The opening encounter of the 17th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2024) saw Chennai Super Kings get the better of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on March 22. Registering a 6-wicket win, MS Dhoni’s Chennai started their campaign on a high in their quest for their record 6th title this year.

Electing to bat first, RCB got off to a good start with opener Faf du Plessis hitting big right from the start. However, Mustafizur Rehman’s brilliant comeback to the CSK lineup helped the home side grab their first breakthrough in the 5th over. 

He then went on to dismiss Rajat Patidar in the same over as well which added pressure to the batting lineup.

Virat Kohli tried to bring back some sort of momentum as he reached 12,000 runs in T20 cricket. But it wasn’t to be as Kohli and Maxwell got dismissed cheaply as well which saw RCB struggle at 78/5 within 12 overs.

It was the crucial partnership between Anuj Rawat (48) and Dinesh Karthik (38*) that took the visitors to a respectable 173/6 in the end.

Anbuden Debut To Remember!💛#CSKvRCB #WhistlePodu #Yellove 💛🦁 pic.twitter.com/nOE8z6M2Yd

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) March 22, 2024

In reply, CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad tried to give his side an aggressive start but failed to continue for long courtesy of a Yash Dayal delivery in the 4th over.

Rachin Shines On Debut

It was debutant Rachin Ravindra (37) and Ajinky Rahane (27) who gave CSK a lift-off with their sixes in the middle. Rachin’s 15-ball 37 came at a strike rate of 246 and was greeted with a huge roar from the crowd as well.

Losing another Kiwi batter Daryll Mitchell on 22 left CSK looking for some inspiration to finish off the match. It eventually came from Ravindra Jadeja (25*) and Shivam Dube (34*) who steered the team to victory in the end.

The win saw CSK make it 8-1 against RCB at Chepauk showing how dominant the home side has been at their fortress.

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