The CSK players who took Chennai to IPL 2023 final

On paper, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) might not look as good as the Gujarat Titans (GT) or the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), but the kind of combined effort the team put in at the right moment, led by MS Dhoni throughout the season is praiseworthy.

CSK reached a record-extending 10th IPL final after a 15-run win over GT in the first Qualifier at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Tuesday (May 23). The win also marked CSK's first victory over GT in their fourth encounter.

From being the 9th in 2022 to finalists in 2023, CSK has once again proved they're the true comeback kings.

Consistency in team selection and batting order has been the benchmark of the franchise. But the players who performed at the right moment were key in Chennai's success. We take a look at CSK's top performers who helped the team reach the final.

Ruturaj Gaekwad

Sensational young player Ruturaj Gaekwad, the top run-getter for CSK in the past two seasons, continued his stellar show at the top. Known for his free strokeplay, Ruturaj scored 564 runs at a strike rate of 146 this season.

Devon Conway

Kiwi opener, Devon Conway, with the ability to dig deep and take on the opposition simultaneously, is the leading scorer for CSK this season with 625 runs, averaging over 52. Just like Ruturaj, with the highest of 92 against the Punjab Kings, he too didn't score a century this season. Who knows, maybe a 100 is coming this final!

Shivam Dube

Shivam Dube has been a revelation for CSK this season with his quick power-packed cameos in the middle order. He might not be a consistent hitter but the day he is middling the ball, you get one of those remarkable 111-meter six to Harshal Patel against RCB where the ball was seen flying over the Chinnaswamy Stadium's roof.

Ravindra Jadeja

Although Ravindra Jadeja (19) is a couple of wickets behind Tushar Deshpande (21), he has been more economical and averages better than Deshpande with the ball. Jadeja has also contributed with the bat on a few occasions. It was a delight to watch the vintage Jadeja strangle GT in the qualifier at Chepauk with his precise and economical bowling.

Ajinkya Rahane

The experienced Ajinkya Rahane, backed by the management, has been the batter CSK  was looking for in the middle order after Suresh Raina's exit. He has provided strength to the batting order and has fired at almost a strike-rate of 170. Known to be a Test specialist in the recent past, his 61 (27) against MI and 71 (29) against KKR reminded us of his class.