Tactical decisions that made CSK IPL 2021 champions.

CSK lift the IPL trophy for the fourth time after a dismal show in the 13th edition of Vivo IPL. There has not been a major shuffle for CSK from the previous season still they have become champions with the same core with 2 to 3 changes.

Many might think of Faf Du Plessis playing a match winning knock and the likes of Robbin Uthappa and Moeen Ali playing a finisher role. But we tend to forget few minor decisions which has changed the complexion of the game which go unnoticed.

Here are few major tactical decisions made by CSK in the finals.

1. Dwayne Bravo.

Read More : MS Dhoni factor on team India going into WT20

He is predominantly a death bowler bowling the 13th, 15, 17, and 19th overs respectively in the previous games. But in the finals with the run rate soaring high after the PP Dhoni decided to bring Bravo into the attack to stop the flow of runs. Here Bravo bowled as if he is bowling the death overs to perfection giving away just 8 runs of 2 overs he bowled. The required run-rate from 9 soared up to 11 making KKR batsmen play aggressively against other bowlers.

2. Jadeja

He had one for 11 rpo from his initial 2 over. Dhoni did have the trust in Jadeja giving him the full quota of 4 overs even though he went for many. The reason behind giving Jadeja those overs was that the required rate was high and with batsmen looking to go after Jadeja can fall to him miscuing due to the larger Dubai stadium. This plan worked out for CSK with Jaddu picking up 2 important wickets in his last over.

3. Hazlewood 

Narine has struggled against fast bowlers in the recent past who have bowled to him short. By the time Narine arrive Dhoni brought in Hazlewood and making Narine play the false shot which CSK wanted him to play. Even the right fielder was placed in the right direction making it all look simple.