The action returned in the sixteenth edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) hosting Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium for the Southern Derby. While the momentum in the RCB camp is upbeat after a dominant home performance against Delhi Capitals in their last game, CSK are coming into the game against the backdrop of a disappointing defeat in their previous match against Rajasthan Royals.
The home side won the toss and elected to bowl first. Chennai Super Kings lost their opener Ruturaj Gaikwad cheaply for three off six deliveries. However, they recovered, with Devon Conway (83 off 45) and Ajinkya Rahane (37 off 20) taking the score to 90/2. Shivam Dube seemed in fine form in his knock of 52 off 27. And, final flourishes by Ambati Rayudu (14 off 6) and Moeen Ali (19 off 9) took the team total to 226/6 in twenty overs.
RCB need 227 runs to win from 20 overs
However, the focus remained on Ravindra Jadeja. The star allrounder has always been handy for CSK. However, this game was a contrasting one for him. He received two free hits and could score just 10 runs off 8 deliveries, unlike Jadeja, who is known for his dazzling finishes. Fans were quick to troll the star allrounder on Twitter, among other prominent social media platforms.
RCB, in reply, lost their opener Virat Kohli cheaply for six runs off four balls. At the same time, top order batter Mahipal Lomror departed for a five-ball duck as RCB were two down within two overs. They must chase down a target of 227 runs within 20 overs to win the Southern Derby in IPL 2023.
Next, in the IPL 2023, the Sunrisers Hyderabad, who seem to have rediscovered their form, will be hosting the Mumbai Indians, who have also bounced back with two victories following a signature underwhelming start to their season. The equation for the team from Deccan is the same: two wins and two defeats from their four games of the season.
Here’s how fans reacted to Ravindra Jadeja's knock:
sacrificed wicket for legend thala bro , loyalty > cricket
— Alpha Aravind i.e Sazzy_Cool_Indie (@sazzycoolalpha) April 17, 2023
Got out early to celebrate his wife's birthday
— Ayush Agarwal (@AyushAg444) April 17, 2023
Abe bsdk rutu sirf aaj hi flop hua hai
— 𝐊𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐤 💛🦁 (@lost_21121) April 17, 2023
Faf To Harshal Patel In 20th Bhai 20 Se Niche Runs Dena
— Waseem Akram (@WaseemA85090870) April 17, 2023
Harshal Patel To Faf Iski Guarantee Main Nahi De Sakhta
Got out early to celebrate his wife's birthday
— Ayush Agarwal (@AyushAg444) April 17, 2023
Dhoni is in queue
— Vishal Singh Raksel (@VSRaksel) April 17, 2023
Bowler ke liye bhi academy chahiye 50 hogayi RCB bowlers ki
— मोरया🚩 (@Msr_07_) April 17, 2023
jaddu feel insecurity due to axar perf...
— shivam (@shivam58860963) April 17, 2023