sports.ndtv.com/indian-premier-league-2018/indian-premeir-league-2018-dwayne-bravo-stars-as-chennai-super-kings-beat-mumbai-indians-in-thriller-1834256|title=Indian Premier League 2018: Dwayne Bravo Stars As Chennai Super Kings Beat Mumbai Indians In Thriller|date=8 August 2018|access-date=1 June 2024|work=NDTV|archive-date=22 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240822101938/https://sports.ndtv.com/indian-premier-league-2018/indian-premeir-league-2018-dwayne-bravo-stars-as-chennai-super-kings-beat-mumbai-indians-in-thriller-1834256|url-status=live}} The team finished the league stage in second place to qualify for the playoffs.{{cite web|url=https://www.firstpost.com/firstcricket/results/series/IPL-2018.html|title=IPL 2018 Match Results|work=Firstpost|access-date=17 February 2021|archive-date=14 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210614172658/https://www.firstpost.com/firstcricket/results/series/IPL-2018.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://sports.ndtv.com/indian-premier-league-2018/points-table|title=IPL 2018 Points Table|work=NDTV|access-date=17 February 2021|archive-date=9 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109033557/https://sports.ndtv.com/indian-premier-league-2018/points-table|url-status=live}} The Super Kings beat the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the first qualifier to qualify for the final. The team beat the same opponent in the final to win the league for the third time.{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/8048/scorecard/1136617/sunrisers-hyderabad-vs-chennai-super-kings-qualifier-1-indian-premier-league-2018/|title=CSK vs SRH, Qualifier 1, Scorecard|work=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=30 May 2018|archive-date=30 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180530072107/http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/8048/scorecard/1136617/sunrisers-hyderabad-vs-chennai-super-kings-qualifier-1-indian-premier-league-2018|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://olympics.com/en/news/indian-premier-league-ipl-playoffs-chennai-super-kings-csk-record|title=How many times have CSK made IPL playoffs|work=Olympics.com|access-date=1 June 2024|archive-date=28 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240528025049/https://olympics.com/en/news/indian-premier-league-ipl-playoffs-chennai-super-kings-csk-record|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/8048/report/1136620/chennai-super-kings-vs-sunrisers-hyderabad-final-indian-premier-league-2018|title=CSK vs SRH, Final, Scorecard|work=ESPNcricinfo|date=27 May 2018|access-date=30 May 2018|archive-date=29 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201029092150/https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/8048/report/1136620/chennai-super-kings-vs-sunrisers-hyderabad-final-indian-premier-league-2018|url-status=live}} The Super Kings also became the first team to defeat a single opponent (Sunrisers Hyderabad) four times in a single season.{{cite news|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/ipl-2018-final-live-streaming-chennai-super-kings-vs-sunrisers-hyderabad-where-to-follow-csk-vs-srh-live/story-rxbrTJCeIIMvssUVlh5SrN.html|title=IPL 2018 Final|newspaper=The Hindustan Times|date=26 May 2018|access-date=30 May 2018|archive-date=29 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180529221921/https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/ipl-2018-final-live-streaming-chennai-super-kings-vs-sunrisers-hyderabad-where-to-follow-csk-vs-srh-live/story-rxbrTJCeIIMvssUVlh5SrN.html|url-status=live}}
In the 2019 IPL season, the Super Kings finished second in the league stage with nine wins from 14 matches.{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/ipl-2019-1165643/points-table-standings|title=Indian Premier League 2019, Points Table|work=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=23 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240223092531/https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/ipl-2019-1165643/points-table-standings|url-status=live}} In the playoffs, they lost to the Mumbai Indians in the first match before beating the Delhi Capitals in the next match to enter the final for a record eighth time.{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/ipl-2019-1165643|title=Indian Premier League 2019|work=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=27 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230927014904/https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/ipl-2019-1165643|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/ipl-2019-1165643/match-schedule-fixtures-and-results|title=Matches and results, Indian Premier League 2019|work=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=25 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240625123612/https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/ipl-2019-1165643/match-schedule-fixtures-and-results|url-status=live}} In the final, the Super Kings lost to the Mumbai Indians by one run.{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/8048/game/1181768/mumbai-indians-vs-chennai-super-kings-final-indian-premier-league-2019|title=2019 IPL Final, Mumbai Indians beat Chennai Super Kings by 1 run|work=ESPNcricinfo|date=12 May 2019|language=en|access-date=14 May 2019|archive-date=14 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190514092513/http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/8048/game/1181768/mumbai-indians-vs-chennai-super-kings-final-indian-premier-league-2019|url-status=live}} Tahir, who took 26 wickets, won the Purple Cap for the most wickets.
Before the 2020 season, the Super Kings bought Sam Curran, Josh Hazlewood and Piyush Chawla at the player auction.{{cite news|title=IPL 2020 Auction: Full list of sold, unsold players|url=https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/ipl/ipl-news/ipl-2020-auction-live-watch-sold-unsold-players-list-expensive-buys-full-squad-team-base-price-rcb-csk-kkr-mi-srh-dc-rr-kxip/article30341287.ece|work=Sportstar|date=19 December 2019|access-date=26 December 2019|archive-date=22 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240822101938/https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/ipl/ipl-news/ipl-2020-auction-live-watch-sold-unsold-players-list-expensive-buys-full-squad-team-base-price-rcb-csk-kkr-mi-srh-dc-rr-kxip/article30341287.ece|url-status=live}} Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the IPL was initially postponed and later shifted to the UAE.{{cite news|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/sports/ipl-2020-postponed-indefinitely-over-coronavirus-bcci-tells-team-owners-120041500339_1.html|title=It's official: BCCI suspends IPL 2020 till further notice over coronavirus|date=16 April 2020|access-date=1 December 2023|work=Business Standard|archive-date=15 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220915022919/https://www.business-standard.com/article/sports/ipl-2020-postponed-indefinitely-over-coronavirus-bcci-tells-team-owners-120041500339_1.html|url-status=live}} Many members of the Super Kings' team tested positive for the coronavirus, and players such as Raina and Harbhajan Singh pulled out of the tournament citing personal reasons.{{cite news|title=COVID-19 in IPL 2020: CSK with 13 positives, RR with a recovery, Raina returns home|date=31 August 2020|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/ipl/covid-19-csk-suresh-raina-6575152/|newspaper=The Indian Express|access-date=31 August 2020|archive-date=31 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200831023049/https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/ipl/covid-19-csk-suresh-raina-6575152/|url-status=live}} In the first match, the Super Kings beat the defending champions Mumbai Indians.{{cite web|title=CSK vs MI, 1st match, IPL 2021|url=http://www.cricbuzz.com/live-cricket-scores/30330/mi-vs-csk-1st-match-indian-premier-league-2020|work=Cricbuzz|access-date=19 September 2020|archive-date=3 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201003091340/https://www.cricbuzz.com/live-cricket-scores/30330/mi-vs-csk-1st-match-indian-premier-league-2020|url-status=live}} The team finished seventh overall in the group stage points table and failed to make it to the playoffs for the first time.{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/ipl-2020-21-1210595/points-table-standings|title=Indian Premier League 2019, Points Table|work=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=16 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240416182839/https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/ipl-2020-21-1210595/points-table-standings|url-status=live}} The team's captain Dhoni drew criticism from the supporters over his form and team selection.