Chennai, India

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season got off to a sensational start as hosts and defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) beat Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the opening encounter on Friday (Mar 22). CSK’s six-wicket win against RCB was highlighted by a complete team performance in all aspects, including fielding. One of the highlight reels of CSK’s win was when their fielders combined to dismiss Virat Kohli, which left the former India captain red-faced.

Advertisment

×

Ajinkya Rahane, Rachin Ravindra leave Virat stunned

After a good start and then a mini collapse RCB were 77/3 with Virat and Cameron Green in the middle for the visitors. On the second ball of the 12th over, Virat almost cleared the in-field for a six on Mustafizur Rahman’s delivery. However, mid-wicket fielder Ajinkya Rahane’s smart fielding saw him slide and clutch the ball.

Advertisment

Rahane was not in control of the momentum and was approaching the boundary line which could have resulted in a six for Virat. However, his presence of mind did not let him down as he threw the ball towards his colleague Rachin Ravindra who was also approaching the ball. The process resulted in a relay catch which sent Virat packing home towards the pavilion on 21 off 20.

ALSO READ | IPL 2024: We were always little bit behind - RCB skipper Faf du Plessis reflects on opening day defeat to CSK

CSK make winning start

Advertisment

Having won the toss, RCB made a good start with Faf (35 off 23) and Virat Kohli (21 off 20) putting CSK bowlers under pressure, however, a spell of three wickets in two overs completely changed the landscape of the innings. The visitors were soon narrowed to 42/3 despite being 41/0 as they looked in good nick. The poor spell saw Glenn Maxwell and Rajat Patidar depart for ducks before a late rescue act from wicketkeeper-batter Anuj Rawat (48 off 25) and veteran Dinesh Karthik (38 off 26) saw RCB end with 173/6.

However, the total was not enough with CSK too making a good start with the bat. In a complete team performance, everyone contributed with the bat as the home side won with eight balls to spare. Ruturaj Gaikwad (15), Rachin Ravindra (37 off 15), Ajinkya Rahane (27), Daryl Mitchell (22), Shivam Dube (unbeaten 34) and Ravindra Jadeja (unbeaten 25), helped CSK steer to an opening day six-wicket win.

CSK next take on Gujarat Titans in Chennai on Tuesday. On the other hand, RCB will look to get their first win of the season when they next take on Punjab Kings in their first home game of the season on Monday in Bengaluru.