After a heavy loss in the first match, CSK showed intent in their second match at their fortress, which was heavily damaged last year, as they had only won one of their last seven games at Chepauk. There were many questions surrounding Ruturaj Gaikwad’s captaincy, but he received a warm applause from the stands at Chidambaram Stadium. This support likely gave him goosebumps. If CSK wanted to honour their fans, they needed to deliver a strong batting performance, and they did, even though stalwart players in the lineup did not perform as expected. Opener Sanju Samson had another bad innings; he fell short on an outside edge, and Ruturaj Gaikwad failed to transform his start. When big names fell short, two young but experienced players stood up. Three Mumbai batters, Ayush Mhatre, Sarfaraz Khan and Shivam Dube changed the gear for CSK.
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Mhatre came at number three and scored 73 runs off 43 balls with the help of 6 fours and five sixes. Ruturaj Gaikwad played a major role with strike rotation and contributed with 28 runs in 22 balls. When he thought to change the gear, Chahal trapped him on the leg side.
What has changed in CSK’s batting?
So many days later, CSK fans have got to see a batting domination from their side, and it only happened because of the eventful innings by the young players. Ayush Mhatre, the U-19 World Cup-winning captain, comes with so much talent and has impressed everyone with his shots. Also, Srafaraz Khan (no longer the promising youth) pulled off one of the finest innings and added valuable 32 runs in just 12 balls. CSK, who failed to capitalise in the middle overs in the last match and last season, made it a part of the past, taking all the learning from their mistakes.
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CSK looked very different in this match. Also, Dube finishes off in style. He came in at number four and took his time to settle, then went big and contributed, scoring 45 runs in 27 balls.
PBKS fall short on chances
Ayush Mhatre got two lifelines also; they provided so many extras, and it helped CSK’s batters. At a time, they really did well with the ball, especially the way Chahal bowled his four overs; it broke CSK’s rhythm for a while, but credit goes to CSK's middle order. The investment has really paid off this time. Overall, it was a good batting display by CSK against a good bowling lineup.
