IPL 2021, Match 53: CSK vs PBKS, Stats Review: KL Rahul’s record-breaking knock blows CSK away

Punjab Kings have kept their outside chances of qualifying for IPL 2021 playoffs alive with a spectacular six-wicket win over Chennai Super Kings at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The three-time winners have truly lost the plot, suffering their third successive defeat. These are certainly worrying signs of them ahead of the playoffs. CSK’s outing against PBKS was not but forgettable as the KL Rahul-side was on command throughout the game.

Speaking of how the game unfolded, the coin landed in PBKS’ favour and KL Rahul opted to bowl first. The bowlers justified the decision by taking wickets at regular intervals. From Ruturaj Gaikwad to Ambati Rayudu, many batters failed to get going. However, opener Faf du Plessis showcased a remarkable fight and scored a brilliant half-century. Overall, he scored 76 off 55 balls as CSK posted 134/6 in their allotted 20 overs.

While the Dubai track challenged CSK batters, PBKS chased down the total without any hassle. Skipper KL Rahul unleashed mayhem and cleared boundaries for fun. He scored an unbeaten 98 off mere 42 deliveries as Punjab crossed the line in mere 13 overs.

Meanwhile, here are the important stats and numbers from the CSK vs PBKS clash in IPL 2021:

1000– KL Rahul became the first batter to complete 1000 IPL runs in UAE. Overall, his tally reads 1083 runs in 25 games.

2548– Rahul is now the highest run-scorer of the Punjab-based franchise with 2548 runs. He overtook Shaun Marsh’s tally of 2477 runs.

600– Rahul also became the first player to complete 600 runs in IPL 2021.

3 – Rahul became the third player after David Warner and Chris Gayle to complete 600 runs in an IPL season thrice.

2 – 98 by KL Rahul is the second-highest unbeaten score by a captain while chasing in IPL. In 2016, RCB skipper Virat Kohli remained unbeaten at 106 against the now-defunct Rising Pune Supergiant.

30 – Rahul has now smashed 30 sixes in IPL 2021, third joint-most by a captain in a season. While Rahul shares the record with MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli (38) and David Warner (31) are ahead of him.

6 – Rahul also became the first batter to have six scores in excess of 50 this season.

3 – PBKS recorded their third biggest win in terms of balls remaining (42).

100– Mayank Agarwal completed 100 matches in the Indian Premier League.

48 – Deepak Chahar bowled the most expensive spell of his IPL career, conceding 48 runs. In 2020, the pacer conceded 47 runs against Kolkata Knight Riders.

7 – Shardul Thakur became the seventh bowler to complete 50 IPL wickets while playing for CSK.