Ravindra Jadeja was at the heart of the Chennai Super Kings’ dominant seven-wicket victory over the Kolkata Knight Riders in their IPL 2024 clash at Chepauk on Monday night. His all-round performance, encompassing a crucial bowling spell, a sharp catch to reach a milestone, and a characteristically composed batting display, proved instrumental in CSK’s emphatic win.
Jadeja’s Catches Win Matches, But He Doesn’t Count Them
Jadeja’s impact began from the very first ball of the match. He displayed exceptional fielding skills, taking a blinder of a catch at point to dismiss KKR opener Phil Salt for a golden duck. This early breakthrough set the tone for CSK’s bowling attack.
Later in the innings, with KKR threatening to build a solid partnership, Jadeja stepped up again. He produced a double-wicket over, dismissing both the set batsmen â Angkrish Raghuvanshi and the dangerous Sunil Narine. In his following over, he sent back Venkatesh Iyer for just 3 runs, effectively putting CSK in complete control within a span of eight deliveries. His bowling figures of 3/18 from four overs were a testament to his accuracy and control.
But Jadeja’s contribution wasn’t limited to his bowling. He further cemented his all-rounder status by adding another milestone to his illustrious career. Late in the KKR innings, he took a seemingly easy catch to dismiss their skipper, Shreyas Iyer. This catch marked a special moment for Jadeja as it was his 100th catch in the IPL. He joins an elite group of players â Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, Kieron Pollard, and Rohit Sharma â to achieve this feat.
However, Jadeja’s nonchalant attitude towards his fielding prowess was evident during a mid-innings interview with the broadcasters. When asked about his 100th catch, he quipped, “I don’t count my catches,” highlighting his focus on contributing in all aspects of the game.
Jadeja’s Chepauk Advantage and CSK’s Domination
Jadeja’s experience playing at Chepauk was another crucial factor in his success. During the post-match presentation, he acknowledged his familiarity with the conditions, stating, “I have always enjoyed my bowling here (Chepauk). I was just looking to bowl in the good areas. I’ve practiced a lot here and if you bowl in good areas, it helps you.” He further observed that visiting teams often take time to adjust to the Chepauk pitch, giving CSK a slight home advantage.
With KKR restricted to a modest total of 137/9, the CSK batsmen chased down the target comfortably in just 17.4 overs. While Jadeja’s knock of 26* off 18 balls remained unbeaten, his bowling and fielding heroics were the foundation for CSK’s dominant win.
This victory not only propels CSK back into contention in IPL 2024 but also highlights the invaluable role that Ravindra Jadeja plays in their setup. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball, coupled with his exceptional fielding skills, makes him a true match-winner.
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 helped Chennai Super Kings dismantle Kolkata Knight Riders at Chepauk. Jadeja downplays his 100th IPL catch milestone, stating "I don't count my catches". %%page%%){kind=link}