IPL 2019: Key talking points from CSK’s win over SRH

Chennai Super Kings got back into the winning habit after sealing reasonably comfortable victory against Sunrisers Hyderabad at home. It was Shane Watson who was Hyderabad’s main tormentor again with a brilliant knock of 96 which signaled his return to form in the tournament. The 6-wicket victory means that Chennai now have 16 points on the board in the 11 matches they have played, all but confirming their qualification into the playoffs. For Hyderabad, they still have some work to do and will need at least a couple of more wins if they are to qualify in the top four in the table.

Here we take a look at the key talking points from the match:

MS Dhoni’s trust in Shane Watson pays off

Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson was having a poor season with the bat in the IPL, struggling with his timing, leading many to question whether his time was up in the tournament. Watson is no longer a young man and at the age of 37, is staring at the end of his career. But Dhoni and the Chennai team management knew that Watto on his day could easily take the game away from the opposition. The final of last season’s IPL was enough proof of his abilities at the top of the order when Watson single-handedly won Chennai the final with a blistering century. He was also in brilliant form in the Big Bash League and the Pakistan Super League which preceded the IPL. It was only a matter of time before he found his footing in the tournament. He turned out to be the chief tormentor of the SRH bowling attack again, with his 53-ball 96 making a mockery of the target set by the Sunrisers.

Manish Pandey makes a well-timed return to form

Such was the horrendous form of Manish Pandey that he was dropped from the side despite being one of Hyderabad’s most high-profile players. Perhaps, the time away from the hustle of the tournament has done his game a world of good as he looked a completely different player out in the middle against CSK. Batting at No.3 in place of absent skipper Kane Williamson, Pandey’s timing was crisp and the intent was clear from the very first delivery. All the signs which made him such a highly touted prospect in the Indian cricketing circles were visible and he took the CSK bowlers to the cleaners. His unbeaten knock of 83 was a sight to watch and will be a big boost to SRH, who were struggling with batting depth in their middle order.

Rashid Khan’s lack of potency an area of concern for SRH

Rashid Khan has proven to be the most deadly bowler in the shortest format of the game but his lack of penetration this season has been a big area of concern for the Hyderabad-based franchise. His primary job for SRH has been to strike in the middle overs, but wickets have indeed dried up for the Afghani leggie this season. In 10 matches this season so far, he has picked up 10 wickets. Batsmen have been more careful against him, playing his four overs out cautiously which has contributed to his meagre economy rate of 6.15 this season. Against CSK though, Rashid was hit all over the park, especially by the bulldozing Shane Watson. Rashid had one of the worst outings of his IPL career so far, conceding 44 runs in his 4 overs while only picking up a single wicket. SRH will need their key bowler to pick up his wicket-taking form as the tournament enters its home run.