IPL 2024, LSG vs CSK, Key Takeaways: Rahul-De Kock partnership proves to be vital; LSG win home game

IPL 2024, LSG vs CSK, Key Takeaways: KL Rahul-Quinton de Kock added 134 runs for opening stand and took LSG home. Top takeaways for LSG vs CSK from the match.

IPL 2024: Rahul, de Kock added 134 runs for opening stand (Images: ©BCCI/IPLT20)

Brief Scores: CSK - 176/6 (Ravindra Jadeja 57*, Ajinkya Rahane 36, Krunal Pandya 2/16) lost to LSG - 180/2 ( KL Rahul 82, Quinton de Kock 54, Matheesha Pathirana 1/29) by 8 wickets.

Player of the Match: KL Rahul (82 off 53)

Lucknow Super Giants and Chennai Super Kings are two teams who have endured contrasting fortunes in their previous couple of matches. After two successive losses, LSG made a strong comeback by registering a comprehensive win. The home side emerged as the better team today, getting their fourth win of the season.

LSG won the toss and elected to bowl first. Their bowlers started the innings well with some early breakthroughs. The visitors lost four wickets in 12 overs, which put them under pressure. Ravindra Jadeja’s half-century alongside MS Dhoni’s quickfire cameo helped the Super Kings reach 176/6. Krunal Pandya was the pick of the bowlers for the Super Giants with two wickets.

In the second innings, LSG had an excellent start. Though both openers struggled to time the ball to perfection, they stayed at the crease, keeping the scoreboard ticking. KL Rahul and Quinton de Kock built a strong 100-run opening partnership. Both batters achieved their half-centuries, putting their team in a comfortable position before getting out. The Super Kings bowlers didn’t look in good touch as they struggled to break the opposition’s opening stand. 

Key Takeaways from LSG vs CSK, Match 34, IPL 2024 - Winning team (LSG)

KL Rahul and Quinton de Kock’s opening stand proves vital in the run chase.

KL Rahul and Quinton de Kock showcased a masterful display of opening partnership, where their cohesive efforts proved vital in steering their teams towards victory. Their contrasting yet complementary styles set the perfect tone for the run chase, laying a solid foundation for their teams to build upon. 

De Kock played the perfect supporting role in the partnership, providing the much-needed impetus with his aggressive stroke play. His ability to find boundaries at crucial junctures and keep the momentum going was critical to setting the tone while chasing. Meanwhile, Rahul's ability to anchor the innings while keeping the scoreboard moving proved invaluable for his team’s victory.

Read More: IPL 2024, KKR vs LSG: Salt bludgeons LSG with 89* after Starc's impressive 3-28; KKR onto 8 points

⁠LSG’s bowling changes were apt tonight

Lucknow Super Giants' bowling changes were apt tonight as they kept CSK batters under control. The captain's astute decision-making and understanding of the game were crucial in implementing effective bowling changes. LSG’s bowling unit is comprised mostly of inexperienced and young bowlers. 

However, the bowlers bowled superbly against CSK's strong batting line-up. Except for Matt Henry, all Super Giants bowlers contributed by picking at least one wicket. Tactical bowling changes increased the pressure on the opposition, forcing them to play defensively and restricting their run-scoring opportunities.

Key Takeaways from LSG vs CSK, Match 34, IPL 2024 - Losing team (CSK)

MS Dhoni scored 29 off 8 balls against LSG (Images: ©BCCI/IPLT20)

Dhoni-Ali's late burst gave a defendable total on the board.

MS Dhoni and Moeen Ali’s superb performances late in the innings assisted five-down Chennai Super Kings in posting a fighting total on the board. Ali smashed 30 runs off 20 balls, including three sixes. Meanwhile, Dhoni played a brilliant quickfire knock of 28 runs in just 9 balls. The former CSK skipper, renowned for his strategic insight and calm under pressure, orchestrated a late burst of brilliance that propelled his team towards a defendable total on the scoreboard. 

From the start of the innings, CSK was in trouble as they lost a few early wickets. However, a small cameo from Rahane and a controlled knock from Jadeja helped Chennai balance their innings. In the last few overs, Dhoni and Ali’s heroics on the pitch assisted the Super Kings in putting on a decent target of 177.

Read More: IPL 2024, MI vs CSK: Pathirana's 4-28 derails MI chase; CSK reach 8 points

Statistical Highlights from LSG vs CSK, IPL 2024

• MS Dhoni now has 105 sixes in the last two overs of the innings in IPL.

• Fourth-time Krunal Pandya has dismissed Ajinkya Rahane in T20s.

• CSK has the second-lowest wickets in the powerplay of this IPL.

IPL 2024 Points Table

Points Table Scenario & What’s Next

With the convincing triumph over CSK, the Super Giants are back on their winning ways. They currently hold fifth place on the points table, while the Chennai Super Kings are in third spot with eight points. 

Next up, Delhi Capitals will face Sunrisers Hyderabad at their home ground, Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on April 20.

Read More: IPL 2024, LSG vs GT: Thakur-Pandya combined 8-41 cripples GT; LSG secure third win & move to no. 3