Home
The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) kicked off the IPL 2024 season with a bang. They defeated their rivals, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), by a convincing six wickets in Chennai on March 22. This win marked a significant change for CSK as Ruturaj Gaikwad assumed the captaincy just before the opener, taking over from the legendary Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
The match itself was a display of dominance by the Chennai Super Kings. However, there was a lighter moment during Royal Challengers Bangalore's innings. Anuj Rawat and Dinesh Karthik attempted to revive the innings after a top-order collapse. But before that, there was a funny exchange between Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja that brought some amusement to the match.
Virat Kohli was making his much-anticipated return to cricket after a two-month break. He was at the non-striker's end as his teammate Ravindra Jadeja bowled to Cameron Green. Jadeja, known for his quick bowling spells, finished his delivery and immediately returned to his bowling mark, ready for the next ball.
Green, however, wasn't quite prepared yet. This lighthearted moment unfolded as Kohli, noticing the batsman wasn't ready, turned to Jadeja and jokingly said, “Saans toh lene de usko (Let him breathe man!)”
WATCH Kohli, Jadeja's banter here
Kohli's return to the crease wasn't a fairytale one. He managed only 21 runs off 20 deliveries. After RCB lost quick wickets in the middle overs, Kohli focused on stabilizing the innings and keeping the scoreboard ticking. However, with the pressure to score mounting, he attempted a big pull shot against Mustafizur Rahman but was dismissed for 21, caught in the deep mid-wicket region.
ALSO READ: Former 2-time PCB chairman dies at age 89 in Lahore; Pakistan Cricket Board releases statement
Green's stay at the crease was also short-lived. Mustafizur Rahman, the CSK pacer, continued his impressive spell by dismissing Green with a classic yorker in the same over. Rahman's excellent bowling performance earned him four wickets overall and the Player of the Match award.
A New Chapter for CSK
Ruturaj Gaikwad officially took the reins as the new CSK captain just a day before their opening match against RCB. Despite the pressure of leading the team in the home opener, the 26-year-old handled the responsibility well. Notably, he received valuable guidance from MS Dhoni, who continued to play a crucial role behind the stumps. Dhoni's experience and cricketing mind proved valuable as he assisted Gaikwad in setting the field throughout the RCB innings.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
Delhi Capitals officially announce their captain for IPL 2024 with last-minute leadership change
ICC bans Sunrisers Hyderabad and SL superstar ahead of IPL 2024 a day after revoking his retirement
