CSK loses yet again, this time to RCB by 37 runs

Virat Kohli’s classic batting gave Royal Challengers Bangalore a 37-run win over Chennai Super Kings at the Indian Premier League match at Dubai on October 10. With his unbeaten 90 off 52 balls, comprising four fours and four sixes, Kohli helped his team garner two more points and himself the Man of the Match award. It was also Kohli’s 38th half-century in IPL.

After winning the toss, RCB elected to bat and put up a challenging 169 for four wickets against a stiff Chennai attack. Though skipper Kohli shone throughout, Devdutt Padikkal (33 off 34 balls) and Shivam Dube (22* off 14 balls) also presented good batting.

Chasing 170 for a win, the three-time champions ended at 132 for eight after 20 overs. Ambati Rayudu top scored with 42. Rayudu’s 64-run third wicket partnership with Narayan Jagadeesan (33) gave hope of a good chase but once they departed, the rest of the batting crumbled under the pressure. Dhoni, who has not been playing his best game, went out for 10.

RCB bowling attack has been largely steered by Yuzvendra Chahal (1/35) and Washington Sundar (2/16). Newcomer Chris Morris, who finished with 3/19, provided valuable support this time.
CSK has now lost five out of seven matches. CSK captain Dhoni admitted batting has become his team’s major worry in the IPL campaign, and there are “too many holes in the ship”. CSK has been dependent on openers Shane Watson and Faf du Plessis or Ambati Rayudu and Ravindra Jadeja, who cannot be expected to successfully anchor every chase in a long tournament.