IPL 2024, CSK vs KKR: Ravindra Jadeja shines with 3-18; Chennai Super Kings (CSK) return to winning ways. CSK stop KKR's juggernaut, stays at no. 4. Top takeaways for CSK and KKR from the match.
Brief Scores: KKR - 137/9 (Shreyas Iyer 34, Sunil Narine 27, Ravindra Jadeja 3/18) lost to CSK 141/3 ( Ruturaj Gaikwad 67*, Shivam Dube 28, Vaibhav Arora 2/28) by 7 wickets.
Player of the Match: Ravindra Jadeja (3/18)
After being unbeaten in this campaign, Kolkata Knight Riders suffered their first season loss against the Chennai Super Kings. The MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai saw a brilliant bowling display from the home team, restricting the Knight Riders to a modest total of 137.
CSK won the toss and elected to bowl first. Tushar Deshpande gave a perfect start to the hosts by dismissing Philip Salt out for a golden duck on the first delivery of the game. Ravindra Jadeja produced a potentially game-changing over, dismissing Angkrish Raghuvanshi and Sunil Narine in one over. These two bowlers completely dismantled the KKR’s batting line-up.
While chasing a low target, the hosts had a decent start. Though they lost Rachin Ravindra in the fourth over, Daryl Mitchell and Ruturaj Gaikwad controlled the CSK’s innings with a 70-run partnership. Chennai’s skipper Gaikwad played a controlled, helpful, unbeaten knock of 67 runs. His mature knock anchored the innings and led CSK back to their winning ways. A quick, fiery touch from Shivam Dube put the game in Chennai’s favor.
Read More: IPL 2024, SRH vs CSK: Clever bowling by pacers, calm batting by upper order gifts second win to SRH
Key Takeaways from CSK vs KKR, Match 22, IPL 2024 - Winning team (CSK)
Ravindra Jadeja controlling middle overs augurs well for CSK
Ravindra Jadeja was the enforcer for CSK. The left-arm spinner picked up three wickets in his first two overs, including Angkrish Raghuvanshi and Sunil Narine. Soon, in the next over, he dismissed Venkatesh Iyer and started KKR's downfall. Jadeja bowled in a tight line and length, strapping the Kolkata batters into a stronghold as the visitors' scoring rate dropped drastically.
Jadeja's pivotal role in controlling the middle overs for CSK would be a cornerstone of the team's success moving further in the tournament. In the fast-paced world of T20 cricket, the middle overs play a crucial role in shaping the outcome of a game, and Jadeja has expertise in controlling the flow of runs during this phase.
Top-notch work in death over bowling without Pathirana
CSK bowlers have showcased exemplary bowling performance, especially in the death overs, despite the absence of their key bowler, Matheesha Pathirana. KKR lost four wickets in the last five overs and managed to get only 38 runs. Mustafizur Rahman bowled outstandingly well in the last over, picking two wickets.
Pathirana's absence has led to adjustments in CSK's bowling combinations and roles, which was one reason they lost the last game. However, the team made a superb comeback, with their bowlers contributing to the win. They stood out with their exceptional skills, showcasing consistent wicket-taking ability and delivering economical spells.
The Super Kings bowlers have shown expertise in using spinners to apply pressure in the middle overs and pacers to strike early and contain runs in crucial phases. Tushar Deshpande gave Chennai a perfect start with the first-ball dismissal. In the middle overs, Jadeja destroyed the KKR’s dangerous-looking batting. Mustafizur significantly contributed to the death overs, causing trouble for the batters and leaving the opposition with short runs.
Read More: IPL 2024, DC vs CSK: Mukesh seals it at the death, after DC's top-order smashes predictable CSK
Key Takeaways from CSK vs KKR, Match 22, IPL 2024 - Losing team (KKR)
Mitchell Starc’s poor returns with the ball isn’t helping KKR’s cause
Mitchell Starc endured another poor outing with the ball this season. He was expected to be a cornerstone of the Knight Riders' bowling attack in the ongoing IPL. However, his underwhelming returns with the ball have raised concerns about KKR's prospects in the tournament.
Starc was acquired by KKR in the IPL with high hopes and expectations due to his reputation as a lethal fast bowler. Being a top-ranked bowler in international cricket, Starc was seen as a key asset for Kolkata in their quest for success in the tournament. His inability to deliver as expected has dampened team morale. KKR needs Starc’s contribution badly in the bowling department, as he is one of their key bowlers.
Read More: IPL 2024, DC vs KKR: Narine, Raghuvanshi smother hapless DC into oblivion; KKR jump to top spot
Statistical Highlights from CSK vs KKR, IPL 2024
For the third time, Ravindra Jadeja dismissed Sunil Narine in the IPL.
Ravindra Jadeja grabbed his 100th IPL catch.
Mustafizur is now the second-joint-highest wicket-taker in this IPL during the death overs (16-20).
Points Table Scenario & What’s Next
With the impressive victory, CSK is back on the winning ways after facing two consecutive defeats. They currently hold the fourth position on the IPL 2024 points table. Meanwhile, KKR is still in second place.
Next up is the epic fixture between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). The former will host SRH at Punjab's Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Cricket Stadium.
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