Former champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have had no respite this season, as their horrific campaign continued following a loss to Delhi Capitals (DC) in Match 34 of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) on Saturday. Being played in Sharjah, CSK succumbed to a five-wicket defeat, as it happened to be their sixth loss of the season. Meanwhile, let us analyse the talking points from the game.
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Tushar Deshpande maturing with each game: It was a surprise when DC skipper Shreyas Iyer handed Deshpande the new ball in the game. However, he is known for giving early breakthroughs, and that is exactly what he did, by getting rid of Sam Curran in the opening over, for a duck. With three wickets in two games, he is clearly maturing with each passing game.
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Should Ravindra Jadeja come ahead of Ambati Rayudu? Rayudu is known to play composed knocks, as he tends to steer the innings slowly. However, Jadeja is known to play big shots and accelerate. Although both played decent knocks tonight, Jadeja walking ahead of Rayudu would allow the former to have more game time and score higher, making it easier for Rayudu and other incoming batsmen. However, for that, MS Dhoni needs to fire as a finisher as well.
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Dhoni desperately needs to fire with the bat: Dhoni did display some of his big-hitting skills initially during the tournament. However, as the competition has progressed, he has failed to finish things for the side. Also, the lack of quality batting for him could be having a psychological effect on the team. It's about time Dhoni takes it seriously. Or maybe, he should just walk away for the sake of his legacy.
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Dhawan's new intent positive news for Team India: Dhawan has risen to the occasion, as he has scored half-centuries in three consecutive IPL innings now. Moreover, there seems to be a new intent in his batting. While this is a good piece of news for DC, it is even better for Team India, especially ahead of their upcoming gruelling tour of Australia, next month.
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Should CSK play an extra bowler over Kedar Jadhav? Jadhav has barely made any impact with the bat this season, having scored just 58 runs in four innings at a poor average of 19.33. Also, batting such lower down the order is making no sense for him. Maybe, Dhoni should pick an extra bowler, allowing the side to have more economical bowling options, especially while defending.
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Match summary: Electing to bat, CSK were off to a flying start. It was three fine innings from Faf du Plessis (58), Shane Watson (36) and Ambati Rayudu (45*) that allowed the side to post an above-par total of 1794. In reply, it was Dhawan, who played a stellar knock of an unbeaten 101, along with Axar Patel's cameo of five-ball 21 in the final over, which allowed DC to see it through, by five wickets. As a result, DC are back on top.
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