Key moments in CSK’s campaign

Chennai: Mahendra Singh Dhoni loves number 7, inscribed on his jersey for India and Chennai Super Kings. He considers it his good luck charm, something that finds a pathway for him during difficult times.

Looking back at CSK’s triumphant campaign in IPL-11, there are seven performances at pivotal moments that stand out too.

Dwayne Bravo, vs. Mumbai Indians, Mumbai: This was a big game. CSK’s first after a two-year absence from IPL. Chasing 166 on a surface that asked demanding questions, CSK had slumped to 105 for seven in the 15th over. Then Bravo’s death-or-glory 30-ball 68 of power and heart helped the Chennai side cross the line in the final over. The win gave CSK belief and momentum.

Sam Billings, vs Kolkata Knight Riders, Chennai: The game was in the balance. This was a stiff pursuit. CSK, seeking 203, was in some trouble when Billings walked in. His 23-ball 56 at the finish lifted the side. The Englishman was light on his feet and powerful with his strokes and Dhoni’s men nailed another humdinger.

Deepak Chahar, vs Sunrisers Hyderabad, Hyderabad: A telling burst with the new ball, it was. Chahar combined out-swing with control and lively pace to strike early and have Sunrisers, chasing 183, reeling at 22 for three. It proved a decisive spell.

M.S. Dhoni, vs Royal Challengers Bangalore, Bengaluru: The skipper’s brutal assault was of the jaw-dropping kind. CSK gunned down the host, overcoming a daunting 206, in a last-gasp finish. And Dhoni, opening up his off-side play and bludgeoning the bowling with bat-speed and wrists, remained unbeaten with a 34-ball 70. The rejuvenated Dhoni had lived at the Death.

Ravindra Jadeja, vs Royal Challengers Bangalore, Pune: When the going gets tough, the tough get going. Searching for rhythm and under increasing pressure, Jadeja came up with a game-clinching spell — three for 18 — from four immaculate overs of left-arm spin. Among his victims was a certain Virat Kohli, done in by a mean arm-ball.

Faf du Plessis, vs Sunrisers , Mumbai Indians: Cricket is a lot about execution of skills under extreme pressure. Ask du Plessis. On a tricky surface and against a varied attack, even a pursuit of 140 can be treacherous; more so if a side loses wickets. The South African’s perfectly paced unbeaten 67 of solidity, balance and judicious aggression — he exploded at the finish — helped CSK edge home in a pulse-pounding conclusion in Qualifier-1.

Shane Watson, vs Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai: He seemed a force of nature when it mattered the most — in the final. The 36-year-old Watson’s blitzkrieg — 117 off 57 balls — shut out the Sunrisers. What an onslaught! Bucking the odds, the Dad’s Army had triumphed!