{{cite news|title=Dhoni slammed for lack of "spark" comment on CSK youngsters|url=https://www.theweek.in/news/sports/2020/10/20/dhoni-slammed-for-lack-of-spark-comment-on-csk-youngsters.html|work=The Week|access-date=1 December 2023|date=20 October 2020|archive-date=21 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201021071359/https://www.theweek.in/news/sports/2020/10/20/dhoni-slammed-for-lack-of-spark-comment-on-csk-youngsters.html|url-status=live}} The franchise released many of the players including Chawla, Vijay and Kedar Jadhav before the player auction for the 2021 season.{{cite news|title=Complete list of released players by CSK|date=22 January 2021|url=https://www.insidesport.co/ipl-2021-auction-check-full-list-of-chennai-super-kings-csk-retained-players-salary-released-players-salary-remaining-purse-all-you-need-to-know-about-csk-strategy/|work=Inside sports|access-date=22 January 2021|archive-date=22 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122044630/https://www.insidesport.co/ipl-2021-auction-check-full-list-of-chennai-super-kings-csk-retained-players-salary-released-players-salary-remaining-purse-all-you-need-to-know-about-csk-strategy/|url-status=live}}
= Further success and transition (2021–present) =
In the 2021 player auction, the Super Kings bought Cheteshwar Pujara, Krishnappa Gowtham and Moeen Ali and traded in Robin Uthappa from the Rajasthan Royals.{{cite news|title=IPL auction 2021|url=https://sports.ndtv.com/ipl-2021/auction|work=NDTV|date=19 February 2021|access-date=19 February 2021|archive-date=22 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240822102440/https://sports.ndtv.com/ipl-2021/auction|url-status=live}} In the 2021 season, the team won five of the first seven matches before the season was suspended midway due to increase in number of COVID-19 cases.{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/ipl-2021-1249214/match-schedule-fixtures-and-results|title=Indian Premier League 2021, Fixtures|work=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=5 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231205181257/https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/ipl-2021-1249214/match-schedule-fixtures-and-results|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=IPL suspended after more Covid-19 cases|work=BBC Sport|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/56978321|date=4 May 2021|access-date=16 October 2021|archive-date=4 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210504081254/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/56978321|url-status=live}} The second leg of the season resumed in the UAE with the Super Kings finishing second in the group stage to qualify for the playoffs.{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/ipl-2021-1249214/points-table-standings|title=Indian Premier League 2021, Table|work=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=2 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231202101814/https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/ipl-2021-1249214/points-table-standings|url-status=live}} In the playoffs, the team beat the Delhi Capitals to reach the finals for the ninth time in their history.{{cite news|date=10 October 2021|title=DC vs CSK Highlights, IPL 2021 Qualifier 1: Dhoni's cameo takes Chennai to final as CSK beat Delhi by 4 wickets in Dubai|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/dc-vs-csk-live-score-ipl-2021-cricket-updates-delhi-capitals-vs-chennai-super-kings-indian-premier-league-playoffs-qualifier-1-match-today-101633860844082.html|access-date=1 December 2023|newspaper=The Hindustan Times|archive-date=15 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211015133500/https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/dc-vs-csk-live-score-ipl-2021-cricket-updates-delhi-capitals-vs-chennai-super-kings-indian-premier-league-playoffs-qualifier-1-match-today-101633860844082.html|url-status=live}} In the finals, the Super Kings beat the Kolkata Knight Riders to win their fourth IPL title.{{cite news|title=IPL 2021, Final CSK vs KKR – Match Report|url=https://www.iplt20.com/news/247289/vivo-ipl-2021-final-csk-vs-kkr-match-report|access-date=1 December 2023|date=16 October 2021|work=IPL|archive-date=19 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019134613/https://www.iplt20.com/news/247289/vivo-ipl-2021-final-csk-vs-kkr-match-report|url-status=live}}
Before the start of the 2022 IPL season, the Super Kings announced that Jadeja will replace Dhoni as the captain of the team.{{cite news|title=IPL 2022: Ravindra Jadeja to lead CSK after MS Dhoni decides to step down|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/ipl-2022-chennai-super-kings-ravindra-jadeja-to-lead-csk-after-ms-dhoni-decides-to-step-down-1307102|access-date=24 March 2022|work=ESPNcricinfo|date=24 March 2022|archive-date=24 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220324092018/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/ipl-2022-chennai-super-kings-ravindra-jadeja-to-lead-csk-after-ms-dhoni-decides-to-step-down-1307102|url-status=live}} After the team lost six of the first eight matches in the season, Jadeja handed the captaincy back to Dhoni on 30 March 2022.{{cite news|title=MS Dhoni replaces Ravindra Jadeja as Chennai Super Kings captain|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/ipl-2022-csk-news-ms-dhoni-replaces-ravindra-jadeja-as-chennai-super-kings-captain-1312959|access-date=30 April 2022|work=ESPNcricinfo|date=30 April 2022|archive-date=30 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220430142732/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/ipl-2022-csk-news-ms-dhoni-replaces-ravindra-jadeja-as-chennai-super-kings-captain-1312959|url-status=live}} The Super Kings finished ninth out of the ten teams in the group stage and failed to qualify for the playoffs for only the second time in their IPL history.{{cite news|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/ipl/ipl-2022-csk-vs-mi-live-score-updates-7913539/|title=IPL 2022 CSK vs MI Highlights: Mumbai defeat Chennai by 5 wickets, CSK eliminated|date=13 May 2022|access-date=12 May 2022|newspaper=The Indian Express|archive-date=12 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220512183340/https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/ipl/ipl-2022-csk-vs-mi-live-score-updates-7913539/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=IPL Points Table, Standings, 2022|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/indian-premier-league-2022-1298423/points-table-standings|access-date=30 May 2023|work=ESPNcricinfo|archive-date=2 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230602021327/https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/indian-premier-league-2022-1298423/points-table-standings|url-status=live}}
In the player auction before the start of the 2023 IPL season, the Super Kings bought Ben Stokes, Kyle Jamieson and Ajinkya Rahane.{{cite news|date=16 November 2022|title=CSK IPL 2023 Players List: Ravindra Jadeja retained as MS Dhoni-led side releases Dwayne Bravo|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/sports/cricket/csk-ipl-2023-retained-released-players-list-chennai-super-kings-squad-article-95530797|access-date=30 May 2023|work=Times Now|archive-date=30 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230530012138/https://www.timesnownews.com/sports/cricket/csk-ipl-2023-retained-released-players-list-chennai-super-kings-squad-article-95530797|url-status=live}} Bravo retired and re-signed with the team as the bowling coach, replacing Lakshmipathy Balaji.{{cite news|title=Bravo retires from IPL, takes over as Chennai Super Kings' bowling coach|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/ipl-2023-csk-news-dwayne-bravo-retires-from-ipl-takes-over-as-chennai-super-kings-bowling-coach-1347818|work=ESPNcricinfo|date=2 December 2022|access-date=30 May 2023|archive-date=13 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230413021619/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/ipl-2023-csk-news-dwayne-bravo-retires-from-ipl-takes-over-as-chennai-super-kings-bowling-coach-1347818|url-status=live}} During the early part of the season, Chahar and Jamieson were ruled out due to injuries, and Stokes was out for most of the season due to various injuries.