The three-time Champions have yet again been outplayed, this time they have been outplayed by Dinesh Karthik’s Kolkata Knight Riders as the side just ends up finding ways to lose matches from good positions. The charge was led up Kolkata Knight Riders batsman Rahul Tripathi who smashed 81 to take Kolkata Knight Riders to a total of 167. In the end, the total was just too much for Chennai Super Kings as they fell short of the total by

It all started at the toss where Kolkata Knight Riders skipper Dinesh Karthik won the toss and elected to bat first on the Abu Dhabi track which has quite been a tricky pitch this season. Chennai Super Kings went in with one change as Karn Sharma was brought in for leg-spinner Piyush Chawla. On the other hand, Kolkata Knight Riders went unchanged from the playing XI they played in the previous match.

The Struggle Of Chennai Super Kings Continues This Season

Kolkata Knight Riders made one change to their opening combination as it was Rahul Tripathi who opened alongside Shubman Gill instead of Sunil Narine. It wasn’t the day for Shubman Gill as he was dismissed in the powerplay by Shardul Thakur.

But it definitely has the day for Rahul Tripathi as he went on to score 81 runs with the help of small contributions by Narine, Dinesh Karthik and Pat Cummins which took Kolkata Knight Riders‘ score up to 167 at the end of 20 overs. Dwayne Bravo was the pick of the bowlers as he ended up with three wickets to his name.

In the follow-up, Chennai Super Kings had a decent start to the match as they scored 54 runs in the mandatory powerplay. All was going well until Faf Du Plessis lost his wicket to Shivam Mavi. Followed by which Ambati Rayudu too came up with a little contribution to support Shane Watson.

But as soon as Rayudu lost his wicket, it was followed by the wicket of Watson. Then the two finishers of Chennai Super Kings, Sam Curran and MS Dhoni too lost their wickets in going after the KKR bowlers. In the end, Chennai Super Kings fall short of 10 runs as the win takes Kolkata Knight Riders to the third spot in the points table.

Performing in front of Shahrukh sir is very special: Rahul Tripathi

The man of the match of today’s game between Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders was Rahul Tripathi for his magnificent innings he played opening the innings as he went on to score a crucial knock of 81 runs batting first.

At the post-match presentation, Rahul Tripathi said that he was prepared for both roles whether to open or bat down the order. He decided to go after the bowlers since the ball was nicely coming on to the bat. In the end, he mentioned how its a dream come true for him playing in the IPL and performing in front of Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan.

“Something like a dream come true for me. Was prepared for both the roles. Thought the ball was coming nicely, so I thought we should keep up the scoreboard which is why those shots came out, nothing special. It’s a journey.

Have loved this journey. Coming to KKR is special. Performing in front of Shahrukh sir is very special. It’s a dream come true,” Rahul Tripathi said.