Shivam Dube snubs Ruturaj Gaikwad; credits MS Dhoni for his match-winning knock against RCB in IPL 2024 opener

Shivman Dube and Ravindra Jadeja added an unbeaten 66-run stand-off 37 balls to help Chennai Super Kings win the IPL 2024 season opener against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

This was CSK’s 21s win overall against RCB and their eighth straight win against the opposition at the Chepauk. Ruturaj Gaikwad the newly appointed CSK captain got off to a winning start in IPL 2024. He was named the new captain of the franchise a day before the game with MS Dhoni stepping down.

For RCb, it was their fourth loss in the five IPL season openers they have played so far. Their only win in season openers came in 2021 against Mumbai Indians. Their over-reliance on the top-order and the absence of a seasoned spinner in their ranks was visible from the very first game. The absence of an experienced spinner is something that might haunt them as the tournament progresses.

Speaking about CSK’s chase, they were in a bit of a stiff after they lost four wickets inside the first 100 runs. They needed 76 runs from just over 8 overs when Shivman Dube and Ravindra Jadeja joined hands. They were peppered by the short stuff but cashed in when the opportunity was there as well. The RCB bowlers gave a few gits by bowling wides as well.

It was a cautious approach from the southpaws as they took Chennai Super Kings home with seven balls to spare and six wickets left. There were no more hiccups for the home side who in the end cantered through to the total.

Learned Finishing Games For Chennai From Mahi Bhai: Shivam Dube

Shivam Dube opened up after finishing the game saying that it is something he learned from MS Dhoni. He further said that he was yet to get over the IPL 2023 final when he stayed unbeaten alongside Jadeja.

“It was amazing. Me and Jadeja are still not out from 2023 (final). Finishing the game for Chennai is always something else for me. That’s what I have learned from Mahi bhai and that’s what I’m trying to do in every game. That feels very good when you finish the game like this and especially, on the first game of the IPL. So it feels very good,” said Dube.

Shining on #CSK Debut ✨
Home Support 💛
Finishing touch 💪

Summing up @ChennaiIPL‘s opening win of the season with Shivam Dube & Debutant Rachin Ravindra 👌👌 – By @RajalArora #TATAIPL | #CSKvRCB pic.twitter.com/r65i4T0zb9

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) March 23, 2024

In the same conversation, Rachin Ravindra asked the southpaw what was it finishing the game off for CSK. “There was only thing in my mind. Watch the ball and play. Because I know what I can do when I am there till the end,” said Dube in response.

Chepauk Crowd Was Crazy: Rachin Ravindra

The Kiwi cricketer then spoke about playing his first IPL game in front of the packed Chepauk crowd. The Southpaw top-scored with 37 off 15 balls with three fours and three sixes.

“Yeah it was obviously crazy, but the wicket was a beautiful one so made my life a lot easier the crowd was the loudest one probably the loudest one I have ever experienced. I mean everyone saw that whistle thing and the whistle was unbelievable. So hopefully we have some more nice wins here so that the crowd can cheer more for us” said the Kiwi all-rounder.

RCB posted 173/6 with the bat. Their batting effort was cut short by Mustafizur Rahman’s brilliant spell of 4/29. CSK completed the chase with seven balls and six wickets to spare.

CSK will now face Gujarat Titans in their next match on March 26. RCB plays Punjab Kings on March 25.

Also Read: Watch- Virat Kohli’s banter with Ravindra Jadeja involving Cameron Green leaves the on-field umpire in splits