Defending champions Chennai Super Kings faced yet another defeat in this season’s Indian Premier League. It is the first time in their history that CSK lost the first two matches of the tournament. This time though things are very different at the Yellow army camp as the leadership has been shifted from MS Dhoni to Ravindra Jadeja. Lucknow skipper KL Rahul was also looking for their first win in the competition. After winning the toss Rahul decided to field first. Rabin Uthappa, Moeen Ali and Shivam Dube were the stars in the first innings with the bat as CSK posted a big total of 210.
In reply, Quinton De Cock and KL Rahul gave LSG a great start to their chase. After Rahul’s dismissal, Elvin Lewis joined the party and scored the fastest half-century in this IPL to help LSG chase down 210 in the final over.
Let us look at the major talking points from the game, LSG vs CSK-
Uthappa once again looked in his best touch in LSG vs CSK-
CSK got off to a flying start at the CCI courtesy of Robin Uthappa. The former KKR orange cap winner found his best form and scored a brilliant 50 of just 27 balls. His innings literally set the platform for this game to be a high scoring one.
A night to forget for Chameera-
The Sri Lankan pacer had a good game against Gujarat Lions but against CSK he was miserable not only with the ball but on the field as well. Chameera gave away 49 runs in his four overs and his fielding in the deep cost another 6 runs as he failed to save two boundaries. He also missed an easy catch when he was brought within the circle.
LSG’s top order’s brilliance was too hot for CSK bowling-
Chasing 210 is never an easy task for any team. But considering the shorter boundaries and a very good batting pitch, the target did not look impossible. Rightly so, LSG openers Quinton De Cock and KL Rahul gave LSG a very good start. QDK was the star of the show with his brilliant 45-ball 61. After Rahul got out for a well made 40, Evin Lewis started to show what he can do. The hard-hitting West Indian scored an unbeaten 23 ball 55 which secured LSG’s first win.
It’s still unknown who is captaining the side for CSK, as seen in LSG vs CSK-
On paper, Ravindra Jadeja is the new CSK skipper but on the field, MS Dhoni looked more active than him as per as field placing and taking decisions are concerned. Questions are rising about Jadeja’s calibre of captaincy. Former India cricketer Ajay Jadeja was disappointed to see Jadeja’s work when CSK were defending 210.
“There has not been a captain like Dhoni nor there will be. But it was his decision to step down as CSK captain and today, instead of pushing him (Jadeja) forward, you have actually dragged him back. His confidence is dented. He was not in the game at all,” said Ajay Jadeja.
Jadeja in the post-match presentation said that they will have to practice with the wet ball if they want to field better.
“We had a very good start, Robbie and Shivam Dube were playing brilliantly. We had a good start, but in the fielding, we have to take catches then you will win matches. We should have taken those chances. There was a lot of dew, the ball was not sticking to the hand,” said Jadeja.
“Next time, we have to practise with the wet ball. We batted brilliantly in the top-six and in the middle-overs. The wicket was very good to bat on. As a bowling unit, we need to execute our plans,” he added.
