Chennai Super Kings (CSK) all-rounder Shivam Dube conceded 25 runs in the penultimate over against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), on March 31 (Thursday) and this allowed the KL Rahul-led side to clinch a six-wicket victory in a thrilling contest.
CSK skipper Ravindra Jadeja gave the 19th over of the innings to Dube who did not bowl a single over in the match. The Mumbai-born all-rounder eventually conceded 25 runs to make the run chase easier for LSG.
Gavaskar speaks
While talking about Dube’s over, former India cricketer Sunil Gavaskar said that “it’s not fair that somebody who has not bowled so far is given the 19th over.”
“He has played a fair bit of limited-overs cricket and he is still bowling those length balls. He is going to get punished. Of course, it’s not fair that somebody who has not bowled so far is given the 19th over when the batsmen are looking to play the shots. But look at it… it’s a length ball. He is bowling the slower delivery but a slower delivery is very useful on a turning, dry pitch. Not on a pitch where the ball is coming off the bat quite nicely,” Gavaskar said on air.
Gavaskar also criticised CSK’s tactics as he feels “CSK’s calculation as far as who should be bowling is going wrong.”
“Clearly, CSK’s calculation as far as who should be bowling is going wrong. A length ball and a nice easy swing on this lovely batting pitch. He clearly hasn’t learnt anything, Shivam Dube. A quicker ball but length ball this time and it has gone the distance. The first ball went for a six, and then he was smashed for a boundary. Then again, a boundary and then the last ball going to a six – 25 runs,” added Gavaskar while commentating.
Sehwag reacts
On the other hand, former India batter Virender Sehwag also reacted to Dube's penultimate over in his own style.
On Twitter, Sehwag referred to an incident at the Academy Awards where actor Will Smith had punched Chris Rock.
In the match, batting first, CSK had registered a huge total of 210/7 in 20 overs.
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.
