CSK Clinch Crucial Win Against RR in 61st Match of IPL 2024 at Chepauk

Simarjeet Singh brilliant bowling performance to help CSK win the match. © iplt20.com

The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) signed off on their home leg of the IPL 2024 season with a convincing five-wicket victory over the Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. This win keeps their playoff hopes alive and puts them in contention for a return to Chennai for the crucial final two matches.

Royals Restricted on a Slow Pitch

Despite losing their 11th toss out of 13 and being put into the field under the Chennai afternoon heat, the CSK bowlers thrived on the sluggish pitch. They kept the Royals’ batters in check from the get-go, with a wicketless powerplay followed by crucial breakthroughs by young pacer Simarjeet Singh. The Royals never really managed to build partnerships or launch a significant attack. It was largely due to disciplined bowling by Tushar Deshpande, Maheesh Theekshana, and Shardul Thakur, who conceded very few runs in the powerplay.

Simarjeet Singh Shines with the Ball

Simarjeet Singh, 3/26 (4), playing only his third match of the season, was the star performer for CSK with the ball. After leaking runs in his starting over, he came back with a vengeance on this slow pitch. His tight line and length made scoring difficult for the Royals’ batters. He picked up the key wickets of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Jos Buttler, derailing any momentum Rajasthan tried to build.

Spinners Tighten the Grip

Ravindra Jadeja and Mahesh Theekshana continued the good work in the middle overs, restricting the flow of runs further. Sanju Samson, the RR captain, was forced to play cautiously, while Riyan Parag managed some boundaries to keep the scoreboard ticking. He scored 47* of 35 balls. With the asking rate climbing, the Royals needed to capitalize during the deathovers.

Chasing a target of 142, CSK openers Rachin Ravindra and Ruturaj Gaikwad began aggressively. They scored their fourth-highest powerplay total of the season, putting their team in a strong position. However, the Royals fought back with spin bowling in the middle overs, dismissing both openers and Moeen Ali cheaply.

Dube Provides the Spark, Gaikwad Anchors the Chase

With CSK needing 50 runs off seven overs, the experienced Ravichandran Ashwin came into the bowl. However, Shivam Dube took him on for four boundaries in a single over, effectively breaking the shackles and opening up the chase. While Dube eventually fell, CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad held firm, guiding his team home with an unbeaten 42.

CSK Back in Playoff Race

This win takes CSK to 14 points from 13 matches, level with the Sunrisers Hyderabad, who have a game in hand. They are now two points clear of the teams outside the top four playoff spots. The victory not only keeps their playoff hopes alive but also gives them a chance to return to Chennai for the crucial final two matches, a venue where they’ve traditionally performed well.

For the Royals, this loss marks their third consecutive defeat, raising concerns about their form heading into the playoffs. The absence of Jos Buttler in the final week adds another layer of worry. They will need to regroup and find their winning ways quickly if they are to challenge for the title.

Match Summay

Toss: RR won the toss and decided to bowl first

Stadium: MA Chidambaram Stadium

Result: CSK won by 5 wickets & 10 balls left

Player of the Match: Simarjeet Singh (CSK) – 3/26 (4)