9 Apr at 5:35 am

CSK vs KKR IPL 2024, Match 22th Highlights | CSK Roar Back at Chepauk, Gaikwad and Jadeja Star in Clinical Victory

After Losing two matches in a row CSK manage to win their 3rd win in this IPL 2024 | © iplt20.com

The 22nd match of IPL 2024 was a story of redemption for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) as they returned to the familiar comfort of Chepauk Stadium. After facing two consecutive defeats on the road, CSK came out firing on all cylinders, comprehensively defeating the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by seven wickets. This victory not only puts CSK back in the winning column but also extends their unbeaten run at home to a perfect three out of three.

The match unfolded like a well-rehearsed script for the Chennai crowd. CSK, after winning the toss, opted to Bowl first, and KKR bat first. Things started brightly for them, with the ever-dangerous Sunil Narine leading the charge. Narine, known for his power-hitting exploits in the powerplay, once again lived up to his reputation. He quickly smashed boundaries, reminding everyone why he’s considered a powerplay specialist. However, just as KKR seemed to be building momentum, the tide began to turn. Enter Ravindra Jadeja, the CSK spin wizard. Jadeja, bowling with exceptional control and accuracy, ripped through the KKR middle order. His unplayable spell included three wickets in eight balls, completely derailing the KKR innings. Suddenly, from a position of strength, KKR found themselves on the back foot, eventually limping to a below-par total of 137 for 9 wickets.

While Jadeja’s spell was instrumental in restricting KKR, credit must also be given to the CSK pacers, particularly Tushar Deshpande and Mustafizur Rahman. While the spinners did the early damage, the pacers expertly choked the flow of runs in the death overs. They deployed a clever strategy, utilizing slower cutters that bewildered the KKR batters. This pace and bowling style variation proved highly effective, restricting KKR to a manageable target.

Chasing a modest target of 138, CSK openers Ruturaj Gaikwad and Rachin Ravindra took the field with a clear plan. After a cautious start, Gaikwad, struggling for form in the previous matches, began to find his rhythm. He played some delightful shots, mixing caution with aggression, to ensure CSK never lost control of the chase. His well-paced, unbeaten knock of 67 runs was the cornerstone of the CSK victory. Gaikwad’s return to form is a welcome sign for CSK fans, as his consistent scoring is crucial for their batting success.

While Gaikwad anchored the chase, valuable contributions came from Daryl Mitchell (25) and Shivam Dube (28). Their cameos kept the scoreboard ticking and ensured CSK maintained a healthy run rate. The arrival of the legendary MS Dhoni at the crease sent the Chepauk crowd into a frenzy. However, Gaikwad finished the chase with a flourish, sending the ball crashing through the covers for the winning runs.

This victory for CSK highlights several key points. Firstly, it emphasizes the importance of home advantage. Playing in familiar surroundings and with the passionate Chepauk crowd behind them inspires the CSK players. Secondly, the match showcased Ravindra Jadeja’s brilliance. His ability to take important wickets at crucial junctures and control the flow of runs makes him an invaluable asset for CSK. Finally, the return to form of Ruturaj Gaikwad is a significant positive for CSK. His ability to bat through the innings provides stability and allows other batters to play around him freely.

Overall, CSK’s 22nd match of IPL 2024 was a clinical display. A combination of excellent bowling, particularly from Jadeja, and a well-paced knock from Gaikwad ensured a comfortable victory. As the tournament moves forward, it will be interesting to see if CSK can maintain their winning momentum and continue their dominance at Chepauk.