Reputed cricket commentator Aakash Chopra has hailed Chennai Super Kings (CSK) after they clinched their third victory at home in IPL 2024. Aakash Chopra called Chennai Super Kings as the kings of their fortress at Chepauk. The defending champions outplayed Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by 7 wickets in match 22 of IPL 2024.
Aakash Chopra has been vocal about Chennai’s success over the years and Notably, Ruturaj Gaikwad & Co. stole their third victory in IPL 2024. Earlier, CSK won their opening two games against Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans at home. Notably, all of CSK’s victories at home have been one-sided affairs. CSK lost their previous two away matches against Delhi Capitals and Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2024.
Chennai Super Kings unbeaten at home fortress Chepauk.
Ruturaj Gaikwad-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) returned to winning ways on Monday, April 8 after a couple of losses as they defeated Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by seven wickets at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chepauk.
After winning their first two games of the season at home against Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans, the Men in Yellow suffered convincing defeats against Delhi Capitals and Sunrisers Hyderabad on the road. However, after returning to their home ground, the Super Kings registered their third win of the season against the former two-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions.
CSK showcased their might against the mighty Kolkata Knight Riders, who were unbeaten in their last three games in IPL 2024. CSK restricted KKR to just 137-9 in 1st innings and later outplayed them by 7 wickets with a half-century by captain Ruturaj Gaikwad. After winning the toss, Ruturaj Gaikwad elected to field first. KKR could only manage 137/9 on a sluggish track before Chennai comfortably chased the target down in the 18th over. After the match, Aakash Chopra lauded CSK’s prowess in home conditions.
Aakash Chopra after win at Chepauk vs KKR lauds CSK as Chepauk Super Kings in IPL 2024.
Hailing CSK for their victory against KKR, cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra praised the men-in-yellow for their dominance at home. Chopra called Chennai Super Kings as Chepauk Super Kings on his YouTube channel.
“Chennai Super Kings are Chepauk Super Kings. They are Champion Super Kings. They are unbeatable at their home ground, Chepauk. They’re like the kings of their fortress, rarely losing a match there. Even a well-prepared Kolkata Knight Riders couldn’t break through their defense in batting or bowling,” the 45-year-old said.
Aakash Chopra, who represented India in 10 Tests, also noted that Phil Salt’s wicket on the very first ball revealed it was Ravindra Jadeja’s day in the match. Jadeja clinched 3 wickets to win the Player of the Match award in the CSK vs KKR clash.
“When Chennai decided to bowl first, they quickly dismissed Phil Salt, making us realize it was going to be a tough day for the opponents. How will you prepare good food without salt? The catch taken by Jaddu hinted at Ravindra Jadeja’s stellar performance to come,” Chopra added.
The cricketer-turned-commentator was effusive in his praise for Ravindra Jadeja, who was responsible for KKR’s downfall as he finished with figures of 3/18 in his four overs. The Saurashtra all-rounder choked the opposition batters through the middle overs after the hosts conceded 56 runs inside the powerplay.
Deepak Chahar, Matheesha Pathirana’s absence surprised me- Chopra
Aakash Chopra also highlighted that he was surprised by the absence of Deepak Chahar and Matheesha Pathirana in the match. He also felt CSK’s bowling was weak. Chahar and Pathirana are crucial pacers for Chennai in IPL 2024 but were not part of the playing 11 against KKR.
“Deepak Chahar wasn’t there and I was surprised. Pathirana wasn’t there and I said that the bowling had suddenly become very weak. You played Lord (Shardul) Thakur for sure, but the opposing team was a juggernaut. So I was a little worried and concerned,” the former India opener concluded.
Talking about the match, KKR completely failed with their batting with a dismal total of 137-9 in 1st innings. Three wickets each by Tushar Deshpande and Ravindra Jadeja sent the visitors on the back foot. Skipper Shreyas Iyer hit the most 34 runs as no KKR batter could dominate at Chidambaram Stadium.
Later, CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad smashed an unbeaten 67 runs to drive the team to a magnificent victory. Daryl Mitchell (25) and Shivam Dube (28) also made decent contributions with the bat. Chennai will now face Mumbai Indians on Sunday, April 14 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.