{{cite news|title=Deepak Chahar to undergo scans to determine extent of hamstring injury|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/ipl-2023-csk-news-deepak-chahar-to-undergo-scans-to-determine-extent-of-hamstring-injury-1367877|date=9 April 2023|access-date=30 May 2023|work=ESPNcricinfo|archive-date=30 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230530012145/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/ipl-2023-csk-news-deepak-chahar-to-undergo-scans-to-determine-extent-of-hamstring-injury-1367877|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=IPL 2023: Blow for CSK as New Zealand all-rounder Kyle Jamieson set to be sidelined for months with back injury|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/cricket/story/ipl-2023-chennai-super-kings-kyle-jamieson-injury-new-zealand-vs-england-2337028-2023-02-20|date=20 February 2023|access-date=30 May 2023|work=India Today|archive-date=30 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230530012137/https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/cricket/story/ipl-2023-chennai-super-kings-kyle-jamieson-injury-new-zealand-vs-england-2337028-2023-02-20|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/you-might-say-its-disappointing-but-ben-stokes-breaks-silence-on-injury-marred-season-with-csk-in-ipl-2023-101685642506969.html|title='You might say it's disappointing but...': Ben Stokes breaks silence on injury-marred season with CSK in IPL 2023|date=2 June 2023|access-date=1 June 2024|newspaper=The Hindustan Times|archive-date=1 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231001050531/https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/you-might-say-its-disappointing-but-ben-stokes-breaks-silence-on-injury-marred-season-with-csk-in-ipl-2023-101685642506969.html|url-status=live}} The team finished second in the group stage with 17 points from eight wins.{{cite web|title=Points table - Men IPLT20|url=https://www.iplt20.com/points-table/men/2023|access-date=30 May 2023|work=Indian Premier League|archive-date=30 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230530012145/https://www.iplt20.com/points-table/men/2023|url-status=live}} The Super Kings won the first qualifier against the Gujarat Titans, making it into their tenth IPL finals in 14 seasons.{{cite news|date=23 May 2023|title=IPL 2023: Chennai Super Kings reaches record-extending 10th final, beats Gujarat Titans by 15 runs in Qualifier 1|url=https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/ipl/ipl-news/csk-10th-final-ipl-2023-record-chennai-super-kings-vs-gujarat-titans-qualifier-1/article66886407.ece|access-date=30 May 2023|work=Sportstar|archive-date=30 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230530012139/https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/ipl/ipl-news/csk-10th-final-ipl-2023-record-chennai-super-kings-vs-gujarat-titans-qualifier-1/article66886407.ece|url-status=live}} In the final in Ahmedabad, the Super Kings beat defending champions Gujarat Titans by five wickets to win a record equaling fifth title.{{cite web|title=Titans vs Super Kings Scorecard 2023|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/indian-premier-league-2023-1345038/gujarat-titans-vs-chennai-super-kings-final-1370353/full-scorecard|access-date=30 May 2023|work=ESPNcricinfo|archive-date=29 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529193357/https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/indian-premier-league-2023-1345038/gujarat-titans-vs-chennai-super-kings-final-1370353/full-scorecard|url-status=live}}{{cite news|date=29 May 2023|title=CSK vs GT: Chennai Super Kings wins IPL 2023 final with Jadeja's last ball four, equals MI with fifth title; Dhoni equals Rohit|url=https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/ipl/ipl-news/csk-wins-ipl-2023-final-vs-gt-chennai-super-kings-fifth-title-ms-dhoni-equals-mumbai-indians/article66909605.ece|access-date=30 May 2023|work=Sportstar|archive-date=29 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529213445/https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/ipl/ipl-news/csk-wins-ipl-2023-final-vs-gt-chennai-super-kings-fifth-title-ms-dhoni-equals-mumbai-indians/article66909605.ece|url-status=live}}
In the player auction before the 2024 season, the Super Kings bought back Thakur and added Daryl Mitchell, Sameer Rizvi, Mustafizur Rahman and Rachin Ravindra to the squad.{{cite news|url=https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2024-auction-full-list-of-sold-unsold-players-most-expensive-player-in-ipl-history-updated-purse-670932|title=IPL 2024 auction|work=WION|date=24 December 2023|access-date=31 December 2023|archive-date=14 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240114055508/https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2024-auction-full-list-of-sold-unsold-players-most-expensive-player-in-ipl-history-updated-purse-670932|url-status=live}} On 21 March 2024, Dhoni handed over the captaincy of the team to Ruturaj Gaikwad.{{cite news|date=21 March 2024|title=Dhoni steps down as CSK captain; Ruturaj Gaikwad to lead Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2024|url=https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/ipl/ipl-news/dhoni-captain-csk-thala-skipper-ruturaj-gaikwad-indian-cricket-news/article67975712.ece|access-date=21 March 2024|work=Sportstar|archive-date=21 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240321104526/https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/ipl/ipl-news/dhoni-captain-csk-thala-skipper-ruturaj-gaikwad-indian-cricket-news/article67975712.ece|url-status=live}} In the group stage, the Super Kings finished with 14 points from seven wins from 14 matches. The team was tied with three other teams in the competition for the fourth and final play-off spot but finished fifth behind the Royal Challengers Bangalore on net run rate after the loss to the same team in its final group match.{{cite news|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/indian-premier-league-2024-1410320/royal-challengers-bengaluru-vs-chennai-super-kings-68th-match-1426306/match-report|title=CSK knocked out as RCB win six in a row to make playoffs|date=18 May 2024|access-date=18 May 2024|work=ESPNcricinfo|archive-date=18 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240518195419/https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/indian-premier-league-2024-1410320/royal-challengers-bengaluru-vs-chennai-super-kings-68th-match-1426306/match-report|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/indian-premier-league-2024-1410320/royal-challengers-bengaluru-vs-chennai-super-kings-68th-match-1426306/points-table-standings|title=Point table standings, 2024|access-date=18 May 2024|work=ESPNcricinfo|archive-date=18 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240518142357/https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/indian-premier-league-2024-1410320/royal-challengers-bengaluru-vs-chennai-super-kings-68th-match-1426306/points-table-standings|url-status=live}} Hence, the team failed to qualify for the IPL playoffs for only the third time in the history of the competition.{{cite news|url=https://www.mykhel.com/cricket/ipl-2024-how-many-times-csk-failed-to-reach-playoffs-after-rcb-knock-them-out-282529.html|title=IPL 2024: How Many Times CSK Failed to Reach Playoffs After RCB Knock Them Out|work=mykhel|date=18 May 2024|access-date=18 May 2024|archive-date=18 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240518222330/https://www.mykhel.com/cricket/ipl-2024-how-many-times-csk-failed-to-reach-playoffs-after-rcb-knock-them-out-282529.html|url-status=live}}
Ahead of the 2025 season, the Super Kings retained only five players including captain Gaikwad, former captains Dhoni and Jadeja, and players Shivam Dube and Matheesha Pathirana while releasing the others.{{cite news |date=30 October 2024 |title=Dhoni set to be among CSK's five retained players ahead of IPL 2025 mega auction |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/ipl-2025-ms-dhoni-among-csks-five-retained-players-1457660 |access-date=30 October 2024 |work=ESPNcricinfo }} In the subsequent player auction, the franchise bought 20 players including ten capped players and six overseas players. The team bought back Rachin Ravindra, Mukesh Choudhary, Devon Conway, Sam Curran, and Shaik Rasheed, who have played for the franchise in the previous seasons.{{cite web|url=https://olympics.com/en/news/ipl-2025-teams-squads-list-player-prices|title=IPL 2025 teams and all squads - full players list|work=Olympics.com|date=25 November 2024|access-date=25 November 2024}}{{cite web |title=Chennai Super Kings Squad - Indian Premier League, 2024 Squad |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/indian-premier-league-2024-1410320/chennai-super-kings-squad-1413620/series-squads |access-date=4 May 2024 |work=ESPNcricinfo |archive-date=4 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240504232709/https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/indian-premier-league-2024-1410320/chennai-super-kings-squad-1413620/series-squads |url-status=live }} The Super Kings spent {{INRconvert|10|c}} to buy Afghan spinner Noor Ahmad and {{INRconvert|9.75|c}} on Indian all rounder Ravichandran Ashwin, who had previously played for the team from initial season till 2015.{{cite news|url=https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/ipl/ipl-news/ashwin-signed-sold-chennai-super-kings-csk-ipl-mega-auction-bid-update-news/article68905455.ece|title=Ravichandran Ashwin signed by CSK for Rs 9.75 crore in IPL 2025 auction|work=Sportstar|date=25 November 2024|access-date=25 November 2024|archive-date=6 December 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241206121126/https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/ipl/ipl-news/ashwin-signed-sold-chennai-super-kings-csk-ipl-mega-auction-bid-update-news/article68905455.ece|url-status=live}}
