Royal Challengers Bengaluru could not avoid another loss at a stadium where they have historically struggled. At the same time,
CSK managed to stay composed and emerge victorious, continuing a streak spanning over 20 years.
Chepauk remains an issue for RCB.
Royal Challengers Bangalore had not found success at Chepauk since the inaugural edition of the Indian Premier League when they defeated CSK there; since then, their record there stands at 1-8, and their batting unit continues to struggle to adjust to its slow surface.
Therefore they’ve had longer than usual to find victory there; which makes sense in light of all their difficulties with offending spinners due to not possessing enough batters capable of doing so in their native land. RCB has, therefore, taken to aggressive batting strategies instead of trying to outwit their rivals from their home country; their only strategy is being assertive enough with the bat for them in Chepauk.
Faf du Plessis wanted his batting squad to test out Chennai spinners despite Dew’s presence to determine how they might best utilize these conditions. From the outset, du Plessis appeared to be taking calculated risks; with seven boundaries struck in his first five overs, it seemed as though an impressive total would soon be within his grasp.
Therefore, the Royal Challengers Bangalore were reduced to 78/5 after Mustafizur Rahman struck four blows in his initial ten deliveries – it wasn’t the typical pitch in Chepauk, but Fizz bowled quite well; due to his dishonest bowling style; however, it made it extremely challenging to choose what strategy should be employed against him; Dinesh Karthik stated that batters would have no easy time.
Bengaluru came through in the clutch with two acts of rescue despite facing both downward and outward pressure from Chennai bowlers, led by Anuj Rawat and Dinesh Karthik, to weather and recover from this storm, scoring a total that gave Chennai’s bowlers something tangible to work with.
No bowler except Rahman from Chennai hit their notes correctly, so Bengaluru managed to initially keep the ship steady before going on a rampage in the final round. Karthik, likely playing his last home stadium match (unless RCB makes play-offs, then host Chennai hosts), played an essential supporting role during Rawat’s tee-off while Karthik’s opening innings tee-off, playing second fiddle.
As the pitch slowed, Chennai needed to be creative with their strokes to keep up. And they indeed were: although Chennai’s offensive was gradually picking up speed, they continued hitting them downhill before turning back on them by employing ramp shots and scoops to maintain their dominance of the match. When limits began to pour, Chennai seemed shaken for the first time that evening – 173/6 wouldn’t suffice, nor would this game be an easy ride either way!
Initial Thoughts and Feelings
At the announcement of Ruturaj Gaikwad as captain at the opening ceremony, Chepauk had already shown their approval by clearing their throats to show they approved of this new leader. Gaikwad received some of the loudest whistles following AR Rahman, starkly contrasting with what many CSK players had experienced during previous seasons.
Chepauk supporters are taking small steps toward the new order, as evidenced by cheers coming from the stands on Friday. Gaikwad’s worries were quickly put at bay when he started off his innings with a pull shot that hit four boundaries; one over from Mohammed Siraj was completed by Gaikwad, scoring four, and thus Chennai’s pursuit was well underway towards success.
Although Gaikwad was taking his time, Rachin Ravindra, who was making his IPL debut, had a good mindset. Rachin was again at the heart of this situation due to his impeccable timing in winning the 2010 World Cup and impressing everyone with his performances there.
Though not one of CSK’s more potent attackers, he should prove difficult for bowlers during powerplays, as his shots all over the park will make him difficult to bowl at. CSK got off to an impressive start at the top despite Devon Conway not being present; often, first-day-first-show experiences in Chennai create a frenzy that rivals any other city; such was certainly the case on Friday as two individuals made favorable first impressions during the first show experience.
Due to the late arrival of many Super Kings XI players at the start of the week, one primary concern was how inexperienced they would be. It soon became evident: Gaikwad’s departure caused Chennai to lose momentum during play; immediately following Rachin’s break at deep square leg, it proved even more so.
Ajinkya Rahane scored 27 runs off 19 balls. However, Daryl Mitchel struggled with his timing throughout the evening despite starting well by hitting Karn Sharma for two sixes early on.
Mitchell was dismissed in the 13th over, and Impact Player Shivam Dube struggled against short-pitched deliveries; this caused Chennai’s pursuit to become unbalanced on the field. As the drama intensified with dot balls introduced into the match, RCB suddenly realized an opening to exploit.
Whoever would blink first would determine whether Dube and Ravindra Jadeja made runs between wickets despite fewer boundaries being available for bat. Chennai finally gained momentum when Glenn Maxwell hit them a six, but only after that did they start scoring runs again; 12 runs came off of 16th overs by Chennai while 16 runs came from the 17th, and Dube struck through Alazzari Joseph’s 19th over.
