By In a display of all-round dominance, Chennai Super Kings notched up their second consecutive victory in IPL 2024 by overpowering Gujarat Titans with a commanding 63-run win. From the onset, CSK batsmen showcased a collective batting prowess, while their bowlers kept the pressure on, ensuring Gujarat Titans found no opening to stage a comeback.
Ravindra’s early assault set the tone for CSK, as he and Ruturaj Gaikwad launched a 62-run opening partnership. Ravindra, particularly aggressive, targeted Umesh Yadav and Azmatullah Omarzai, accumulating 47 runs before a stroke of misfortune led to his stumping. Despite Ajinkya Rahane’s quick exit for a 12-run stint, Gaikwad maintained the tempo with a series of boundaries, pushing his score to 46 before Spencer Johnson snagged his wicket.
Shivam Dube then stepped up, hammering consecutive sixes off Sai Kishore and continuing the assault against Rashid Khan and Johnson. His quickfire fifty off just 22 balls underscored CSK’s aggressive batting, even as Rashid Khan dismissed him in the 19th over. Debutant Sameer Rizvi made an immediate impact, hitting a six off his first IPL ball and contributing to a 15-run over against Rashid. Although the final over from Mohit Sharma was relatively quiet, CSK set a daunting total over 200.
CSK Registers Win at Chepauk
Gujarat’s chase faltered early with Shubman Gill and Wriddhiman Saha unable to capitalize on their aggressive starts. Deepak Chahar’s tight bowling sent both openers back, leaving Gujarat struggling at 34/2. The middle order couldn’t counter CSK’s bowling, and despite the efforts, CSK’s fielders, including sharp catches by MS Dhoni and Ajinkya Rahane, kept the grip tight on the game.
Looking ahead, Chennai is set for their first ‘away’ match of the season against Delhi Capitals in Vizag, while Gujarat Titans will aim for redemption against Sunrisers Hyderabad at home on Sunday, March 31.
Brief Scores: Chennai Super Kings posted 206/6 with significant contributions from Shivam Dube (51), Rachin Ravindra (46), and Ruturaj Gaikwad (46). In response, Gujarat Titans managed 143/8, with Sai Sudharsan topping their chart with 37 runs as Tushar Deshpande led CSK’s bowling with 2-21, sealing a 63-run victory for Chennai.