Crest and colours
The franchise was named as the Super Kings in honour of the rulers of the erstwhile Tamil kingdoms.{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/teams/chennai-super-kings-1108|title=Chennai Super Kings|work=The Hindustan Times|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=30 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231130174230/https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/teams/chennai-super-kings-1108|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Chennai Super Kings|url=http://www.cricketcircle.com/Professional-Twenty20-League/chennai-super-kings-ipl-team.php|work=Cricket Circle|access-date=8 June 2013|archive-date=16 April 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130416042205/http://www.cricketcircle.com/Professional-Twenty20-League/chennai-super-kings-ipl-team.php|url-status=live}} The name was chosen from over 25,000 entries received in a naming contest.{{cite news|url=https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket-videos/n-srinivasan-how-did-chennai-super-kings-get-its-name-history-ms-dhoni-ad-the-hindu/article38507671.ece|title=How did MS Dhoni's Chennai Super Kings get its name? N Srinivasan narrates|date=1 July 2022|access-date=1 December 2023|work=Sportstar|archive-date=29 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230329140142/https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket-videos/n-srinivasan-how-did-chennai-super-kings-get-its-name-history-ms-dhoni-ad-the-hindu/article38507671.ece|url-status=live}} The logo consists of a head of a roaring lion in orange with a crown on the top and the team name rendered below in blue.{{cite news|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/cricket/story/ipl-2021-chennai-super-kings-new-jersey-photo-ms-dhoni-army-camouflage-lion-logo-1783212-2021-03-24|title=MS Dhoni unveils new CSK jersey, camouflage on shoulders tribute to Indian armed forces|date=24 March 2021|access-date=1 December 2023|work=India Today|archive-date=25 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240325160553/https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/cricket/story/ipl-2021-chennai-super-kings-new-jersey-photo-ms-dhoni-army-camouflage-lion-logo-1783212-2021-03-24|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Logos of IPL|date=8 April 2023|url=https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-appeal/ipl-2023-rating-logos-of-all-teams/9/|work=Crictracker|access-date=8 June 2023|archive-date=19 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240619043254/https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-appeal/ipl-2023-rating-logos-of-all-teams/9/|url-status=live}} The team's primary colour is yellow and the current jersey introduced in 2021 includes a camouflage pattern at the shoulders and a roaring lion background pattern. The team's anthem is titled "Whistle Podu" ({{Translation|Blow the whistle}}), the latest version of which was released in 2018.{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/csk-marks-its-re-entry-with-an-anthem/article23428492.ece|title=CSK marks its re-entry with an anthem|date=4 April 2018|access-date=1 December 2023|newspaper=The Hindu|archive-date=9 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109041241/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/csk-marks-its-re-entry-with-an-anthem/article23428492.ece|url-status=live}}{{cite news |date=31 March 2023 |title=Whistle Podu! |url=https://www.pressreader.com/india/ht-cafe/20230331/281702618975555 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240424074103/https://www.pressreader.com/india/ht-cafe/20230331/281702618975555 |archive-date=24 April 2024 |access-date=24 April 2024 |newspaper=HT Café |via=PressReader}}
Grounds
{{Main|M. A. Chidambaram Stadium}}
File:MA Chidambaram Stadium In the Night during a CSK Game.jpg before an IPL match in 2023]]
The Super Kings play their home matches at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium (also known as "Chepauk") in Chennai, which is one of the oldest cricket stadiums in India.{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/cricket-grounds/ma-chidambaram-stadium-chepauk-chennai-58008|title=M. A. Chidambaram Stadium|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=6 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231206170647/https://www.espncricinfo.com/cricket-grounds/ma-chidambaram-stadium-chepauk-chennai-58008|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=M.A. Chidambaram Stadium|url=https://m.cricbuzz.com/cricket-series/7607/indian-premier-league-2024/venues/11/ma-chidambaram-stadium|work=Cricbuzz|access-date=20 February 2021|archive-date=22 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240822102440/https://m.cricbuzz.com/cricket-series/7607/indian-premier-league-2024/venues/11/ma-chidambaram-stadium|url-status=live}} The stadium is owned by the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association and has a seating capacity of 38,000. The stadium is often referred to as "Fortress Chepauk" and "Lions' den".{{cite news|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/indian-premier-league-2024-1410320/chennai-super-kings-vs-lucknow-super-giants-39th-match-1426277/match-preview|work=ESPNcricinfo|title=Stuttering CSK look to make most of home stretch at fortress Chepauk|date=22 April 2024|access-date=1 June 2024|archive-date=22 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240822102442/https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/indian-premier-league-2024-1410320/chennai-super-kings-vs-lucknow-super-giants-39th-match-1426277/match-preview|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://newindianexpress.com/cricket/news/Warriors-hope-to-survive-Lions-den/2013/04/15/article1545326.ece|title=Warriors hope to survive Lions' den|newspaper=The New Indian Express|access-date=20 May 2013|archive-date=19 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140419020941/http://www.newindianexpress.com/cricket/news/Warriors-hope-to-survive-Lions-den/2013/04/15/article1545326.ece|url-status=dead}}
In 2014, the Super Kings played their home matches at the JSCA International Cricket Stadium at Ranchi due to a dispute with the Government of Tamil Nadu regarding the usage of three stands at the Chepauk stadium.{{cite news|date=9 May 2014|title=CSK's home matches likely to be shifted out of Chennai|newspaper=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/sport/cricket/ipl-2014/csks-home-matches-likely-to-be-shifted-out-of-chennai/article5993602.ece|access-date=5 April 2022|archive-date=5 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220405163153/https://www.thehindu.com/sport/cricket/ipl-2014/csks-home-matches-likely-to-be-shifted-out-of-chennai/article5993602.ece|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/sport/cricket/ipl-2014/ipl7-matches-likely-to-be-shifted-out-of-chennai/article5993931.ece|date=9 May 2014|title=IPL7 likely to be shifted out of Chennai|newspaper=The Hindu|access-date=5 April 2022|archive-date=18 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140618124642/http://www.thehindu.com/sport/cricket/ipl-2014/ipl7-matches-likely-to-be-shifted-out-of-chennai/article5993931.ece|url-status=live}} In 2018, the team played six of its home games at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune after members of some of the political parties staged protests outside the Chepauk stadium and the Tamil Nadu Police indicated their inability to provide security for the subsequent matches.{{cite news|url=https://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/101566/csks-ipl-2018-home-matches-moved-to-pune|title=CSK's IPL 2018 home matches moved to Pune|date=12 April 2018|access-date=1 December 2023|work=Cricbuzz|archive-date=9 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109001948/http://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/101566/csks-ipl-2018-home-matches-moved-to-pune|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://sports.ndtv.com/indian-premier-league-2018/ipl-2018-matches-moved-out-of-chennai-fan-says-worse-than-a-break-up-1836275|title=IPL 2018 Matches Moved Out Of Chennai, Fan Says 'Worse Than A Break-up'|date=12 May 2018|access-date=1 June 2024|work=NDTV|archive-date=29 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201029162539/https://sports.ndtv.com/indian-premier-league-2018/ipl-2018-matches-moved-out-of-chennai-fan-says-worse-than-a-break-up-1836275|url-status=live}}
