CSK vs KKR highlights: After suffering two back-to-back losses, Chennai Super Kings finally got to winning ways. They thrashed an in-form Kolkata Knight Riders in Match 22 of IPL 2024.
The main architects of this massive seven-wicket in CSK vs KKR encounter were their bowling group that restricted Kolkata to just 137/9. Both Ravindra Jadeja and Tushar Deshpande bagged three wickets each, leaving KKR scratching their heads. In reply, Ruturaj Gaikwad’s unbeaten fifty made it quite easy for the hosts, who clinched the match with 14 balls to spare.
Ravindra Jadeja’s match-altering over
Kolkata were going strong at 56/1 when Ravindra Jadeja was handed the ball by skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad. It took only one ball by the left-arm spinner to make a mark as he sent Angkrish Raghuvanshi packing. Four balls later, he bagged the dangerous Sunil Narine, who was holed out by Maheesh Theekshana.
On a track which was stopping a lot, Ravindra bowled perfect lines and lengths. In his very next over, the CSK all-rounder picked up Venkatesh Iyer as well and ended his spell with superb figures of 3/18.
A failure for Rinku & Russell
Two of Kolkata’s game-changers in Rinku Singh and Andre Russell had an off day at the office. Both hard-hitting finishers would’ve loved to provide an impetus to KKR’s innings but failed to make a mark. Both of them were dismissed by Tushar Deshpande. While Rinku chopped one onto his stumps, Russell was caught on the boundary on 10.
A much-needed fifty by Ruturaj Gaikwad
Pressure mounted on Ruturaj Gaikwad, who only made 88 runs at an average of 22.00 and at an ordinary strike rate of 118.92 prior to the game on Monday. But the CSK skipper roared with a resounding knock that propelled his side to the win against KKR.
The dashing opener played a true captain’s innings as he made an unbeaten 67 off 58 balls. Despite losing Rachin Ravindra early on, he kept the run-flow going and also hit the winning runs. He hammered nine fours during his knock.
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MS Dhoni entering the arena
After coming out to bat as late as number eight in previous matches, MS Dhoni shocked everyone in the CSK vs KKR match. Needing just three runs with 18 balls remaining, it wasn’t compulsory for the former CSK captain to bat. However, he gave the Chepauk spectators something special to remember, coming out to bat at number five.
The immense roar and cheers erupted from the fans, who went berserk upon seeing Dhoni arrive at the crease. Although he didn’t finish the game himself, it has given a huge boost for fans who can now hope to see Dhoni bat higher in the order in upcoming games.
A wholesome hug between Dhoni & Gambhir
Following the completion of the match, a wholesome moment took place that also went viral on social media. The moment was the cheerful hug between MS Dhoni and KKR mentor Gautam Gambhir. The two match-winners who led India to its iconic 2011 ODI World Cup win shared pleasantries after the match and left every one awestruck.