Defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) lost their first two matches of an Indian Premier League (IPL) season for the first time. In the IPL 2022 season opener, CSK conceded a defeat against last season’s finalists Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by six wickets. In the second match, the Ravindra Jadeja-led side suffered another six-wicket defeat against new franchise Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).
Skipper Jadeja
Notably, this is Jadeja’s first IPL season as the skipper of CSK. Just two days before the commencement of IPL 2022, MS Dhoni had decided to step down as CSK captain and hand over the leadership responsibilities to the 33-year-old Indian all-rounder.
Dhoni had previously helped the Chennai-based franchise in securing four IPL titles (2010, 2011, 2018 and 2021). CSK, the second-most successful team in the history of IPL, had a poor show in 2020 IPL season after they finished seventh in points table.
But in the very next season, CSK recorded an amazing comeback to lift the prestigious IPL trophy for the fourth time.
CSK in IPL 2022
In the 2022 season opener, Dhoni exhibited his well known batting skills to score a half century (50 runs not out off 38 balls). His innings was comprised of seven boundaries and one six. But eventually, CSK could only manage to post a total of 131/5, in 20 overs.
In reply, the Shreyas Iyer-led side reached the target with nine balls remaining.
In the second match, CSK’s amazing batting helped them in registering a huge total of 210/7 in 20 overs. Robin Uthappa (50 runs off 27 balls) and Shivam Dube (49 runs off 30 balls) started the batting confidently for CSK. Later, Dhoni played a crucial knock of 16 (not out) off six balls to help CSK post a huge total of 210/7.
In reply, LSG started the run chase on a positive note after their opening batters - KL Rahul (40 runs off 25 balls) and Quinton de Kock (61 runs off 45 balls) - put up a partnership of 99 runs. Eventually, Evin Lewis (55 not out off 23 balls) along with Ayush Badoni (19 not out off 9 balls) helped LSG in earning their maiden IPL victory.