Brand
The Super Kings has consistently been named amongst the most valuable sporting franchises in India.{{cite news|url=https://www.forbesindia.com/article/take-one-big-story-of-the-day/csk-and-dhoni-beyond-the-crown/71795/1|title=CSK and Dhoni: Beyond the crown|work=Forbes|date=26 November 2021|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=11 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231211161312/https://www.forbesindia.com/article/take-one-big-story-of-the-day/csk-and-dhoni-beyond-the-crown/71795/1|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.businesstoday.in/buzztop/buzztop-feature/ipl-brand-value-grew-37-percent-usd-5-billion-csk-most-valuable-brand/story/279033.html|title=CSK most valuable band of IPL 2018|date=13 June 2018|access-date=13 June 2018|work=Business Today|archive-date=13 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180613210622/https://www.businesstoday.in/buzztop/buzztop-feature/ipl-brand-value-grew-37-percent-usd-5-billion-csk-most-valuable-brand/story/279033.html|url-status=live}} In a February 2013 report by London based Brand Finance, in which the Super Kings was placed in the 147th place amongst the top 150 most valuable teams in the world with a brand value of $46 million.{{cite news|url=http://www.financialexpress.com/news/mumbai-indians-among-top150-most-valuable-team-brands/1073732|title=Brand Finance: Top 150 most valuable teams|work=Financial Express|date=14 February 2013|access-date=24 February 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130217042608/http://www.financialexpress.com/news/mumbai-indians-among-top150-most-valuable-team-brands/1073732|archive-date=17 February 2013|url-status=dead}} In January 2022, the Super Kings became the first unicorn sports enterprise in India.{{cite news|title=Chennai Super Kings Becomes India's First Unicorn Sports Enterprise; Surpasses Market Cap of Parent Entity|url=https://www.news18.com/cricketnext/news/chennai-super-kings-becomes-indias-first-unicorn-sports-enterprise-surpasses-market-cap-of-parent-entity-4714547.html|access-date=31 January 2022|work=News18|archive-date=31 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220131010333/https://www.news18.com/cricketnext/news/chennai-super-kings-becomes-indias-first-unicorn-sports-enterprise-surpasses-market-cap-of-parent-entity-4714547.html|url-status=live}} In 2022, the Super Kings were named as the second most valuable IPL franchise with a valuation of $1.15 billion.{{cite news|last=Ozanian|first=Mike|title=Indian Premier League Valuations: Cricket Now Has A Place Among World's Most Valuable Sports Teams|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/mikeozanian/2022/04/26/indian-premier-league-valuations-cricket-now-has-a-place-among-worlds-most-valuable-sports-teams/|access-date=29 May 2023| work=Forbes|archive-date=7 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220507153431/https://www.forbes.com/sites/mikeozanian/2022/04/26/indian-premier-league-valuations-cricket-now-has-a-place-among-worlds-most-valuable-sports-teams/|url-status=live}}
= Sponsorship =
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|+ !Year !Kit manufacturer !Shirt sponsor (front) !Shirt sponsor (back) !Chest branding |
| 2008
| rowspan="7" |Reebok | rowspan="8" |Aircel | rowspan="14" |India Cements |
| 2009
|Nivaran 90 |
| 2010 |
| 2011
| rowspan="13" |Gulf Oil |
| 2012 |
| 2013 |
| 2014 |
| 2015
|Spartan |
| 2018
| rowspan="8" |Seven | rowspan="3" |Muthoot Group |
| 2019 |
| 2020 |
| 2021 |
| 2022
| rowspan="3" |TVS Eurogrip |
| 2023 |
| 2024 |
| 2025 |
Telecom service provider Aircel became the first shirt sponsor for the team after it signed a three-year deal in 2008. The deal was renewed in 2011 for {{INRconvert|850|m}}, then the most expensive sponsorship deal in the IPL.{{cite news|title=Aircel to sponsor Chennai Super Kings|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2008-04-14/news/27696994_1_aircel-coo-chennai-super-kings-chennai-and-tamil-nadu|newspaper=The Economic Times|date=14 April 2008|access-date=8 June 2013|archive-date=18 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140318185802/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2008-04-14/news/27696994_1_aircel-coo-chennai-super-kings-chennai-and-tamil-nadu|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|title=Aircel signs most expensive sponsorship deal in IPL with Dhoni's Chennai Super Kings|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2011-04-12/news/29409921_1_ipl-teams-aircel-team-sponsorship|newspaper=The Economic Times|date=12 April 2011|access-date=8 June 2013|archive-date=14 April 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130414075041/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2011-04-12/news/29409921_1_ipl-teams-aircel-team-sponsorship|url-status=dead}} Muthoot Group was the principal shirt sponsor from 2018 to 2020 after which Myntra took over as the principal shirt sponsor for the 2021 season.{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/sport/cricket/csk-and-muthoot-group-ink-deal/article22716792.ece|title=CSK and Muthoot ink deal|newspaper=The Hindu|date=10 February 2018|access-date=18 March 2018|archive-date=30 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200130225930/https://www.thehindu.com/sport/cricket/csk-and-muthoot-group-ink-deal/article22716792.ece|url-status=live}}
In 2022, tyre maker TVS Eurogrip signed up with the franchise as the principal shirt sponsor on a three-year deal worth over {{INRconvert|1|b}}.{{cite news|date=23 November 2021|title=CSK ropes in TVS Eurogrip as principal sponsor in over Rs 100-crore deal|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/sports/csk-ropes-in-tvs-eurogrip-as-principal-sponsor-in-over-rs-100-crore-deal-121112301093_1.html|access-date=22 April 2022|newspaper=Business Standard|archive-date=22 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240822102443/https://www.business-standard.com/article/sports/csk-ropes-in-tvs-eurogrip-as-principal-sponsor-in-over-rs-100-crore-deal-121112301093_1.html|url-status=live}} Etihad Airways signed as one of the principal sponsors ahead of 2024 season with the brand displayed on the backside of the jersey.{{cite news|url=https://www.business-standard.com/cricket/ipl/ipl-2024-etihad-group-to-be-official-sponsor-of-chennai-super-kings-124020801440_1.html|title=IPL 2024: Etihad named as official sponsor of Chennai Super Kings|date=8 February 2024|access-date=1 April 2024|work=Business Standard|archive-date=10 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240410111448/https://www.business-standard.com/cricket/ipl/ipl-2024-etihad-group-to-be-official-sponsor-of-chennai-super-kings-124020801440_1.html|url-status=live}} Ahead of the 2025 season, Etihad became the primary shirt sponsor,{{cite news|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/trending/trending-globally/etihad-airways-chennai-super-kings-themed-airbus-yellow-army-viral-9695036/|title='Yellove takes flight': Etihad Airways unveils stunning Chennai Super Kings-themed airbus, wins hearts of yellow army|date=28 November 2024|access-date=1 December 2024|newspaper=The Indian Express}}{{cite news|url=https://www.businesstoday.in/latest/corporate/story/etihad-airways-unveils-csk-themed-aircraft-ahead-of-ipl-2025-inaugural-flight-to-take-place-from-chennai-455426-2024-11-28|title=Etihad Airways unveils CSK-themed aircraft ahead of IPL 2025, inaugural flight to take place from Chennai|date=28 November 2024|access-date=1 December 2024|newspaper=Business Today}} and the franchise signed a multi-year deal with FedEx, by which the company became the official logistics partner and the logo placed in the back of the shirts.{{cite press release|url=https://newsroom.fedex.com/newsroom/amea/fedex-powers-super-kings-journey-as-principal-sponsor-in-a-multi-year-agreement|title=FedEx Powers Super Kings Journey as Principal Sponsor in a Multi-Year Agreement|date=19 December 2024|access-date=21 December 2024|work=FedEx}}{{cite news|url=https://www.business-standard.com/cricket/ipl/ipl-2025-chennai-super-kings-announce-fedex-as-their-lead-sponsor-124122001124_1.html|title=IPL 2025: Chennai Super Kings announce FedEx as their lead sponsor|date=20 December 2024|access-date=21 December 2024|newspaper=Business Standard}} The team also has sponsorship deals with India Cements, Gulf Oil, SNJ Breweries, Reliance Jio, Astral Pipes, ICICI Bank, Coca-Cola and Vision11.{{cite web|url=https://www.insidesport.in/cricket/list-of-csk-sponsors-in-ipl-2024/|title=List of Sponsors|date=15 February 2024|publisher=Inside Sport|access-date=18 March 2024|archive-date=19 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240619043319/https://www.insidesport.in/cricket/list-of-csk-sponsors-in-ipl-2024/|url-status=live}}
