CSK vs KKR Preview: Bowlers, Ruturaj hand first defeat of the season to Kolkata
Chennai Super Kings clashed with Kolkata Knight Riders in Match 22 of the Indian Premier League 2024 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on April 8. CSK won the toss and opted to bowl first. Phil Salt (0 off 1) was sent packing on the very first delivery by Tushar Deshpande. Sunil Narine (27 off 20) and Angkrish Raghuvanshi (24 off 18) tried salvaging the situation. Venkatesh Iyer (3 off 8) walked back too early and Shreyas Iyer (34 off 32) played the slowest possible innings. Ramandeep Singh (13 off 12) and Rinku Singh (9 off 14) failed to contribute. Andre Russell (10 off 10) had an off day and KKR posted a below-par 137/9.
CSK knew they had the game in their palms and it was evident when Rachi Ravindra (15 off 8) and Ruturaj Gaikwad (67* off 58) started without any hurry. Daryl Mitchell (25 off 19) played a little cameo and Shivam Dube (28 off 18) too contained his onslaught. With three runs needed in 18 balls and MS Dhoni (1*off 3) at the crease, Chennai was at ease and won the game comprehensively by six wickets with 2.2 overs to spare.
Top Performers of the Match
Ruturaj Gaikwad (67* off 58)
Though there were questions asked about Ruturaj as a batter, he gave a subtle reply with his knock today. The innings were not studded with mammoth sixes but possessed a classical touch at the back of an easy-going game. He did not commit himself to half-hearted attempts as KKR bowlers teased him with some pickers. He smashed nine boundaries and remained unbeaten.
Ravindra Jadeja (3 for 18)
Ravindra Jadeja did what exactly the pitch report anticipated the spinners to do. He dragged the length kept it short and extracted relative bounce. He started by sending well-set Angkrish and Narine to dug-out in the same over. In his second over, he gave just three runs and picked Venkatesh Iyer. Bowling the 13th over of the game he conceded just three runs against the likes of Rinku Singh and Iyer.
What’s next for both teams?
Chennai Super Kings will take on Mumbai Indians in Match 29 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on April 14. Kolkata Knight Riders will take on Lucknow Super Giants in Match 28 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on April 14.
