Both these teams have always contested in tight games. I can't forget this experience still. Today's game was no different. Both the teams fought tooth & nails with stand-out performances from Hussey, Watson, Ashwin & Faulkner. Fielding standards were generally high - except for the one or two lapses. And it was a pleasure to watch.
CSK bowlers bowled their hearts-out on a batting pitch and did well to restrict RR to 185 after a solid start by Rajasthan Royals. 180 was a probably a par-score. So letting them score only 185 was not a bad performance by the bowlers. And Hussey & Raina set up a platform for Bravo & Dhoni to take the team home.
Positives:
1. Ashwin: Ashwin is back to his IPL-best today.
2. Hussey: Slowly inching himself to the orange cap, Faf would have a tough fight to displace Hussey from the opener slot. And he saved around 5-10 runs through his fielding only.
3. Raina: Slowly he is getting better - which is the most positive news from today's match
4. Bravo: His ability to deliver in crunch situations has become 'legendary'.
5. Team Management: Though Albie is 'officially injured', playing Holder instead of Albie was a good decision. Was a gutsy call. Considering the pitch, the team Management did pick the right squad.
Negatives:
1. Vijay: Would have done him good - if he stayed for a little more time in this batting pitch.
2. Jadeja: Had a poor game with the bat & ball. Proved that he is not Chuck Norris. :) But do expect him to be back for the next match.
Fan's Man of the Match: Hussey - for his efforts in the field & with the bat.
P.S: CSK now take lead in the table. And Chennai Super Kings face Sunrisers Hyderabad in a battle for the top of the table.
P.S: CSK now take lead in the table. And Chennai Super Kings face Sunrisers Hyderabad in a battle for the top of the table.