TATA IPL 2024: Chennai Super Kings vs Rajasthan Royals Match Highlights | Player of the Match: Started slowly, kept the runs under control without letting any wicket fall. Big thanks to Simarjeet Singh, who increased the partnership bubble by sending Jaiswal back to the pavilion.
CSK’s disciplined bowling kept the pressure on RR’s batsmen and kept the scoreboard from bursting. Simarjit’s work was not yet complete.
He stepped up big, scalping key wickets of the dangerous Buttler and Samson, and flashed his magic with 3/26.
As the innings was heading towards its climax, Parag and Jurel stitched a 40-run partnership to add some respectability to the scoreboard.
But just when they were getting comfortable, Tushar Deshpande burst their bubble by striking twice in the final over. RR finished at a modest score of 141/5.
The team displayed a mix of strategic flexibility and timely aggression in an innings full of ups and downs. Ruturaj Gaikwad was the anchor, scoring 42 runs in 41 balls, while Rachin Ravindra provided a fast start with 27 runs in 18 balls.
Shivam Dubey added a quick 18 runs from 11 and Sameer Rizvi scored 15 runs from 8 to help the team reach a competitive score. The main contribution in bowling was from Ravichandran Ashwin, who took 2 important wickets for 35 runs and Yuzvendra Chahal controlled the runs by taking one wicket.
An unusual dismissal resulted in Ravindra Jadeja being given out for obstructing the field. Yet CSK’s impressive performance resulted in a win in their last home league game, strengthening their position in the league table and increasing their chances of qualifying for the play-offs.
Rajasthan Royals Captain Sanju Samson:-
“Initially, we aimed for around 170 after observing the wicket’s slow and two-paced nature during the powerplay. Unfortunately, we ended up 20-25 runs short.
Simarjeet bowled exceptionally well today, adapting to the conditions better than we did. Choosing to bat first seemed favorable at this venue, but as the game progressed, the pitch played slightly better than expected, especially in the second innings.
Night games here typically favor chasing due to the dew, and with the summer heat intensifying, we anticipated the pitch would slow down further—it didn’t quite pan out that way.
The match stretching into the 18th over highlighted the challenging batting conditions. At this stage of the tournament, it’s normal to be concerned about qualifications, but our focus remains on controlling what we can and sticking to our processes. I’ll be encouraging the team to keep pushing forward and aim for a better outcome in our next game.”
Chennai Super Kings Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad:-
“It’s a wonderful feeling to secure a win in our last home game of the league stage, especially with the incredible support from the fans. Early in the game, at 55-1, it felt like we were cruising, but cricket is unpredictable, and a couple of quick wickets can change the momentum.
As a captain, my role was to anchor the innings, especially with so many stroke-players in our team. We felt comfortable throughout, with minimal pressure until the very end. Regarding the pitch, it’s the kind we thrive on.
It allows our spinners to come into the game, and with the boundaries being larger, hitting sixes involves a bit more risk. Our bowling strategy here is usually tailored to the conditions; we take the pace off when the pitch is slower and opt for yorkers on flatter tracks.”
CSK vs RR Match No. 61 Player of the Match:-
Simarjeet Singh: “I’m incredibly thankful to the CSK management, our physio, and my trainer for their exceptional support during my injury. It truly feels like a blessing to be back.
Regarding my bowling strategy in the middle overs, after assessing the pitch conditions, the captain and I discussed and finalized our plan. We observed how the pitch was playing, which helped us make informed decisions about our bowling approach.”
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