During the first player auctions for the inaugural IPL season, conducted in January 2008, the Chennai team was able to buy a number of contemporary star cricketers such as Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Matthew Hayden, Michael Hussey and Muttiah Muralitharan.
The Super Kings had a solid start to the tournament by winning their first game against Kings XI Punjab scoring 240/5 which was the highest total of the tournament, a record surpassed by themselves in 2010. The Super Kings also won their next three games against Mumbai Indians, Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bangalore. But their winning run in the tournament took a hit when their overseas stars Matthew Hayden, Michael Husseyand Jacob Oram had to leave for national duties. Their departure immediately affected their performance as the Super Kings who had won their first four games lost their next three games. The batting, although inconsistent, eventually adjusted to the losses of Hayden and Hussey with contributions fromMahendra Singh Dhoni(C), Suresh Raina and Albie Morkel. The Super Kings despite having a roller-coaster ride in the second half managed to ensure a semi-final slot by beating the Deccan Chargers in their last league fixture.
The side had finished third at the league table with 16 points. The Chennai Super Kings played their first semi-final against the Kings XI Punjab whom they managed to defeat by 9 wickets, thus entering the final,which they lost to Rajasthan Royals by three wickets off the last ball
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