Step 1: Where I Started
Grabbed my phone while sipping coffee, opened Google and just typed “CSK playing 11 2021” like anyone would. Got flooded with random articles – some about 2023 season, some with weird predictions. Useless. Clicked three different links but they all showed squad lists, not actual match lineups.
Step 2: Filtering Tricks
Changed my search to “CSK vs MI playing 11 May 2021 IPL” specifically. Better! Top results finally showed actual teams from that season. Found one with screenshots of scorecards but dates were messy. Had to scroll sideways on my phone checking each match like a detective.
Step 3: The Social Shortcut
Then I remembered CSK’s Twitter feed during IPL. Searched “@ChennaiIPL playing eleven 2021” on Twitter. Boom! Scrolled down to April-May 2021 posts. Official team announcements right there – Faf opening with Ruturaj, Curran at 7th position etc. Took screenshots for reference.
Step 4: Double-Checking
Being extra careful, I cross-verified one lineup with Disney+ Hotstar highlights. Watched 2 minutes of MI vs CSK match replay just to see player names on jerseys. Saw Moeen Ali spinning which confirmed May 1 lineup. Felt like cracking a code but actually just basic stuff.
Easy Steps Summary
Here’s what actually works without losing your mind:
- Use specific match dates in Google searches instead of just “2021 season”
- Check franchise Twitter handles during IPL months – they post lineups 1 hour before toss
- Spot scorecard screenshots in news articles but zoom into dates
- Verify via highlights if unsure – just scrub to team close-ups
Spent 25 minutes total when it should take 5. Moral of my Saturday? Cricket stats sites overcomplicate things. Real fans just need official social posts or smart search words.