The Chennai Super Kings were looking to keep their winning run going on their return to the IPL when they faced the Kings Eleven Punjab led by former CSK man R Ashwin. But, unfortunately, they failed to chase down the target of 198.
KXIP rode the belligerent Chris Gayle’s half century as they posted a challenging total, before restricting their high-flying opponents to 193. Picking out the turning points of their first defeat of the season, CSK captain, MS Dhoni said Christ Gayle was a major factor, as was the brilliant spell by the young teenager Mujeeb Ur Rahman. Chennai Super Kings suffered their first defeat of the tournament at the hands of Kings XI Punjab after they failed to chase down 198 in the stipulated quota of 20 overs. Riding high on Chris Gayle’s 67 of 33 balls, KXIP posted a challenging total before the bowlers restricted the opposition to 193.
Dhoni also said that the decision to not bring West Indian Dwayne Bravo up the order was taken by the in the dugout. “Stephen Fleming is in the dugout so he needs to take the decision. We have confidence in Jadeja because he being a left-hander is not easy for the bowlers. This is the time we need to give him the opportunity. If Jadeja can do the job of the floater that would be really good for the team as we have Raina at the top of the order. I will back him as we have not given him many opportunities.”
