IPL 2020: Match 49 – CSK vs KKR – Who Said What

The 49th match of the Indian Premier League went live from Dubai between Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders. While it was just a match for CSK, it was a crucial one for KKR to strengthen its playoffs berth. CSK spoiled the party for KKR by winning the game by six wickets. Batting first, KKR posted a fine score of 172/5 on the board, and it was Nitish Rana, who became the very backbone of KKR’s batting line. He smashed splendid 87 off 61.

Ruturaj Gaikwad was named as the player of the match as he took the team home in a splendid manner. Shubman Gill contributed 26 runs off his bat to push the team towards a fine score. Ravindra Jadeja remained the economical one from Chennai’s bowling unit and picked a wicket too. Lungi Ngidi walked in the game after many days and showed some decent form by picking two wickets.

While hunting down the target, Shane Watson left the pitch too quickly before helping the team. Young Ruturaj Gaikwad showed some stellar form as he produced 72 off 53 to push the team. Cameos by Ambati Rayudu (38 off 20) and Ravindra Jadeja (31* off 11) accelerated the team’s innings like a fire. Pat Cummins and Varun Chakravarthy picked two wickets each for the KKR team.

Losing skipper, Eoin Morgan said

I think we played really well there, just on the wrong side of the toss. The dew from about the 8th over was really challenging. We improved on our batting (as compared to the previous games). Our bowlers absolutely gave it their everything. We have one game left, and still have a very little chance. We felt we were right in the game (at the halfway stage). Nitish Rana kicked on and showed his class once again. It was actually a good day for us with the bat. They (Narine and Varun) are two fantastic spinners. I can’t fault anyone’s effort tonight. He (Nagarkoti) didn’t have enough runs to defend. He’s a young guy, he will take it on the chin and move forward. Looking forward to the next game against Royals.

Winning skipper, MS Dhoni said

I think it was one game in which the climax went in our favour. Lot of credit to the guys. This season he has been fantastic. He has been the only one in our team who has scored in the death overs. He needed somebody else and that would have been good for us. We want to give games to people who haven’t played.

Rituraj has shown the talent that he is. He came in and got positive with Covid. We didn’t have much time to have a look at him. He is one of the talented youngsters going around. He is not someone who speaks a lot. Once you go inside, you are the only one handling the pressure. When we made him play the first game, he stepped out and got out.

But one ball is never enough. I think it is very exciting how he has grabbed his chances. It is very important to be relevant in the tournament. It was very important for us to give it our best. We are not in a position to qualify for the next stage but we have had a glimpse of people who can play for us in the coming seasons.

Player of the match, Ruturaj Gaikwad said

It is feeling good. Pretty confident as well. I have backed myself. Both the innings when I got out early, I knew the situation was a little tough. Covid has made me tough. As our captain says, face every situation with a smile. I stayed positive and didn’t think much about the future.