Former Chennai Super Kings batter and IPL great Ambati Rayudu has finally answered the most-asked question – the reason for CSK’s success in the Indian Premier League. A two-time IPL winner with CSK, Rayudu revealed what makes this team the most successful regarding reach, connectivity with fans, and trophies won since the inception of the tournament.

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Having retired from the competition last year following Chennai’s joint-most IPL title win (Mumbai Indians too has 5 titles to its name), Rayudu shed light on the dressing room environment and what makes CSK different from other outfits in the tournament.

Rayudu said the approachable nature of the franchise, similar to that of their captain and icon, MS Dhoni, makes all the difference. Rayudu explains how connecting with the fans throughout the season, be it at the team hotel or during the training sessions, increases the bond, making the fans feel they are part of the team.

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“The biggest connect is CSK being CSK. They are very homely. It’s like sitting in your living room. That’s how CSK is. They are very approachable, even when you are staying in a hotel, people will come and click pictures with you fans will come and meet you. 

“They allow people to meet the players and watch training so there is a sense of connect, and they make the fans feel that it’s their own team,” Rayudu said during the ‘Star Sports Press Room.

MS brings everyone together

Having the reputation of being the most followed man in Indian cricket since Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni keeps the team together, Rayudu says. The former top-order batter also mentions that with the massive fan following MS has, he is looked up to by everyone, even by Tamil fans worldwide. 

“Fans feel like they are playing in the team. They are part of the team, and that’s what makes the CSK family a whole lot bigger, and now it’s spread across the world, they have a huge fan base and most importantly, they are MS Dhoni fans first, and then CSK fans it’s not the other way around,” said Rayudu.

“It’s he who brings everybody together be it the Tamil-speaking population or anyone around the world. He is that one pillar, who everybody looks up to,” he added.

Chennai Super Kings will play the IPL 2024 opener against Royal Challengers Bangalore at their home ground in Chepauk on March 22. Veteran MS Dhoni will captain the side in perhaps his final IPL.

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