Tata IPL 2024 Match 22, CSK Vs KKR – Match Report

April 8, 2024

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) delivered a commanding all-round display to triumph over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. CSK’s bowlers effectively contained KKR’s strong batting lineup, limiting them to 137 runs. CSK then showcased a steady batting performance, securing a convincing seven-wicket victory. This loss marks KKR’s inaugural defeat in the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season.

Opting to bowl first, CSK quickly made a breakthrough with the first delivery. Phil Salt’s shot landed directly in Ravindra Jadeja’s hands at point off Tushar Deshpande’s bowling. Following this, the promising Angkrish Raghuvanshi, who stood out in KKR’s previous match against Delhi Capitals (DC), partnered with Sunil Narine in the crease.

Over the following six overs, Narine and Raghuvanshi maintained a partnership reminiscent of their performance in Visakhapatnam. They capitalized on the powerplay, showcasing impressive shot-making skills. Raghuvanshi’s straight six showcased his technical prowess, while Narine contributed with three fours and two sixes, displaying his unique batting style. KKR raced to 56 runs within the powerplay, indicating their intent to achieve a substantial total.

Ravindra Jadeja took center stage and asserted his dominance over the game at this juncture. Raghuvanshi was dismissed on the first ball after the powerplay, caught leg-before-wicket while attempting a reverse sweep. Shortly after, Narine aimed to clear long-off but instead found Maheesh Theeksana waiting in the deep.

During the ninth over, Jadeja claimed the wicket of Venkatesh Iyer, who attempted a big shot over mid-wicket but couldn’t clear the boundary. This breakthrough rattled KKR, putting the responsibility of rebuilding the innings on their captain, Shreyas Iyer. Ramandeep Singh came in aggressively, smashing a six off Theeksana in the 12th over, but he was bowled out on the very next delivery.

KKR struggled to score runs consistently. Despite Shreyas’ top score of 34 and his prolonged stay at the crease, they couldn’t gather momentum due to CSK’s disciplined bowling. Rinku Singh and Andre Russell attempted to accelerate towards the end but couldn’t construct significant innings. KKR experimented by adding Anukul Roy as an Impact Player in place of Rinku to strengthen their batting order, but they finished at 137 for nine. Jadeja rounded off an impressive bowling performance by taking his 100th catch in the Tata IPL.

Jadeja’s spell not only contributed to the team’s success but also inspired the fast bowlers who faced difficulties during Narine and Raghuvanshi’s aggressive batting in the powerplay. Tushar Deshpande concluded his spell with three wickets. Meanwhile, Mustafizur Rahman secured two wickets and reclaimed the Purple Cap.

CSK began their innings positively with contributions from Rachin Ravindra and Ruturaj Gaikwad. Ravindra showcased good form during his 15-run innings but was dismissed while attempting a shot over long-on in the fourth over. Gaikwad then took charge, playing delightful shots to accelerate the scoring. His adept placement of the ball and readiness to attack when given opportunities allowed him to control the strike during the Powerplay. CSK reached 52 for one at the end of the sixth over with Gaikwad leading the charge.

Daryl Mitchell kickstarted his innings with a six down the ground off Narine in the seventh over, swiftly followed by a boundary off the next delivery. This display helped CSK stabilize the run rate, allowing both batsmen to rotate the strike effectively. Gaikwad reached his fifty off 45 balls, marking his first half-century as captain of CSK.

Narine ended the 70-run partnership by dismissing Mitchell (25) in the 13th over as he charged down the track and got bowled. Shivam Dube entered the crease and impressed the crowd with some well-executed shots, particularly the consecutive sixes off Varun Chakaravarthy that sparked loud cheers from the home supporters. Dube’s aggressive strokeplay, including a six over mid-wicket off Vaibhav Arora, brought CSK close to victory. However, in an attempt to repeat the feat, he lost his wicket by getting bowled.

Needing three runs to win, MS Dhoni stepped onto the field amidst the expected loud cheers at the MS Chidambaram Stadium. Dhoni faced a dot ball to conclude the 17th over. Gaikwad managed a single on the first ball of the following over, passing the strike to Dhoni amidst the crowd’s excitement. Dhoni opened his account with a flick to square-leg for a single. Gaikwad then sealed the victory with a boundary, leading CSK to triumph. His unbeaten 67 runs played a crucial role in the win, complementing the bowlers’ efforts.

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