IPL 2022: Match 68, RR vs CSK – Full List of Award Winners, Player of the Match, Who Said What

Winning the 68^th match of IPL 2022 against Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Rajasthan Royals (RR) bagged a comfortable victory by five wickets to book their ticket for Qualifier 1. MS Dhoni called it right at the toss and called the Yellow Army to bat first where the entire order had nothing to offer apart from Moeen Ali, and a handful of runs from MS Dhoni’s end.

Ali’s stunning 93 off 57 in the middle was the only strong force in Chennai’s batting order while Dhoni gave some finishing touches with his 26 runs coming off 28 balls. Since only two batters could produce significant runs, CSK had to make peace by posting just 150 runs on the board after losing six wickets. Obed McCoy picked two wickets for RR while conceding at an impressive 5.00.

Ravi Ashwin’s magnificent 40* off 23 made the work easy for RR

When RR came to chase down, youngster Yashasvi Jaiswal showed the required intent and courage to set a fine start for his side. Jaiswal’s 59 off 44 and Ravi Ashwin’s magnificent 40* off 23 made the work easy for RR as they crossed the finishing line with two balls to spare. Moeen Ali was the stunner for CSK with the ball as well as he picked a wicket while giving away just 21 runs.

Losing skipper, MS Dhoni said:

I think what we need to understand is that we were playing a batter light. So when we lost those wickets, Moeen had to curb himself a bit. Role and responsibility got swapped a bit when the wickets fell. If we had lost another wicket at that point, we wouldn’t have even got anything to defend. I’d say 10-15 runs short although the start is always crucial. If you don’t start well, even 180 may not be enough. Overall, I’d say 15 runs short. I think the important factor is that he (Mukesh) is keen to learn quickly and after every game, he wants to improve. That’s what is needed for youngsters. Next season, it shouldn’t be like they are starting from scratch. Our Malinga (Pathirana) is difficult to pick, and he’ll only surely contribute for us next year. We have done well in patches. Important thing is to do well as a team. Crucial thing is to make the most of an opportunity if you are a bowler or a batter. It’s not a one-year tournament, you keep coming back year after year. Key is to keep going as a player for the next 10-12 years.

Winning skipper, Sanju Samson said:

 Feels really good, it has been standout. Almost everyone has stood out for us. It was important to understand they have quality batters. I didn’t expect to comeback so strong so well. It was a great effort. I wanted to bring him after the powerplay, he also had really great change ups. Cricket is a funny game. They had quality bowlers, but Ashwin has done a great job for us, he has turned out to be a great all-rounder for us.

Player of the match, Ravi Ashwin said:

Feels like a million dollars. It was important that we won the game tonight. That’s quite a good finish to the round games. The communication was pretty clear before the tournament. I had to work on a lot of stuff. The team management was clear with my position. I know what my role is. I have to make the batsmen take risks. I have always believed I understand the game well. I am quite innovative, they have understood me well. I want to play my A game. I am glad to make to the playoffs and super pleased. I just brought out the David Warner inside me.

Full list of awardees from the RR vs CSK match

Super Striker of the match – Ravi Ashwin

Game Changer of the match – Moeen Ali

Most Sixes – Ravi Ashwin

Power Player of the match – Moeen Ali

Most Fours – Moeen Ali

Most Valuable Asset of the match – Yashasvi Jaiswal

Fastest delivery of the match – Simarjeet Singh