IPL 2021: Despite their middle order being in a muddle, CSK became the first side to book a place in the playoffs of IPL 2021. All because of 2 men, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Faf du Plessis.
Both have been in top form and have smashed over 500 runs each this season. What makes this feat huge is the fact that it's just the 2nd time in 14 years of IPL, that 2 players from the same team have scored over 500 runs in a single season. Virat Kohli and Chris Gayle did that in 2011, while playing for RCB. It's because of Gaikwad and du Plessis that CSK wasn't hurt by 3 consecutive defeats in its final 3 league games.
Chennai also didn't have the luxury of a solid middle order as Suresh Raina, Moeen Ali and MS Dhoni himself were woefully out of form and the main reason why the Yellow Brigade made it to the playoffs is because of the form their opening batters have been in.
Also read: IPL 2021: KL Rahul's fiery 98* leads Punjab Kings to a 6-wicket win vs CSK