In match number 33 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) took on the struggling Mumbai Indians (MI) on Thursday (April 21) at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. The Jadeja-led side won the toss and elected to bowl first.
CSK pacer Mukesh Choudhary bowled one of the most extraordinary first overs in the history of the tournament. On the second ball of that over, the ball came back in and Rohit Sharma chipped it straight into the hands of the fielder at mid-on and on the 4th ball, Ishan Kishan was dismissed by Choudhary with a fast swinging yorker that shattered the stumps. He eventually returned with the match-winning figures of 3 for 19 in his four overs.
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The young pacer’s spell was very crucial in limiting the 5-time champions to a score of 155/7 in their 20 overs. The chasing team, on the back of superb batting performances by Robin Uthappa (30 off 25 balls), Ambati Rayadu (40 off 35 balls), Dwaine Pretorious (22 off 14 balls), and a final-over onslaught from MS Dhoni (28*), got over the line on the last delivery with three wickets in hand.
Choudhary, in the post-match discussion with teammate Ruturah Gaikwad, revealed how the former skipper Dhoni has helped him with his inputs.
"IPL is a massive stage and pressure comes with it. Catches get dropped, and bowling misses the mark sometimes. Since last year, he (Dhoni) has been guiding me. Even right now, he tells me to not take the pressure, move on from my mistakes and focus on doing good in my next games."
Choudhary added that he has been working on his swing for the last several months.
"In pre-season camp, I worked a lot with big coaches. I worked on my seam. Even in Dubai last year, I learned a lot from big players.”
“Reflecting on his journey as a net bowler to playing for CSK, the pacer said, "It is fun bowling like this. There is pressure, but it is still fun. I have got opportunity to bowl in a variety of conditions."
With this win, the Super Kings sit at the 9th spot on the points table with 2 wins in 7 matches. The Chennai team will next take on the Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Wankhede Stadium on Monday (April 25).
(ANI INPUTS)
