IPL 2024: CSK return to winning ways, thrash SRH by 78 runs at Chepauk

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) returned to winning ways on Sunday (Apr 28), defeating SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) by 78 runs after captain Ruturaj Gaikwad (98) played another masterful knock to set up the game nicely for the home side. Chasing a daunting target of 213, SRH's famed top-order could not get going as Tushar Deshpande struck thrice in the powerplay, ensuring that the 2016 champions always played the catch-up game.

Dangerman Travis Head was the first to depart as he scythed a wide outside off delivery, straight into the big mittens of Daryl Mitchell stationed on the deep point boundary. On the very next delivery, impact sub Anmolpreet Singh returned to the pavilion as the ball kissed the leading edge and went towards Moeen Ali on the ring.

Abhishek Sharma, one of the most lethal hitters of the tournament, did thump a few lusty blows but even he fell to Deshpande's guile. Nitish Reddy forged a brief 32-run partnership with Aiden Markram but never looked threatening.

Skipper Gaikwad brought Matheesha Pathirana after the halfway mark and he instantly made an impact by flattening the middle stump of Markram. The South African's wicket was perhaps the final nail in the coffin for SunRisers who never recovered from there and eventually went down with a whimper.

CSK slam another 200

Having lost the toss yet again, CSK were invited to bat first on a track that was conducive to stroke-making. However, SRH bowlers kept a tight lid on proceedings at the start and managed to get Ajinkya Rahane's number, whose poor form with the bat continued.

Despite Mitchell and Gaikwad trying their best to up the ante, the powerplay phase belonged to the SRH bowlers. However, once they both got their eyes in, big shots started flowing.

Mitchell shrugged off his woes with the bat by smashing his maiden IPL half-century while Gaikwad, looking imperious yet again, fell two runs short of back-to-back centuries. However, by the time both batters were dismissed, CSK were well on their way to a total above 200. Shivam Dube and MS Dhoni applied the finishing touches as the hosts finished with a competitive 212 on board.

The win ensures that CSK are right back in the race for the playoffs spot with 10 points in nine matches. It also makes up for an interesting final stretch of the tournament as five teams below table-toppers, Rajasthan Royals, now have 10 points.

With another home game at Chepauk coming, the five-time champions would be hoping to build an advantage before venturing away from home.