The Kings XI Punjab have been knocked out of the playoffs race as Chennai Super Kings comprehensively beat them at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. The total of 153 by Kings XI Punjab wasn’t enough as Chennai Super Kings opening batter Ruturaj Gaikwad scored his third consecutive fifty of the season to lead his side to their 6th win of the season.
It all started at the toss as Chennai Super Kings skipper MS Dhoni won the toss and elected to bowl first the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Kings XI Punjab dropped Glenn Maxwell from their side as Jimmy Neesham. Subsequently, Imran Tahir and Shardul Thakur also returned to the Chennai Super Kings side.
Kings XI Punjab Knocked Out Of Playoffs Contention
Batting first Kings Xi Punjab had an explosive start to their innings. Skipper KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal went hard at the opening bowlers of CSK. Following a 48 run stand between the two, KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal both lost their wickets in quick succession as both were prey to Lungi Ngidi.
Universe Boss Chris Gayle and his countrymen Nicholas Pooran looked to build a partnership between them but they too lost their wickets very early on. Then it was all about Deepak Hooda as his notched up his second IPL fifty as all thanks to his innings KXIP reached to a decent total of 153 at the end of 20 overs. In the chase, Ruturaj Gaikwad ended up scoring his third consecutive of the season as Chennai Super Kings comprehensively beat Kings XI Punjab by 9 wickets.
Also Read IPL 2020: ‘Definitely Not’, MS Dhoni When Asked If This is His Last Game For CSK At The Toss
CSK Management And Team Were Supportive – Ruturaj Gaikwad
The man of the match of today’s match between Chennai Super Kings and Kings XI Punjab was Ruturaj Gaikwad for his unbeaten half-century. At the presentation ceremony, Gaikwad said that he was very confident playing this season for the Chennai Super Kings.
In past, he has played the anchor role for his state side Maharashtra which is why it was easier for him to adapt this season.
“I was confident coming in [based on the last domestic season]. Even in club games, even for Maharashtra, I’ve to play the anchor and take the team to the end. It did hurt not to be part of the squad that flew at first and miss the first few games, but the management and team were supportive. First one or two games it was surreal to be around some of the big names,” Ruturaj Gaikwad said after an eventful IPL campaign.
