Sakshi Dhoni (R) during the IPL 2024 match between CSK and SRH© X (formerly Twitter)
Chennai Super Kings bounced back in the IPL 2024 playoffs race by defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad by 78 runs in their IPL 2024 match on Sunday. It was their first win after two consecutive losses in the competition and it took them to the third spot from sixth in the IPL 2024 points table. Veteran wicket-keeper batter MS Dhoni‘s wife Sakshi Dhoni was in attendance at the M Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai and her Instagram story during the game has gone viral. “Please finish the game fast today @chennaiipl baby is on the way…contractions have begun Request from – to be Bua,” she wrote.
Coming to the match, Ruturaj Gaikwad scored a brilliant 98 and fast bowler Tushar Deshpande took a four-wicket haul to guide CSK to a comprehensive victory. With the win, CSK put themselves back in the top 4, boosting their playoffs chances while SRH suffered their second successive defeat of the campaign.
“Feeling pretty good. Tough to play in such wet conditions, and to be able to win by 70-odd runs is a clinical performance. Was a blessing in disguise at the toss. Everything is good (injury concern?). Too hot and humid conditions. Even the last game, was there batting for 20 overs and fielding for 20 overs,” CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad said after the match.
“Today also almost same. Wasn’t thinking about hundred. Wanted to make sure we get to 220-odd. Was disappointed that I missed 4-5 hits at the back end. During innings break I felt it could make a difference and I was upset. But thankfully it was enough. Last game we made some errors.”
“Some loose balls here and there. Today we were outstanding in the field. Stuck to the plans and knew what the conditions were. With impact player rule, you always want the extra 20 runs. Never know what par score is. That was one area – not getting wickets in powerplay. That’s the only way it can put opposition in back foot. He’s bowling really well (Deshpande). His hard work is paying off.”
“Special mention to Jaddu as well. In these wet conditions to go for 22 runs, that was the match turning spell. I’m not vocal. Can’t tell seniors in the dressing room what to do. You have to take the back seat and let them do their job,” Gaikwad said at the post-match presentation.
Both SRH and CSK have 10 points from 9 matches each to their name.
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