Reebok, owned by German brand Adidas, was the official kit supplier for the Super Kings from 2008 to 2014.{{cite web|url=https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-analysis/csks-ipl-jerseys-over-the-years-4507-2908/|title=CSK jerseys over the years|work=Crictracker|access-date=1 March 2024|archive-date=22 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240822102444/https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-analysis/csks-ipl-jerseys-over-the-years-4507-2908/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/reebok-to-continue-association-with-csk/article23108012.ece|title=Reebok to continue association with CSK|date=10 June 2013|access-date=1 December 2023|newspaper=Business Line|archive-date=22 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240822102445/https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/reebok-to-continue-association-with-csk/article23108012.ece|url-status=live}} From the 2015 season, Australian apparel and sports gear manufacturer Spartan manufactured kits for the team.{{cite web|url=https://www.spartansports.com/behind-the-scenes-with-csk/|title=Behind the Scenes With CSK|access-date=23 December 2019|archive-date=23 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191223123826/https://www.spartansports.com/behind-the-scenes-with-csk/|url-status=live}} Indian apparel brand Seven became the official merchandising partner of the Super Kings in 2018.{{cite news|url=https://brandequity.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/marketing/ipl-2020-seven-becomes-official-merchandising-partner-of-chennai-super-kings/78201678|title=Seven becomes official merchandising partner of Chennai Super Kings|date=19 September 2020|access-date=1 December 2023|newspaper=The Economic Times|archive-date=1 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101022750/https://brandequity.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/marketing/ipl-2020-seven-becomes-official-merchandising-partner-of-chennai-super-kings/78201678|url-status=live}} Chennai Super Kings is registered as a brand and sells cricket kits, apparel and other merchandise.{{cite news|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/management/csk-brand-for-all-seasons-113032100521_1.html|title=CSK: Brand for all seasons|date=21 March 2013|access-date=1 December 2023|work=Business Standard|archive-date=26 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126064228/http://www.business-standard.com/article/management/csk-brand-for-all-seasons-113032100521_1.html|url-status=live}}
Support
The team has a significant fan following, colloquially referred to as the "Yellow Army".{{cite news|last1=Dinakar|first1=S.|title=CSK's fan base spans globe|url=https://www.thehindu.com/sport/cricket/csks-fan-base-spans-globe/article24008602.ece|access-date=23 November 2019|newspaper=The Hindu|date=28 May 2018|archive-date=27 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191227225305/https://www.thehindu.com/sport/cricket/csks-fan-base-spans-globe/article24008602.ece|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last1=Dey|first1=Santadeep|title=IPL 2019: CSK's Yellow Army cleans stand at Chepauk after KXIP match, catches Raina's eye|url=https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/ipl/ipl-news/ipl-2019-csk-kxip-dhoni-raina-chinna-thala-chennai-super-kings-xi-punjab-whistle-podu-yellow-armychepauk-ma-chidambaram-stadium/article26763465.ece|access-date=23 November 2019|work=Sportstar|date=7 April 2019|archive-date=24 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024090234/https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/ipl/ipl-news/ipl-2019-csk-kxip-dhoni-raina-chinna-thala-chennai-super-kings-xi-punjab-whistle-podu-yellow-armychepauk-ma-chidambaram-stadium/article26763465.ece|url-status=live}} The official fan club of the Super Kings called the "Whistle Podu Army", was founded in January 2016.{{cite news|last1=Shetty|first1=Varun|date=22 March 2019|title=How Chennai Super Kings kept the whistle alive|work=ESPNcricinfo|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/how-chennai-super-kings-kept-the-whistle-alive-1178679|access-date=23 November 2019|archive-date=20 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210620013454/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/how-chennai-super-kings-kept-the-whistle-alive-1178679|url-status=live}} The team has the highest number of followers in the social media amongst the IPL teams with over 33 million followers across X, Facebook and Instagram as of March 2023.{{cite news|url=https://www.livemint.com/sports/cricket-news/from-chennai-super-kings-to-gujarat-titans-here-s-list-of-most-followed-ipl-teams-on-social-media-11680183457216.html|title=From CSK to GT, here's list of most followed IPL teams on social media|date=30 March 2023|access-date=1 December 2023|work=Live Mint|archive-date=10 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240410105300/https://www.livemint.com/sports/cricket-news/from-chennai-super-kings-to-gujarat-titans-here-s-list-of-most-followed-ipl-teams-on-social-media-11680183457216.html|url-status=live}} The home matches of the team register significant attendance with the fans often turning up to watch the team's practice sessions at Chennai.{{cite news|last1=Ramesh|first1=Akshay|title='12,000 fans at practice match just a teaser': Decoding Chennai's love for CSK|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/story/chennai-super-kings-fans-ipl-2019-practice-match-12000-fans-teaser-saravanan-chennai-cricket-1483201-2019-03-21|access-date=23 November 2019|work=India Today|date=21 March 2019|archive-date=23 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191223185810/https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/story/chennai-super-kings-fans-ipl-2019-practice-match-12000-fans-teaser-saravanan-chennai-cricket-1483201-2019-03-21|url-status=live}} When the team's home games were moved to Pune in 2018, a charter train between Chennai and Pune was arranged by the franchise to ferry the fans.{{cite news|last1=Basu|first1=Ritayan|title=All aboard 'Whistle Podu Express': CSK hire train to take fans from Chennai to Pune|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/story/all-aboard-the-whistle-podu-express-csk-hire-train-to-take-fans-from-chennai-to-pune-1215616-2018-04-19|access-date=23 November 2019|work=India Today|date=19 April 2018|archive-date=25 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191225211031/https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/story/all-aboard-the-whistle-podu-express-csk-hire-train-to-take-fans-from-chennai-to-pune-1215616-2018-04-19|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last1=Chandrasehkhar|first1=Anandi|title=Chennai Super Kings taking fans to Pune for 'home' game|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/sports/chennai-super-kings-taking-fans-to-pune-for-home-game/articleshow/63894252.cms|access-date=23 November 2019|newspaper=The Economic Times|date=24 April 2018|archive-date=24 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220124162110/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/sports/chennai-super-kings-taking-fans-to-pune-for-home-game/articleshow/63894252.cms|url-status=live}}
Rivalries
= Mumbai Indians rivalry =
{{main|Chennai Super Kings–Mumbai Indians rivalry}}
The Super Kings have played the Mumbai Indians 38 times in the IPL, with Chennai winning 18 of those matches.{{cite web|title=MI vs CSK Head to Head|url=https://www.mykhel.com/cricket/ipl-chennai-vs-mumbai-head-to-head-s4/|work=mykhel|access-date=12 July 2024|archive-date=22 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210722002841/https://www.mykhel.com/cricket/ipl-chennai-vs-mumbai-head-to-head-s4/|url-status=live}} They are the two most successful IPL teams with five titles each. The two sides have met each other at the final of the IPL four times, with Mumbai winning thrice and Chennai winning once.{{cite web|url=https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-winners-and-runners-list/|title=IPL winners and runners-up|work=Crictracker|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=11 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240111060225/https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-winners-and-runners-list/|url-status=live}}
