IPL 2024: Rajasthan Royals' 1st Innings Highlights against CSK in Match 61

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are up against the formidable Rajasthan Royals (RR) in a crucial clash of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. The five-time champions need a win to keep their playoff hopes alive. On the other hand, RR are just one win away from marching into the knockout stage.

RR captain Sanju Samson won the toss and elected to bat first but did not get a desired start. The CSK bowlers were in control throughout the innings and restricted the visitors to 141/5. Both teams made one change in their line-up from the last match. While Dhruv Jurel returned for RR, CSK brought back Maheesh Theekshana for Mitchell Santner.

Also Read: Why Mitchell Santner and Donovan Ferreira are not playing IPL 2024 Match 61 between CSK vs RR?

CSK vs RR 1st innings highlight, Match 61

Powerplay 1: Overs 0.1 to 6.0 (Mandatory – 42 runs, 0 wickets)

Tushar Deshpande and Maheesh Theekshana started off well for CSK in the sweltering heat of Chennai, conceding just seven runs in the first two overs. Jaiswal had a close escape from a run-out on the second ball of the fourth over. The southpaw then managed to hit a few boundaries and gave RR a decent powerplay.

1st Wicket: RR 43-1 in 6.2 overs

CSK bowlers forced RR openers to have a watchful start on a pitch that isn’t great for batting. The hosts managed to get their maiden wicket in the form of Yashasvi Jaiswal. The left-hander tried for a pull short against Simarjeet Singh, but lost his shape, resulting in a top edge towards cover and skipper Gaikwad took a safe catch. 

Over 11.1: Dropped Catch

Riyan Parag went for a reverse sweep against spinner Ravindra Jadeja and miscued it towards the off-side. Fielder Maheesh Theekshana at deep point completely messed up a simple catch and gave the RR middle-order batter a lifeline.  

Strategic Timeout 2: Rajasthan Royals - 91/3 in 14.2 overs, Riyan Parag (28* off 21)

A partnership slowly developed between Sanju Samson and Riyan Parag but CSK managed to break it at the right time. Simarjeet Singh got the crucial wicket of the RR skipper to reduce the visitors to 91/3 in 14.2 overs before the teams scattered for the second strategic break.

Rajasthan Royals: 100 runs in 15.3 overs

Samson’s dismissal brought Dhruv Jurel to the crease. The keeper-batter broke the shackles with six off Shardul Thakur on the third ball of the 16^th over, helping RR breach the 100-run mark for Royals. 

Innings Break: Rajasthan Royals - 141/5 in 20 overs (Riyan Parag 47* off 35, R Ashwin 1* off 1)

CSK bowlers managed to maintain the momentum throughout the innings. They did not allow the Rajasthan batters to explode in the final overs. Notably, Tushar Deshpande grabbed two back-to-back wickets in the last over. However, Riyan Parag’s brilliant knock of 35 balls 47* gave RR a decent total of 141 in 20 overs.