TATA IPL 2024: Chennai Super Kings Clinch 5-Wicket Win Over RR in Crucial Game
The Chennai Super Kings clinched a five-wicket victory over the Rajasthan Royals in Match 61 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, edging closer to securing a Playoff spot with only one match left to play. Following an impressive bowling display that limited the Rajasthan Royals to 141/5 in their allotted 20 overs, Ruturaj Gaikwad showcased leadership with an unbeaten 42-run innings, anchoring the chase and steering his team to a convincing win against a formidable bowling unit.
Despite Gaikwad's role as the stabilizing force, it was the dynamic contributions of Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, and Shivam Dube that ensured Chennai Super Kings' comfortable victory. The chase of 142 began with a fiery onslaught led by New Zealand talent Rachin Ravindra, who took charge against the opening bowlers Trent Boult and Sandeep Sharma. Ravindra's innovative strokeplay, including a unique rendition of the 'helicopter shot' that sailed for a six over mid-wicket off Sandeep Sharma, electrified the crowd and set the tone for Chennai's emphatic pursuit.
The early damage being done to the pacers saw Rajasthan introduce a man who is all too familiar with the track at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, Ravichandran Ashwin. In an attempt to attack Ashwin, Ravindra hit the ball straight in the air and was caught and bowled. His innings of 27 runs came to an end. Chennai were looking to end the game as soon as possible considering the close run-rate predicament they might find themselves in with Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
The right-arm leg-break bowler Yuzvendra Chahal answered the call of his captain as he caught Mitchell, who was prancing down the pitch and missed the ball completely to be given out for LBW which was confirmed upon review. Moeen Ali’s introduction in the game came when the run rate had already fallen to a run a ball and fantastic bowling by Chahal, Ashwin, Avesh Khan and Nandre Burger saw pressure build on the Chennai batsmen.
As the Rajasthan Royals appeared to be gaining momentum with the run rate gradually rising, Shivam Dube seized control of the situation in the 14th over by hammering 14 runs from the first three deliveries. Although Dube fell victim to a dismissal on the final ball of the over, the impact had already been made. His departure marked Ravichandran Ashwin's 50th wicket at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, further highlighting the significance of the moment.
Ravindra Jadeja's memory of the match will be tinged with regret, as he was dismissed for obstructing the field. The left-arm all-rounder intentionally halted the ball from striking the stumps during an attempted run-out, putting Chennai in a challenging position. However, with the arrival of Impact Player Sameer Rizvi, Chennai Super Kings smoothly completed the chase, notching their seventh win in 13 matches. Their next destination is Bangalore, where they will take on the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the concluding fixture of the league phase.
