IPL 2021: Shikhar Dhawan, Prithvi Shaw massacre CSK as DC romp home

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) failed to get their IPL 2021 campaign off to a winning start, after being defeated by Delhi Capitals (DC). The Delhi-based franchise thrashed CSK by seven wickets, on the back of an incredible partnership for the first wicket between Shikhar Dhawan and Prithvi Shaw. The Capitals chased down a total of 189 with seven wickets in hand and eight balls remaining. The Chennai bowlers were taken to the cleaners by the duo as both crossed the half-century mark. Dhawan scored 85 runs off 54 balls and Shaw smashed 72 runs off 38 deliveries. CSK captain MS Dhoni will have a lot to think of ahead of Chennai’s next game, both in terms of the team and individually. He was bowled for a duck by Avesh Khan who delivered a dream performance. 

The game was finished off by Delhi captain Rishabh Pant who remained not out on 15 off 12 balls. Marcus Stoinis also contributed with 14 runs off 9 deliveries. None of the Chennai bowlers could do anything about the onslaught. Shardul Thakur did pick up a couple of wickets but went for 53 runs. Dwayne Bravo also picked up a wicket.

The match, however, will be remembered for the magnificent 138-run partnership between Prithvi Shaw and Shikhar Dhawan. The two seemed comfortable from the first ball, but a couple of dropped catches did not help the Super Kings’ cause. Shikhar moved around in his crease like he could see the deliveries in slow motion and swept the ones bowled wide of off stump to the leg side.

The Super Kings never seemed like gaining the advantage in the match, even when they got the two set batsmen out. 

Capitals’ bowler Avesh Khan was the centre of attention in the first innings. The youngster took two big wickets after being handed an opportunity. He dismissed South African batsman Faf du Plessis and captain MS Dhoni, with both walking back for a duck. Avesh showcased an outstanding bowling display with figures of 2/23 after four overs. He might also be the centre of some controversy since his inadvertent obstruction of Ravindra Jadeja resulted in Suresh Raina’s dismissal. 

Raina could not have asked for a better return to the game. After two years without any cricketing action, Raina scored the first half-century of the season. He scored 54 runs off 36 balls which included 4 maximums and 3 fours. 

The Capitals’ bowlers were expensive, as nobody apart from Avesh and Chris Woakes was economical enough. Veteran spinners like Ravichandran Ashwin and Amit Mishra were smashed around the park, and Tom Curran was taken to the cleaners by his younger brother Sam who scored 34 runs off 15 balls. 

Sam’s partnership with Jadeja towards the end of the CSK innings propelled them to an impressive 188. Jadeja scored 26 runs off 17 balls while Ambati Rayudu and Moeen Ali contributed with 23 and 36 respectively.