IPL 2021: Chennai post 220/3 against Kolkata at the Wankhede
What's the story
The Chennai Super Kings batted well (220/3) at the Wankhede after being sent in by Kolkata Knight Riders skipper Eoin Morgan in match number 15 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 season. CSK openers Ruturaj Gaikwad and Faf du Plessis struck respective fifties to lead their side. On a good batting surface, the KKR bowlers concede aplenty. Here's the mid-innings report.
Powerplay
CSK start well in the PP overs
CSK had a solid start, adding 54 runs without losing a wicket in the powerplay overs. Pat Cummins was welcomed with 15 runs from his first over. Varun Chakravarthy wasn't spared in his second over, as the CSK openers got 12. Cummins conceded another 10 from his second as CSK went past 50 in the sixth over. It was an ideal start.
Ruturaj
Ruturaj Gaikwad shows his class
Ruturaj smashed his maiden fifty in IPL 2021. He hit a 42-ball 64, striking at 152.38. He hit six fours and four sixes. The right-handed batsman was at ease and played some gorgeous looking shots. He found the gaps easily and helped CSK get off to a flier. Ruturaj picked the lengths well and timed the ball to perfection. It was a fine innings.
Faf
Faf du Plessis comes alive with a sublime knock
After a duck in the first game against Delhi, Faf responded with two scores of 30-plus, helping CSK earn victories. In this match, he took his game to another level (95*). The veteran star played an intelligent knock and was aggressive. Like Ruturaj, the Faf was effective with this decision-making. He added 115 runs alongside Ruturaj before forging another 50-plus stand with Moeen Ali.
Pacers
Cummins ineffective once again, KKR pacers prove to be costly
There is a lot riding in terms of expectations from Pat Cummins and the Aussie pacer was a massive disappointment. Cummins was costly after turning out to be predictable. He isn't giving the side the desired wickets and conceded 50-plus runs. The other KKR pacers were also costly as the CSK batsmen toyed with the bowling. All of them conceded over 12 per over.
Information
Should KKR have gone with another spinner?
KKR dropped Shakib Al Hasan to the bench and got Sunil Narine. However, looking at both Chakravarthy and Narine, one feels Shakib could have added the extra bit. The KKR pacers were ordinary and another spinner could have helped.