Rahane, Dube and Conway blow KKR away
Roy and Rinku threw a few punches in pursuit of 236 but couldn't prevent CSK from topping the table
Roy and Rinku threw a few punches in pursuit of 236 but couldn't prevent CSK from topping the table
Scorer: Chandan Duorah | Commentator: Deivarayan Muthu
11.30pm Five wins in seven games for CSK. They go top of the standings now. Roy played a blinder in the chase for KKR, but Theekshana casted him and then Pathirana had Russell holing out to tip the game CSK's way. Do stick with us for the presentation.
Dhoni: Thanks for the support and they [crowd] came in big numbers. Whenever there's a next KKR game, they will come supporting them. Yes, the fast bowlers and spinners have been doing their job. We always kept the pressure on the opposition and if you see their batting line-up, they have big hitters down the order and we respect that. I keep it simple. Whoever is injured, he can't do anything. I see who looks better prepared and see the youngster who can get the chance and motivate him. I hope it keeps going - not the injuries but the performance (laughs). What is also important is when you realise the potential of someone you let him bat the way he wants (on Rahane). Whatever your strength is be positive and enjoy it. And the second thing is try to give him the best position to score runs. Someone has to sacrifice the position.
Rahane, Player of the Match: Just a clear mindset and nothing else. If that's right, you can do anything and so just wanted to keep my mind clear. The prep before the season was very good. Ball was stopping and the pitch was a little sticky, but the outfield was fast and one side was small. Ruturaj batted very well and I just wanted to be positive. I enjoyed all the knocks this season and I feel my best is yet to come. Great learning to play under MS. Played under him at India and playing under him at CSK for the first time. Whatever he says, you listen.
Rana: Need to give credit to Jinks for carrying out whatever he was attempting. It's difficult to digest being taken for 235 runs on that pitch. We have not been improving in the tournament. If we keep repeating our mistakes in such a big tournament against big teams, you are going to be behind. We needed to have a good start [in the powerplay] chasing such a big score, but couldn't get it and we were always behind in the game.
Conway: Yeah, I think my partnership with Rutu calms the nerves. A lot of credit needs to go to Rutu. Just trying to be as clear as possible. I've always had an issue with the ball on the body, but have been getting over it. By using my feet [against spinners], I get into good positions and get momentum. The culture we have here in Chennai us very special and for us it's about continuing this momentum. Certainly, having MS makes us feel like every game is like a home fixture.
That's all we have for you from this game. Hope you enjoyed it as much as we did bringing it to you. Until next time, this is Deivarayan Muthu and Andrew Miller signing off on the behalf of Chandan Duorah. Good night and cheers.
Dhaval : "Looks like the old definition of IPL will be back this season : Define IPL. A tournament where 9 teams battle to play CSK in the final."
Varun: "Feels like old times.. CSK at top of the table"
Bakhtzada: "KKR have no option but to bring back Gurbaz. Though he hasn't performed well enough, still there is no better wicket keeper batsman than him in the side. "
IPL Super Selec: "With 3 more wins CSK are close to another playoff spot. And for the others welcome to the NRR game"
KipEetSimpul: "Have to doff your hat to CSK. Most of the 'experts/pundits' were tepid about their auction picks and didn't give them much chance of qualifying. To find a way to top the table at the halfway stage without Chahar and Stokes is simply fantastic "
Edwin : "Theekshana and Patheerana - are proving to be great assets for CSK at the death overs. "
Roy and Rinku threw a few punches in pursuit of 236 but couldn't prevent CSK from topping the table
Once the anchoriest of all anchors, he's maximised his strengths and upped his T20 game to never-before-seen levels
KKR's season has nosedived after two thrilling wins, while CSK have found ways to win despite not having some of their first-choice players