IPL 2020: MI vs CSK Review – Rayudu, du Plessis help CSK take early honours

The 13th edition of the IPL finally got underway with three-time champions Chennai Super Kings drawing first blood with a win over their nemesis Mumbai Indians in the opener. Ambati Rayudu was the hero for the Yellow Army with his 71-run knock in the chase while Faf du Plessis finished with an unbeaten 58. Sam Curran stole the limelight with a quick-fire 18 off 6 as CSK easily chased down 163 in the final over.

Earlier in the day, after being invited to bat first, Rohit Sharma and Quinton de Kock got MI off to a good start. Saurabh Tiwary then did a good job in keeping up the run-rate but once he was dismissed, the defending champions lost their way. MI could only add 41 runs in the last six overs losing as many wickets to eventually end up at 162/9, probably 20-odd runs short on a good batting pitch with dew expected later on.

Turning Points

Once the first innings began, it seemed as if CSK made a wrong decision by opting to bowl first. Both Rohit and de Kock got off to flying starts, adding 46 runs for the first wicket. But then Piyush Chawla’s introduction turned things around as he sniffed out the MI skipper. Sam Curran dismissed de Kock in the very next over to stun MI, who lost the momentum with back-to-back blows.

Mumbai started brilliantly with the ball as well, dismissing the dangerous Shane Watson in the first over. Murali Vijay then followed, with CSK reduced to 6/2. But it was the duo of Ambati Rayudu and Faf du Plessis that consolidated the chase after a shaky start. After accessing the behaviour of the pitch in the Powerplay, Rayudu took the attack to the opposition while Faf played second fiddle to him. They complemented each other well to add 115 runs for the third wicket, which eventually was crucial in CSK crossing the line.

Dhoni – the milestone man

• MS Dhoni completed 100 catches in the IPL (96 as keeper; 4 as a fielder)
• This was Dhoni’s 100th IPL win as CSK captain
• Dhoni also completed 250 dismissals as a wicketkeeper in Twenty20 cricket

Top performers

CSK have finally broken their losing streak against MI, having lost on five consecutive occasions before this match. Mumbai’s struggle in IPL openers continues, having not won the first game of the tournament since 2012.

CSK will face the Steve Smith-led Rajasthan Royals next on September 22. MI, on the other hand, will face the Kolkata Knight Riders on the 23rd and will be keen to get off the mark.

Moment of the match

Honestly, not sure if this was the first laddoo or second laddoo…but laddoo laddoo dhaan! ? #Fafulous‘ly brought us back into the game! ??? #WhistleFromHome #WhistlePodu #Yellove #MIvCSK pic.twitter.com/z4SdH3Teqc

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) September 19, 2020