The opening match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 saw a tremendous display of fielding brilliance from the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) as they combined to dismiss Royal Challengers Bangalore’s (RCB) batting mainstay, Virat Kohli. The incident occurred in the 12th over with RCB looking to rebuild after losing three early wickets.
Mustafizur Rahman Stars with the Ball
Mustafizur Rahman, playing his first match for CSK, was the wrecker-in-chief for the yellow brigade. The Bangladeshi pacer picked up four wickets, including the prized scalp of Kohli, to leave RCB’s batting order in disarray.
Rahman’s first two wickets came in his very first over, dismissing RCB captain Faf du Plessis (35) and the youngster Rajat Patidar (0). The dismissal of du Plessis was a well-orchestrated fielding effort. After Faf repeatedly targeted the leg side, CSK players cleverly shifted their field placements, leading to his downfall. Patidar, on the other hand, was undone by a superb length ball that angled onto the leg stump, leaving him with no room for a shot.
Rachin Ravindra and Ajinkya Rahane Combine for Kohli’s Wicket
The dismissal of Kohli was a testament to the exceptional fielding prowess of CSK. Mustafizur bowled a back-of-length delivery that angled across the batsman. Kohli shuffled across the crease and attempted to pull the ball away, but with the lack of pace, he couldn’t generate enough power to clear the ropes.
This is where the CSK fielding came into play. Ajinkya Rahane, stationed at deep mid-wicket, moved swiftly to his right, dived spectacularly, and took a superb catch. However, the ball was about to roll towards the boundary. Alertness from Rachin Ravindra, positioned at deep backward square leg, saw him sprint in and secure the catch from a sliding Rahane. This brilliant piece of fielding synergy ended Kohli’s innings for a mere 21 runs off 20 balls.
With the top order in tatters, RCB found themselves in a precarious position. Mustafizur continued his impressive spell, picking up another wicket in the same over to leave RCB reeling at 41 for 4. The dismissal of Glenn Maxwell in the following over further dented their hopes.
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