A blazing century from Murali Vijay, a curious selection call by Delhi, and a record-smashing CSK performance – here’s how Chennai delivered the biggest hammering in IPL playoff history
IPL playoffs are meant to be thrilling, edge-of-your-seat experiences filled with nail-biters, heart-stopping chases, and all the excitement! But on May 25, 2012, at Chepauk, Chennai Super Kings chose a different path—they decided it was time to teach Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) a lesson in demolition rather than create a drama-filled match.
And wow, did they deliver! They didn't just win against Delhi; they absolutely dominated them with an incredible 86-run victory, marking the largest margin of victory in IPL playoffs history so far!
How did it all unravel so spectacularly for Delhi? Let's walk through the carnage.
It all began at the toss, and the eyebrows went up faster than a short ball to Dhoni. In a baffling move, the Delhi Daredevils handed an IPL debut to the little-known Sunny Gupta. That too in a high-stakes knockout. But that wasn't even the shocker. They dropped their star pacer and Purple Cap holder, Morne Morkel.
Why? "Strengthen the batting," they said. But chasing 223, even the most loaded batting order needs a head start, and Delhi shot themselves in the foot before the first over.
Credit: ESPN
Murali Vijay hadn't exactly had a dream season. In fact, he'd been benched for a few games. But come the hour, come the man. With 15 boundaries and 4 sixes, Vijay tore into Delhi's threadbare bowling. His 113 off 58 balls wasn't just elegant – it was ruthless.
The tone was set early. Alongside a steady Michael Hussey, Vijay put CSK in charge. After Hussey fell for 20, Suresh Raina chipped in with 27 off 17, while Dhoni and Bravo added the finishing touches.
Bravo's 33 off just 12 balls, at a staggering strike rate of 275.00, ensured CSK didn't take their foot off the gas. By the time Vijay was run out on the last ball, the scoreboard read 222/5 – the highest total of that IPL season.
Credit: ESPN
If Delhi hoped their batters would fight fire with fire, the flames fizzled out quickly. David Warner (3) and Virender Sehwag (1) were both gone within four overs. That's like taking the engine out of a Ferrari.
Mahela Jayawardene tried to hold up one end with a silky 55 off 38, but the wheels came off at the other. R Ashwin spun a web with 3 for 23, while Shadab Jakati and Bravo picked up 2 each. Even CSK's fielding was impressive – from Vijay's sharp catch to Hussey's running grab, the Kings were everywhere.
Delhi crawled to 136 in 16.5 overs. Seven players failed to reach double figures. The 86-run loss was not just a defeat—it was a statement.
Credit: ESPN
This win secured CSK's third consecutive IPL final. A team barely scraping into the playoffs suddenly found its golden touch. Batters in form, bowlers clicking, fielders sharp—the Super Kings had switched to playoff mode. However, CSK lost to KKR in the 2012 IPL final.
Delhi? They topped the league stage but exited with a whimper. That Sunny Gupta selection still gets whispered in IPL circles – a "what were they thinking?" moment that cost them dearly.
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