IPL 2023: Chennai Super Kings vs Sunrisers Hyderabad, Match 29 - Talking Points and Who Said What?

The 29th match of the ongoing IPL 2023 saw a rather one-sided affair between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), played at the former's home ground, MA Chidambaram Stadium. Before this match, Chennai had accumulated six points from three wins in five matches, whereas Hyderabad had only managed to clinch two wins from five matches which saw them being placed ninth on the points table. 

As per expectations, the surface at the MA Chidambaram Stadium did assist the spinners on the account of which, CSK wreaked havoc on the SRH batting line-up in the first innings. Winning the toss, CSK invited SRH to put the first runs on the board, doing which, the visitors faltered as they could only make 134 runs in the stipulated 20 overs. Although Harry Brook and Abhishek Sharma did provide the visitors with a healthy start, the team soon started to weather out as none of the other batters managed to leave an impact once the openers departed. While Sharma scored 34 off 26 balls, Brook contributed with 18 runs before Rahul Tripathi chipped in with a run-a-ball 21-run innings. For Chennai, Ravindra Jadeja claimed three wickets. In retaliation, CSK managed to chase the target down with ease as Devon Conway took charge of the proceedings with his impeccable unbeaten 77-run innings. 

Let's look at the Talking Points from the game - 

Conway's persistent masterclass for CSK helps the Men in Yellow register their fourth victory

CSK's New Zealand import, Devon Conway has been in terrific form in the ongoing IPL season. Coming on the back of a match-winning 83-run knock against Royal Challengers Bangalore on April 17, Conway once again proved his class in the low-scoring chase against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Opening the batting for the MS Dhoni-led side, Conway remained unconquered at 77. His 57-ball innings comprised 12 fours and a solitary maximum. Following his valiant efforts, the Kiwi batter finds himself in the fourth position on the list of top-run scorers of the ongoing season. 

Ravindra Jadeja's powerpacked performance with the ball helps Chennai control the exuberance of the visitors

In the first innings, Ravindra Jadeja pulled off a stunning performance with the ball to dismantle the SRH batting line-up. He came out as the pick of the bowlers after claiming three wickets on a spin friendly Chepauk pitch. Jadeja's first prey of the match happened to be SRH's swashbuckling opener Abhishek Sharma, who was looking well set after pounding 34 runs. He was caught by Ajinkya Rahane to give Jadeja his first breakthrough. Jadeja then followed it up with the wickets of dangermen Rahul Tripathi and Mayank Agarwal to finish with figures of 3/22 after four overs.

Mayank Markande's consistency only silver lining for SRH

Sunrisers Hyderabad, who are struggling with their overall performance in the tournament, have been getting some respite from the consistent outings of leg-spinner Mayank Markande who has been shining with the ball ever since he was introduced in the middle by SRH. The match against CSK wasn't any different either as the 25-year-old returned impressive figures of 2/23 on an occasion when the MS Dhoni-led side effected a landslide victory over the Orange Army. CSK lost a total of three wickets in their chase, of which, one wicket - that of Ruturaj Gaikwad - came in a run-out. Both the remaining wickets of Ajinkya Rahane and Ambati Rayudu were claimed by Markande. 

Losing captain, Aiden Markram said -

Disappointed again, never nice to lose. Not good with the bat, couldn't build partnership and then you struggle to put a good total. We certainly thought this wasn't a 130 wicket, it was more around 160. Partnerships weren't there, we couldn't build momentum and credit to them for the way they bowled. (On CSK spinners) We knew they'd play a huge role, each person had a plan to counter them - you can either take them down or rotate strike and build partnerships. We had the plans but unfortunately couldn't execute them. It is about taking on the bowlers in the powerplay, we need to stick to our aggressive approach. We need to look in and see how to get better with the bat, one or two guys need to put their hands up with the bat. Very pleased with the effort from our bowling group.

Winning captain, MS Dhoni said -

Whatever said and done, last phase of my career, important to enjoy it. It feels good to be here. They have given a lot of love and affection. They always stay late to listen to me. You need time to pick his action (Pathirana). We have seen with Malinga - someone who has an awkward action and who is very consistent with line and length - it's difficult to score off him. I was hesitant to bat second. Had the feeling there won't be much dew. Overall, the middle overs was the setup. Fast bowlers bowled very well in the last few overs. I always tell them first preference of field setting is with you. Still they didn't give me best catch. I felt it was a fantastic catch. Long time back I still remember one game - Rahul Dravid was keeping and he caught one like that. Definitely old, can't shy away from that.

Player of the Match, Ravindra Jadeja said -

Coming to Chennai, looking at the wicket gives me a lot of happiness. You know it's going to turn. I had in my mind to not bowl to full. Important to keep wicket to wicket. CSK fans always support us, no matter we win or lose.