IPL 2020: Match 34 – DC vs CSK – Who Said What

The 34th match of the Indian Premier League saw action between Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings in Sharjah. Shikhar Dhawan’s breathtaking ton led Delhi home by five wickets. Choosing to bat first, CSK posted a respectable 179/4 where Faf du Plessis (58 off 47) and Ambati Rayudu (45* off 25) pushed the yellow army to find a good spot on the board. Shane Watson also remained in his rhythm and contributed 36 runs from his end.

Stunning batsman, Sikhar Dhawan, was named as the player of the match for his magnificent century. Cameo by Ravindra Jadeja (33* off 13) helped his team to get near the 180 mark. Axar Patel remained great with the ball as he conceded just 23 runs in four overs.

Hunting down the target, Delhi started on an average tone until the heroics of Dhawan began. He owned the night like a King as he played an unbeaten knock of 101 off 58. Axar Patel (21* off 5) came as another magic for Delhi as he smashed three straight sixes in the last over to hand over a great victory to his team. Deepak Chahar showed his splendid form with the ball as he conceded just 18 off his spell to pick two wickets.

Losing Skipper, MS Dhoni said

Bravo was not fit, he went out and was really not able to come back. That was the reason we had to bowl (Jadeja). The option was between Karn and Jaddu so I went ahead with Jaddu. Maybe not enough. Shikhar’s wicket was important, we did drop him quite a few times. He’s somebody if he is batting, he’ll keep ticking the scoreboard. He’ll keep taking his chances. If he’s there on the crease, he’ll always maintain a good strike rate. I felt his wicket was crucial. Also there was difference between the first and second innings.

The wicket behaved slightly better in the second innings, it came on slightly better which made it slightly easy for the batsmen. But overall, we can’t really take the credit away from Shikhar, he batted really well and was supported really well by the other batters. There was just enough dew, there wasn’t a lot of dew, just enough to make it slightly better and that creates a difference between the first and the second innings.

Sam’s last over, the way he bowled (when asked about the positives from the game). He needs to be convinced that he can execute outside off yorkers that is something most of the coaching staff want the bowlers to bowl. If you are not comfortable doing it, you can’t really push in the games. I feel this game will give him a lot of confidence when it comes to executing outside off yorkers, I feel that will be one delivery that is slightly difficult to hit.

Winning Skipper, Shreyas Iyer said

I was very nervous, didn’t know what to say because it was getting to the last over. I knew that if Shikhar stays till the end, we will win. But the way Axar struck the ball was amazing to see. Whenever we give the Man of the Match awards in our dressing room, he is always there. He is an unsung hero. His preparation is always on point and he knows what he is doing. We’ve been gelling well as a team from the first day of our camp. We know the strengths and weaknesses of each other. We’ve embraced each other’s success and failure in the same way. I just told one of the teammates today that today the way he batted, it was really mesmerizing to see. Also gives me some breathing space as captain.

Man of the match, Shikhar Dhawan said

It’s very special (first IPL ton). Playing for 13 years, so very special. Really happy. At the start of the tournament, I was hitting the ball but I wasn’t converting the 20s or 30s into fifties. Once you start doing that, you get more confidence. I just want to continue the same form and make the most of it. I keep my mindset positive, I don’t think a lot. Of course, I do have a few strategies according to pitch. I feel I have courage. It (fitness) is very important. Luckily, I was able to work a lot on my routine due to this long break we had due to Corona.