IPL 2023: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Chennai Super Kings, Match 33 - Talking Points and Who Said What?

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) brushed aside Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by 49 runs in match 33 of the ongoing IPL 2023. The two franchises squared off at the iconic Eden Gardens on Sunday, April 23 in Kolkata.

Courtesy of sensational knocks by Devon Conway (56 runs), Ajinkya Rahane (71*), and Shivam Dube (50 runs), CSK posted a humongous first innings total of 235 runs. In response, a disciplined bowling unit helped CSK restrict KKR to 186/8, thereby winning by 49 runs. In doing so, MS Dhoni and Co. topped the points table with five wins out of their seven outings in the league.

Here are the Talking Points of the KKR vs CSK clash-

Conway-Rahane-Dube help CSK record the highest total of IPL 2023

CSK were handed a solid head start with the likes of Devon Conway and Ruturaj Gaikwad getting 73 runs for the first wicket. However, following the dismissal of Gaikwad, Conway continued to steer the side and notched up his fourth half-century on the trot.

Meanwhile, Ajinkya Rahane slammed five maximums and six fours in his blazing innings to score an unbeaten 71 off 29 balls. In the middle-order, Shivam Dube too dealt with the big runs as he smashed a quickfire 50 off 21 which massively helped the side to post a humongous first innings total of 235 runs. In doing so, CSK recorded the highest total thus far in the IPL 2023.

Clinical bowling performance by CSK during the chase 

In response to the mammoth total, CSK extended their domination as Akash Singh and Tushar Deshpande struck early blows to dismiss Narayan Jagadeesan and Sunil Narine in under two overs. Furthermore, the bowling unit was bang on point in terms of maintaining accurate line and length to restrict KKR from scoring the big runs. KKR managed to get just 38 runs in the powerplay which saw an uptick in the required run rate thereby mounting pressure on the home side.

Jason Roy’s blazing cameo in vain

Following the dismissals, KKR required big innings by someone from the middle order. In came Jason Roy, who took the rival bowling unit to the cleaners and helped the derailed side get back on track. He breathed fire as he slammed five sixes and as many boundaries to score 61 off just 26 balls. 

However, after he was dismissed by Maheesh Theekshana, Rinku Singh tried hard to get the big runs but eventually succumbed under pressure. CSK recorded their biggest win of IPL 2023, winning by 49 runs to go on top of the points table with five wins and ten points.

Losing captain, Nitish Rana said-

Need to give credit to Jinks for carrying out whatever he was attempting. It's difficult to digest being taken for 235 runs on that pitch. We have not been improving in the tournament. If we keep repeating our mistakes in such a big tournament against big teams, you are going to be behind. We needed to have a good start [in the powerplay] chasing such a big score, but couldn't get it and we were always behind in the game.

Winning captain, MS Dhoni said-

Thanks for the support and they [crowd] came in big numbers. Whenever there's a next KKR game, they will come supporting them. Yes, the fast bowlers and spinners have been doing their job. We always kept the pressure on the opposition and if you see their batting line-up, they have big hitters down the order and we respect that. I keep it simple. Whoever is injured, he can't do anything. I see who looks better prepared and see the youngster who can get the chance and motivate him. I hope it keeps going - not the injuries but the performance (laughs). What is also important is when you realise the potential of someone you let him bat the way he wants (on Rahane). Whatever your strength is be positive and enjoy it. And the second thing is try to give him the best position to score runs. Someone has to sacrifice the position.

Player of the Match, Ajinkya Rahane said-

Just a clear mindset and nothing else. If that's right, you can do anything and so just wanted to keep my mind clear. The prep before the season was very good. Ball was stopping and the pitch was a little sticky, but the outfield was fast and one side was small. Ruturaj batted very well and I just wanted to be positive. I enjoyed all the knocks this season and I feel my best is yet to come. Great learning to play under MS. Played under him at India and playing under him at CSK for the first time. Whatever he says, you listen.