IPL 2024 : Super Kings Titans by 63 Runs, CSK Gujarat Titans defeated

Deepak Chahar made an impactful entrance by claiming two crucial wickets early on, including that of Gujarat Titans’ captain Shubman Gill, setting the stage for Chennai Super Kings’ emphatic 63-run triumph in a rematch of the 2023 final during Match 7 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on March 26.

CSK put on a clinical display with both bat and ball, dominating the Gujarat Titans to restrict them to 143/8 in 20 overs and seal their second win at home.

The Chennai pacers were instrumental in claiming six of the eight wickets to fall, adeptly exploiting the conditions of a pitch with slightly more grass than usual.

Following an outstanding batting performance by their top order, which propelled them to a formidable total of 206/6, Chahar delivered a crucial blow in the third over by dismissing Shubman Gill LBW. Despite Gill’s review attempt, the decision favored the umpire’s call as the ball pitched on a good length and stayed low, striking the Gujarat skipper on the pad.

Losing their first wicket and inform batter for eight runs, the pressure mounted on the 2022 IPL champions. Gujarat, having lost their first wicket for 28 runs, struggled to build momentum in pursuit of Chennai Super Kings’ imposing target of 207, powered by Shivam Dube’s blistering 51 off 23 balls, Rachin Ravindra’s rapid 46 off 20 balls, and Ruturaj Gaikwad’s steady 46 off 35 balls.

Chahar (2-28 off 4 overs) further compounded Gujarat’s woes by dismissing Wriddhiman Saha for 21 off 17 balls in the fifth over, inducing him to lob a catch to Tushar Deshpande as Gujarat stumbled to 34/2. Despite Saha’s promising start, contributing with four boundaries, he failed to capitalize on it, as CSK maintained their relentless intensity.

Unable to recover from these setbacks, Gujarat continued to lose wickets at regular intervals, with Chennai’s bowlers executing brilliantly and fielding superbly to sustain pressure on Gujarat Titans. Rachin Ravindra showcased exceptional fielding prowess by claiming three well-judged catches, while Ajinkya Rahane’s stunning diving catch added to the excitement among the thousands of CSK fans packing the stadium.

Sai Sudharsan emerged as the top scorer for Gujarat Titans with 37 off 31 balls, including three boundaries, while David Miller contributed a brisk 21 off 16 balls. However, both fell while attempting to accelerate the scoring rate. Gujarat Titans eventually concluded their innings with 143/8 in 20 overs.

While Chahar secured figures of 2-28 and Mustafizur Rahman continued to impress with 2-30, Tushar Deshpande emerged as the standout bowler for CSK, claiming 2-21.

Gujarat Titans found themselves thoroughly outclassed, as their bowlers were relentlessly attacked, and they lost crucial wickets early on (43/2 in the Powerplay). Chennai maintained their dominance, utilizing short balls effectively, varying pace, and restricting Gujarat Titans’ scoring opportunities.

Brief Scores:

Chennai Super Kings 206/6 in 20 overs (Shivam Dube 51, Rachin Ravindra 46, Ruturaj Gaikwad 46; Rashid Khan 2-49) defeated Gujarat Titans 143/8 in 20 overs (Sai Sudarshan 37, Wriddhiman Saha 21, David Miller 21; Tushar Deshpande 2-21, Deepak Chahar 2-28, Mustafizur Rahman 2-30) by 63 runs.