IPL 2024: Clinical CSK outclass RR in last home game to keep playoffs hopes alive

The Super Kings came up with a clinical all-round show against Rajasthan on a typically slow and sluggish Chepauk pitch, acing the battle of tactics in a crunch IPL game on Sunday, May 12.

CSK rode on an excellent bowling performance, led by fast bowler Simarjeet Singh, after having prepared a traditional Channa-ish pitch at the MA Chidambaram Stadium to limit the Royals to 141 and then chase down a tricky target with 10 balls and 5 wickets to spare.

CSK moved to the 3rd spot in the IPL 2024 points table with 14 points from 13 matches. They are tied on points with fourth-placed SunRisers, who have an extra game in hand. On the other hand, Rajasthan, who have 16 from 12 matches, missed out on an opportunity to seal their berth in the play-offs on Sunday.

CSK relied on handy contributions from their top order while captain Ruturaj Gaikwad held one end in a move that worked wonders for the Super Kings. Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell went big in the powerplay, making sure they posted 56 in the first 6 overs. Ruturaj managed just 6 runs and faced only 8 deliveries in the powerplay as the Super Kings captain played it smart, happy to give the strike to the two big-hitters from New Zealand who took the attack to the new-ball bowlers of Rajasthan.

CSK did not have to take a lot of risks after the strong powerplay and Ruturaj Gaikwad won the battle of tactics as he remained unbeaten on 42 off 41 balls, doing more than enough to take the team past the finish line and not worry about his strike rate. CSK won with 10 deliveries to spare as Impact Player Sameer Riziv put the finishing touches, hitting two boundaries in the 19th over.

Shhivam Dube played a crucial role in the middle-overs as he brought the asking rate under control by taking the attack to R Ashwin in the 14th over just when it looked like the Royals were putting pressure on the Super Kings. Dube took the risk to attack the local hero and hit a six and two boundaries before getting out in the final delivery of the over. Dube hit a crucial 18 off just 11 balls in a game of fine margins at Chepauk.

Ravindra Jadeja was given out on 5 in the 16th over in a debatable ‘obstructing the field’ decision. There was a moment of panic, but Rizivi and Ruturaj made sure CSK got past the finish line without breaking a sweat.