CSK Get Their Rhythm in a Game of Crucial Moments

Chennai Super Kings demonstrated to all the world why they remain a perilous outfit even in a year when things have not worked out so well. They played LSG in Lucknow and it was a game full of small turning points that added up to assist CSK in ultimately ending their run of losses. The last match awarded them two badly needed points and brought them back into contention with the leaders. The process of winning this game was characterized by small but crucial moments that enabled CSK to win despite things not quite going their way.

The largest moment of all occurred in the early part of the game in the PowerPlay when Anshul Kamboj took a bold decision. He felt he had Nicholas Pooran LBW trapped and although MS Dhoni felt it could be going down the leg side Kamboj held on to his gut feeling. He opted for the review and received the decision in his favor. Pooran was dismissed for only eight runs and that decision proved to be decisive. It helped constrain LSG to less than fifty runs within the PowerPlay and provided CSK with the upper hand early on. This also revealed the manner in which even younger players are now coming forward confidently and taking important decisions that alter the game's direction.

Another important aspect of the victory was the manner in which CSK utilized their spinners during the middle overs. Ravindra Jadeja who had not been too great this season returned in good form. On a pitch favoring spin Jadeja settled into rhythm and performed well under Dhoni's captaincy. He bowled tight lines and secured crucial wickets including a clever one where he slipped the ball past Mitchell Marsh's bat. From the other end Noor Ahmad was even better. He pitched to a solid plan and didn't give much big shots. He kept Rishabh Pant under wraps and even didn't give any limits in his entire four overs. His 4-over spell costing just 13 runs was complemented by bowling coach Eric Simmons who stated that it contributed in many ways in building the victory.

At batting CSK made a bold decision by giving emerging Shaik Rasheed an opportunity at the opener. He stood in for Devon Conway and didn't let him down. Rasheed batted with purpose from the word go something that was missing in CSK. He played some stylish flicks and straight drives which gave hope and energy to the fans. His partner Rachin Ravindra replied in kind with assertive shots and the pair provided CSK with their season's quickest start. Rasheed's display was not only an injection of this game but a reflection of the quality CSK has been developing in secret behind the scenes. Simmons went as far as to say Rasheed is a reminder of a young Ruturaj Gaikwad in his style and attitude.

And then arrived the most awaited segment of the evening. When Vijay Shankar walked out in the 15th over everyone was looking forward to who would emerge next. The crowd wished for just one person and they received their wish. MS Dhoni emerged to the middle and the entire mood changed. He began with a thumping shot down the extra cover and then continued it with a good touch to third man boundary. With each of his shots the crowd was increasing in voice and pressure mounted over LSG. Shardul Thakur lost his control in attempting to deliver perfect balls and ended up leaking extras. Dhoni being present made a difference in itself and his finish touch gave the reminder that even at 43 he can turn a match around.

The highlight in this game was not one individual big game but a string of little moments where CSK got things right. Whether it was an inexperienced player taking a bold call or an experienced one displaying his class in the latter overs CSK managed to win through belief teamwork and timely strokes. They may not have been flawless but they were astute and courageous and that was sufficient to get back to the right track. Those instances are the reason Chennai Super Kings continue to be one of the league's most highly regarded clubs and why they cannot ever be ruled out.