MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings registered its first win in the IPL 2023 yesterday after it defeated KL Rahul-led Lucknow Super Giants but what made this win more special was the fact that CSK tasted this victory on its home ground Chepauk where it returned after 4 years.
The Indian cricketer Ruturaj Gaikwad once again played an important role in CSK’s win as he along with Devon Conway produced a partnership of 110 runs for the first wicket in 9.1 overs. While Ruturaj scored 57 runs (31 balls, 3 fours 4 sixes), Devon Conway missed his half-century by 3 runs as he scored 47 runs (29 balls, 5 fours & 2 fours).
CSK scored 217/7 in its stipulated 20 overs and won the match by 12 runs as LSG could manage only 205/7 in its 20 overs. Though CSK won this match yet there is one important concern for the Chennai team – CSK bowlers gave away too many extras in both the matches that it has played till now.
If we talk about the match against LSG, CSK has given 18 extras which include 3 no-balls, 13 wide balls and 2 leg-byes and in the first match which was against Gujarat Titans, the CSK bowlers conceded 2 no-balls and 4 wide balls and skipper MS Dhoni was obviously quite unhappy with his bowlers.
While speaking in the post-match presentation, MS Dhoni has issued a warning to his pacers as he says that they need to improve in fast bowling and also bowl as per the conditions. MSD adds that it is also vital to keep a check on the bowlers of the opposition and the CSK pacers need to bowl no no-balls and wide balls otherwise they will be playing against a new captain. MS Dhoni further says that it will be his second warning and after that, he will be off.
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There is no denying the fact that CSK bowlers need to pull their socks up because there was a time when LSG batter Kyle Mayers (53 runs, 22 balls, 8 fours & 2 sixes) was ripping apart the CSK pace bowling attack. However, Moeen Ali, the Player of the Match, gave some reprieve to his team by taking 4 wickets including the important wicket of Kyle Mayers.
CSK’s next match is against the most successful team of the IPL, i.e., Mumbai Indians and both the teams will clash against each other on 8 April 2023 at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.