The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) vs Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) clash witnessed a five-minute delay as a dog entered the MA Chidambaram Stadium and refused to leave. The ground staff ran after the dog for a while so that the game could start. Even umpire Bruce Oxenford who is known for his arm guard tried to chase the dog off the ground.
Meanwhile, CSK openers Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway waited for the game to start. The spectators enjoyed a laugh and were seen shooting videos of the dog who was making the ground staff sweat in the middle.
Last month, a dog entered the ground during the third ODI of the three-ODI series between India and Australia at the same venue.
After the initial delay, Gaikwad and Conway hit LSG bowlers all around the park during fielding restrictions. In-form Gaikwad seemed to pick right where he left off and hit three sixes in an over by Krishnappa Gowtham. After six overs, CSK had 79 runs on the board. This was CSK’s highest total in powerplay overs at their homeground.
Gaikwad got to his half-century off just 25 deliveries. Conway broke free as well and took the aerial route. The openers shared a 110-run partnership from 55 deliveries. They also created the record for most century-partnerships (3) for CSK. Gaikwad got out to leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi in the 10th over. He scored 57 runs from 31 balls including three fours and four sixes.
Earlier, KL Rahul won the toss and opted to field first. Rahul made one change to the side by including Yash Thakur in place of veteran left-arm pacer Jaydev Unadkat. On the other hand, MS Dhoni continued with the same combination.
“(It) Does mean a lot to be back here. IPL started in 2008 but we've not played a lot of cricket here. Only about 5-6 seasons we've been here. This is the first time the full stadium will be operational, a few stands were empty earlier. Really glad that we get to play all our home games here at Chepauk, means a lot. Same squad for this game. Need to keep assessing our situation and keep revisiting our targets, keep a realistic goal in mind and take it from there,” Dhoni said at the coin toss.
