Chennai Super Kings (CSK) outplayed Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by 49 runs at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Sunday (April 23) to sit at the top position on the IPL 2023 points table.
KKR captain Nitish Rana won the toss and chose to bowl first, a decision that backfired badly, as CSK piled up a massive total of 235/4 with Devon Conway (56), Ajinkya Rahane (71*) and Shivam Dube (50) smashing half-centuries.
In reply, KKR could only manage 186/8 despite Jason Roy (61) and Rinku Singh (53*) scoring valiant fifties but the target was eventually too steep for the hosts to put up a serious challenge.
At the post-match presentation, CSK captain MS Dhoni was first asked by commentator Murali Kartik about the strong support during the game for the 'Men in Yellow' at the ground, which was dominated by fans dressed in yellow jerseys.
Dhoni, subtly hinted at this being his last season by saying, “I will just say thanks for the support, they came in big numbers. Most of these guys will come in a KKR jersey next time. They are trying to give me a farewell, so thanks a lot to the crowd,”
He then commended his bowlers who defended the target despite the flat pitch and short boundary, “Fast bowlers are doing their job, so are spinners in the middle. The boundary was short on one side so we needed to get early wickets and keep the pressure. They have plenty of power hitters, so we had to give the respect to the opposition,” he said.
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Dhoni then spoke on the multiple injuries in the CSK camp since the start of the season, “I have a clear funda, if someone is injured he can't do anything. You just move on and motivate the youngsters to perform. We have been fortunate that all the guys coming in are performing,”
The 41-year-old concluded by talking about Ajinkya Rahane's incredible performance in the ongoing season, as he said, “We realise the potential of someone when we allow him to bat the way he bats. We give him the freedom, give him the best position. In a team environment, someone has to sacrifice his slot to allow the others to get more comfortable, and allow the team to succeed.”
CSK will play Rajasthan Royals next in another away game on April 27.