= Royal Challengers Bangalore rivalry =
The rivalry between the Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore is called the "Southern derby" or "Kaveri derby" (from the Kaveri River and the water dispute between the states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu).{{cite news|title=The battle of the Kaveri|url=http://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/68866/the-battle-of-the-kaveri|access-date=20 April 2015|work=Cricbuzz|archive-date=27 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150427143248/http://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/68866/the-battle-of-the-kaveri|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Bitter rivals square off in marquee southern derby|url=http://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/68864/bitter-rivals-square-off-in-marquee-southern-derby|access-date=20 April 2015|work=Cricbuzz|archive-date=27 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150427143252/http://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/68864/bitter-rivals-square-off-in-marquee-southern-derby|url-status=live}} The Super Kings have won 22 of the 34 matches between the teams, and have beaten the Royal Challengers in the only meeting between the two teams in an IPL final in 2011. At its home ground in Chennai, the Super Kings have a superior record, and have lost only twice to the Royal Challengers, in 2008 and 2025.{{cite news|url=https://www.livemint.com/sports/cricket-news/ipl-2025-rcb-breach-fortress-chepauk-after-17-years-what-happened-during-yesterdays-csk-vs-rcb-clash-in-chennai-11743190552091.html|title=RCB breach fortress Chepauk after 17 years; what happened during yesterday’s CSK vs RCB clash in Chennai?|work=Live Mint|date=29 March 2025|access-date= 1 April 2025}}
Ownership and finances
When the IPL was launched in 2008, the Chennai franchise was sold to the India Cements for $91 million, making it the fourth most expensive team in the league.{{cite news|title=Big business and Bollywood grab stakes in IPL |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/ipl-announces-franchise-owners-333193 |access-date=6 June 2013 |work=ESPNcricinfo |archive-date=18 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210418005531/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/ipl-announces-franchise-owners-333193 |url-status=live }} N. Srinivasan, who was then the treasurer and vice-chairman of the BCCI, became the de facto owner of the Super Kings as the managing director of India Cements.{{cite web |title=N Srinivasan's rise in the BCCI |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/n-srinivasan-s-rise-and-tenure-a-timeline-637655 |access-date=4 June 2013 |work=ESPNcricinfo |archive-date=25 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220925151725/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/n-srinivasan-s-rise-and-tenure-a-timeline-637655 |url-status=live }} In September 2008, former BCCI President A. C. Muthiah wrote to then BCCI President citing the BCCI regulations, which prevented any administrator from holding commercial interests in the matches conducted by the board. Subsequently, the regulations were amended by the BCCI to exclude the IPL and a case was filed against the same in the Madras High Court.{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/muthiah-targets-chennai-team-boss/cid/528448|title=Muthiah targets Chennai team boss|date=24 April 2024|access-date=1 June 2024|work=Telegraph India}}{{cite news|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/former-bcci-chief-muthiah-files-supreme-court-petition-456881|title=Former BCCI chief Muthiah files Supreme Court petition|work=ESPNcricinfo|date=23 April 2010|access-date=1 June 2024|archive-date=22 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240822102447/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/former-bcci-chief-muthiah-files-supreme-court-petition-456881|url-status=live}} In 2013, he Muthiah moved to the Supreme Court to stop Srinivasan from taking over as the President of BCCI, which was rejected and Srinivasan was elected as the President of BCCI.{{cite news|title=Srinivasan faces petition against BCCI presidency |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/the-ipl-mess-srinivasan-faces-petition-against-bcci-presidency-529412 |access-date=4 June 2013 |work=ESPNcricinfo |archive-date=3 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203203344/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/the-ipl-mess-srinivasan-faces-petition-against-bcci-presidency-529412 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=N Srinivasan becomes BCCI president |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/bcci-annual-general-meeting-n-srinivasan-becomes-bcci-president-532993 |access-date=4 June 2013 |work=ESPNcricinfo |archive-date=7 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007010907/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/bcci-annual-general-meeting-n-srinivasan-becomes-bcci-president-532993 |url-status=live }} In a subsequent decision announced on 22 January 2015, the Supreme Court stuck down the 2008 amendment to the BCCI constitution that allowed board officials to have a commercial interest in the IPL. As a result, the Super Kings franchise was transferred to a separate entity named Chennai Super Kings Cricket Limited.{{cite news |title=Supreme Court struck down controversial amendment |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/india-cements-shareholders-to-get-csk-shares-829981 |access-date=14 February 2015 |work=ESPNcricinfo |archive-date=17 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220117063449/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/india-cements-shareholders-to-get-csk-shares-829981 |url-status=live }}
As of 2021, about 30% of the franchise is owned by the trustees and shareholders of India Cements. The Super Kings recorded revenues of {{INRconvert|4.18|b}} with a net profit of {{INRconvert|1.11|b}} for FY 2018–19. In the FY 2020–21, the revenue dropped to {{INRconvert|2.54|b}} with a net profit of {{INRconvert|402|m}}. The franchise generates revenues from broadcasting deals, match day tickets, in-stadium advertising and merchandise sales. Majority of the revenue comes from broadcasting rights which contributes about 60% of the total revenue, followed by around 20% from sponsorship deals and about 10-15% from ticket sales.
Players
{{Main|List of Chennai Super Kings cricketers}}
= Current squad =
{{#section:2025 Chennai Super Kings season|squad}}
= Captains =
{{multiple image|
| image1 = MS Dhoni in 2011.jpg
| image2 = Ruturaj Gaikwad.jpeg
| footer = MS Dhoni (left) is the most successful captain and Ruturaj Gaikwad was the designated captain in 2024 and 2025
| total_width = 350px
}}
Dhoni led the team from 2008 to 2023 and is one of the most successful captains in the IPL, having led the Super Kings to ten finals of which the team has won five.{{cite web|title=Indian Premier League / Records / Most matches as captain|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/indian-premier-league-2013/engine/records/individual/most_matches_as_captain.html?id=117;type=trophy|work=ESPNcricinfo|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130622100425/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/indian-premier-league-2013/engine/records/individual/most_matches_as_captain.html?id=117%3Btype%3Dtrophy|archive-date=22 June 2013}} In 2022, Jadeja was appointed as the captain succeeding Dhoni but handed the captaincy back to Dhoni after a poor start to the IPL season.{{cite news|url=https://zeenews.india.com/cricket/ipl-2024-chennai-super-kings-csk-coach-stephen-fleming-explains-ravindra-jadeja-captaincy-fiasco-from-2022-after-ms-dhoni-hands-ruturaj-gaikwad-the-responsibility-2732859.html|title=CSK Coach Explains Ravindra Jadeja Captaincy Fiasco From 2022 After MS Dhoni Hands Ruturaj Gaikwad The Responsibility|date=21 March 2024|access-date=1 April 2024|work=Zee|archive-date=30 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240330070033/https://zeenews.india.com/cricket/ipl-2024-chennai-super-kings-csk-coach-stephen-fleming-explains-ravindra-jadeja-captaincy-fiasco-from-2022-after-ms-dhoni-hands-ruturaj-gaikwad-the-responsibility-2732859.html|url-status=live}} Gaikwad was appointed as the captain before the start of the 2024 IPL season. During the 2025 IPL season, Gaikwad was ruled out of the for the rest of the season due to injury and Dhoni was re-appointed as captain.{{cite news|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/cricket/story/ipl-2025-ms-dhoni-csk-skipper-ruturaj-gaikwad-ruled-out-2707057-2025-04-10|title=MS Dhoni to take over as CSK captain, Ruturaj Gaikwad ruled out|date=10 April 2025|access-date=10 April 2025|newspaper=India Today]}}
