Magazine : 
TATA IPL 2024: Dominant Chennai Super Kings thrash Gujarat Titans by 63 runs
Deepak Chahar delivered two rapid breakthroughs, notably dismissing Gujarat Titans' captain Shubman Gill early on, as Chennai Super Kings secured an emphatic 63-run triumph in a rematch of the 2023 final during Match 7 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium.
CSK showcased a masterful display both in batting and bowling, dominating Gujarat Titans by a margin of 63 runs. Restricting them to 143/8 in 20 overs, CSK secured their second consecutive home victory. The Chennai pacers were instrumental, accounting for six of the eight dismissals, effectively utilizing the conditions on a pitch with a slightly higher grass cover than usual.
Following an exceptional batting performance by their top order resulting in a total of 206/6, Chahar delivered a crucial blow in the third over by dismissing Shubman Gill LBW. The delivery, pitching on a good length, deceived Gill as it stayed slightly low and struck the Gujarat skipper on the pad. Despite Gill opting for a review, the decision stood as the DRS upheld the umpire's call.
The champions of the 2022 IPL suffered an early setback, losing their first wicket, including their in-form batsman, for just eight runs. Under the mounting pressure of the scoreboard, Gujarat, who also lost their initial wicket for 28, struggled to generate any momentum in their pursuit of Chennai Super Kings' imposing target of 207. This target was set up by Shivam Dube's brisk 23-ball 51, Rachin Ravindra's rapid 20-ball 46, and Ruturaj Gaikwad's solid 46 off 35 balls.
Chahar, with figures of 2-28 from his four overs, also dismissed Gujarat's other opener, Wriddhiman Saha, who scored 21 off 17 deliveries, inducing him to loft a catch to Tushar Deshpande. This dismissal saw Gujarat's score slump to 34/2 by the fifth over. Despite Saha's promising start, marked by four boundaries, he failed to convert it into a substantial innings as CSK sustained the same level of intensity they demonstrated while batting.
Gujarat failed to recover from those setbacks and continued to lose wickets at regular intervals as Chennai bowlers did a splendid job while they also fielded and caught superbly to maintain the pressure on Gujarat Titans. Rachin Ravindra picked three well-judged catches while Ajinkya Rahane pulled off a brilliant diving catch to enthrall thousands of CSK fans who packed the stadium.
Sai Sudharsan led the scoring for Gujarat Titans with a solid 37 off 31 deliveries, including three boundaries, while David Miller contributed a brisk 21 from 16 balls before both batsmen fell in attempts to accelerate the run rate. Despite their efforts, Gujarat Titans could only manage to reach 143/8 in their allotted 20 overs. Chahar claimed figures of 2-28, while Mustafizur Rahman continued his impressive form for CSK, picking up 2-30. However, it was Tushar Deshpande who stood out as the most effective bowler for CSK on the day, ending with figures of 2-21.
Gujarat Titans faced a comprehensive defeat, with their bowlers taking a beating and losing too many wickets during the Power-play (43/2). Chennai exhibited relentless determination, employing effective short-pitched deliveries, varying their pace, and limiting opportunities for the Gujarat Titans batsmen.
.jpg "Gurbinder Singh Punn: Enabling Leaders To Achieve Unencumbered Success Through Effective Coaching")
.jpg "Navigating Success Presenting Innovative Insights")