| class="wikitable sortable"
!Player !Nationality !From !To !Matches !Won !Lost !Tied !NR !Win% | ||||||||
| "text-align:left" | MS Dhoni
| {{cr|IND}} | 2008 | Present | 237 | 143 | 91 | 1 | 0 | 60.33 |
| "text-align:left" | Suresh Raina
| {{cr|IND}} | 2010 | 2019 | 6 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 33.33 |
| "text-align:left" | Ravindra Jadeja
| {{cr|IND}} | 2022 | 2022 | 8 | 2 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 25.00 |
| "text-align:left" | Ruturaj Gaikwad
| {{cr|IND}} | 2024 | 2025 | 19 | 8 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 42.10 |
Last updated: 15 April 2025; Source: ESPNcricinfo{{cite web |title=CSK: captains |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/records/team/individual-list-captains/chennai-super-kings-4343/twenty20-matches-6 |access-date=25 December 2023 |work=ESPNcricinfo |archive-date=25 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231225042232/https://www.espncricinfo.com/records/team/individual-list-captains/chennai-super-kings-4343/twenty20-matches-6 |url-status=live }}
Support staff
| class="wikitable" | |
| Position
!Name | |
|---|---|
| Head coach | Stephen Fleming |
| Batting coach | Michael Hussey |
| Bowling consultant | Eric Simons |
| Fielding coach | Rajiv Kumar |
| Assistant bowling coach | Sridharan Sriram{{cite news|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/ipl-2025-csk-appoint-sridharan-sriram-as-assistant-bowling-coach-1474619|title=Sridharan Sriram joins CSK as assistant bowling coach ahead of IPL 2025|date=24 February 2025|access-date=24 February 2025|work=ESPNcricinfo}} |
| Physiotherapist | Tommy Simsek |
| Trainer | Gregory King |
| Team doctor | Madhu Thottappillil |
| colspan="2" style="text-align: center;"| Source: [https://www.chennaisuperkings.com/matchcentre/teamPage CSK] |
Statistics
{{Main|List of Chennai Super Kings records}}
= By season =
== Indian Premier League ==
{{Table alignment}}
| class="wikitable defaultcenter col1left" style="font-size: 100%"
!Year !Matches !Won !Lost !{{tooltip|NR|No Result}} !Group Stage !Final Result !Most Runs !Most Wickets |
| 2008
|16 |9 |7 |0 |3/8 | bgcolor="silver" |Runners-up |Suresh Raina (421) |Albie Morkel (17) |
| 2009
|15 |8 |6 |1 |2/8 |style="background: lightgreen;"|Semi-finalists |Matthew Hayden{{ref label|†|†|†}} (572) |Muttiah Muralitharan (14) |
| 2010
|16 |9 |7 |0 |3/8 | bgcolor="gold" |Champions |Suresh Raina (520) |Muttiah Muralitharan (15) |
| 2011
|16 |11 |5 |0 |2/10 | bgcolor="gold" |Champions |Michael Hussey (492) |Ravichandran Ashwin (20) |
| 2012
|19 |10 |8 |1 |4/9 | bgcolor="silver" |Runners-up |Suresh Raina (441) |Ben Hilfenhaus (14) |
| 2013
|18 |12 |6 |0 |2/9 | bgcolor="silver" |Runners-up | Michael Hussey{{ref label|†|†|†}} (733) | Dwayne Bravo{{ref label|§|§|§}} (32) |
| 2014
|16 |10 |6 |0 |3/8 | bgcolor="lightgreen" |Playoffs |Dwayne Smith (566) |Mohit Sharma{{ref label|§|§|§}} (23) |
| 2015
|17 |10 |7 |0 |1/8 | bgcolor="silver" |Runners-up |Brendon McCullum (436) |Dwayne Bravo{{ref label|§|§|§}} (26) |
| 2016
| colspan="8" rowspan="2" align="center" style="background:#fdd4d4"|Suspended |
| 2017 |
| 2018
|16 |11 |5 |0 |2/8 | bgcolor="gold" |Champions |Ambati Rayudu (602) |Shardul Thakur (16) |
| 2019
|17 |10 |7 |0 |2/8 | bgcolor="silver" |Runners-up |MS Dhoni (416) |Imran Tahir{{ref label|§|§|§}} (26) |
| 2020
|14 |6 |8 |0 |7/8 |bgcolor="white"|League stage |Faf du Plessis (449) |Sam Curran (13) |
| 2021
|16 |11 |5 |0 |2/8 | bgcolor="gold" |Champions |Ruturaj Gaikwad{{ref label|†|†|†}} (635) |Shardul Thakur (21) |
| 2022
|14 |4 |10 |0 |9/10 |bgcolor="white"|League stage |Ruturaj Gaikwad (368) |Dwayne Bravo (16) |
| 2023
|16 |10 |5 |1 |2/10 | bgcolor="gold" |Champions |Devon Conway (672) |Tushar Deshpande (21) |
| 2024
|14 |7 |7 |0 |5/10 | bgcolor="white"|League stage |Ruturaj Gaikwad (583) |Tushar Deshpande (17) |
| 2025
|7 |2 |5 |0 |TBD |TBD |TBD |TBD |
| Total
!247 !140 !104 !3 !56.68% ! colspan="3"|(5 Titles) |
|---|
Last updated: 15 April 2025; Source: IPLT20 website{{cite web|url=https://www.iplt20.com/teams/chennai-super-kings/archive|title=Chennai Super Kings|publisher=Indian Premier League|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=18 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231218163515/https://www.iplt20.com/teams/chennai-super-kings/archive|url-status=live}}
;Key
- {{note label|†|†|†}} Won the Orange cap for the top run scorer in the season
- {{note label|§|§|§}} Won the Purple cap for the top wicket taker in the season
== Champions League Twenty20 ==
= By opposition =
Table include records from matches against IPL franchises in both the IPL and CLT20.
{{Table alignment}}
| class="wikitable sortable defaultcenter col1left" style="font-size: 100%"
! rowspan="2" |Opposition ! rowspan="2" |Span ! colspan="4" |IPL ! colspan="3" |CLT20 ! colspan="4" |Total ! rowspan="2" |Win (%) | ||||||
| {{tooltip|M|Matches}}
!{{tooltip|W|Won}} !{{tooltip|L|Lost}} !{{tooltip|NR|No Result}} !{{tooltip|M|Matches}} !{{tooltip|W|Won}} !{{tooltip|L|Lost}} !{{tooltip|M|Matches}} !{{tooltip|W|Won}} !{{tooltip|L|Lost}} !{{tooltip|NR|No Result}} | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mumbai Indians | 2008–25 | 38 | 18 | 20 | 0
|2 |1 |1 |40 |19 |21 |0 | {{center|47.50}} |
| Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 2008–25 | 34 | 21 | 12 | 1
|1 |1 |0 |35 |22 |12 |1 | {{center|62.85}} |
| Punjab Kings | 2008–25 | 31 | 16 | 15 | 0
|1 |1 |0 |32 |17 |15 |0 | {{center|53.12}} |
| Delhi Capitals | 2008–25 | 31 | 19 | 12 | 0
|{{n/a}} |{{n/a}} |{{n/a}} |31 |19 |12 |0 | {{center|61.29}} |
| Kolkata Knight Riders | 2008–24 | 31 | 19 | 11 | 1
|2 |1 |1 |32 |20 |12 |1 | {{center|62.50}} |
| Rajasthan Royals | 2008–25 | 30 | 16 | 14 | 0
|1 |0 |1 |31 |16 |15 |0 | {{center|51.16}} |
| Sunrisers Hyderabad | 2013–24 | 21 | 15 | 6 | 0
|1 |1 |0 |22 |16 |6 |0 | {{center|72.72}} |
| Gujarat Titans | 2022–24 | 7 | 3 | 4 | 0
|{{n/a}} |{{n/a}} |{{n/a}} |7 |3 |4 |0 | {{center|42.85}} |
| Lucknow Super Giants | 2022–24 | 6 | 2 | 3 | 1
|{{n/a}} |{{n/a}} |{{n/a}} |6 |2 |3 |1 | {{center|33.33}} |
| style="background:#fdd4d4;" | 2008–12 | 10 | 6 | 4 | 0
| colspan="3" rowspan="3" align="center" | |
| --
|10 |6 |4 |0 | {{center|60.00}} | |||||
| style="background:#fdd4d4;" | 2011 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0
|2 |1 |1 |0 | {{center|50.00}} |
| style="background:#fdd4d4;" | 2011–13 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 0
|6 |4 |2 |0 | {{center|66.66}} |
| Total | 2008–25 | 247 | 140 | 104 | 3
!8 !5 !3 !255 !145 !107 !3 | 56.86 |
{{color box|border=darkgray|#fdd4d4|Team now defunct}}
In popular culture
In 2019, a documentary television series titled Roar of the Lion aired on Disney+ Hotstar which dealt with the ban of the Super Kings franchise from the IPL in 2016 and its return to win the title in 2018.{{cite news|url=https://www.insidesport.co/hotstar-to-launch-docudrama-with-dhoni-on-march-20/|title=Roar of the Lion – The untold Dhoni story to come on Hotstar|last=Kansal|first=Sonal|date=6 March 2019|work=Insidesport|access-date=12 March 2019|archive-date=3 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210703181300/https://www.insidesport.co/hotstar-to-launch-docudrama-with-dhoni-on-march-20/|url-status=live}} In the 2024 Tamil-language film The Greatest of All Time, archived footage featuring Dhoni for the Super Kings in an IPL match was used.{{cite web|title=MS Dhoni's special appearance in Vijay's 'GOAT' sends fans into a frenzy|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/ms-dhoni-special-appearance-thalapathy-vijay-goat-fans-frenzy-2594055-2024-09-05|access-date=5 September 2024|date=5 September 2024|work=India Today }}
See also
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- {{Official website|https://www.chennaisuperkings.com/}}
- [https://www.iplt20.com/teams/chennai-super-kings Team profile] at iplt20.com
{{Chennai Super Kings}}
{{Chennai Super Kings squad}}
{{Indian Premier League}}
{{Tamil Nadu Sports}}
Category:2008 establishments in Tamil Nadu
Category:Chennai Super Kings Cricket
Category:Cricket clubs established in 2008
Category:Indian Premier League teams