In the highly anticipated clash between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) to kick off the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL), former Australia opener Matthew Hayden highlights the pivotal role of getting Virat Kohli out early on the tricky Chepauk pitch. As per Hayden, Kohli’s prowess can significantly impact the game if he settles in, making it imperative for CSK to target his wicket within the powerplay overs.
“His record is a 30 average at Chepauk stadium with a strike rate of 111. Someone like Virat, even the greatness of Virat has been reduced in terms of his overall performance at that venue,” Matthew Hayden shared with Star Sports. “It is a tricky venue to bat on, especially as an opening batsman. It gets a weird tennis ball type bounce, it’s quite slow and difficult to play shots early, but the longer you bat, the game opens up and that’s where Virat can be at his most dangerous.”
Reflecting on Kohli’s ability to capitalize on longer stays at the crease, Hayden emphasizes the need for CSK to disrupt his rhythm early on. Despite Kohli’s return to action following a paternity break, Hayden believes the Indian star’s capacity to anchor the innings can lead to match-winning performances, particularly on a challenging pitch like Chepauk.
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“If he is prepared to bat the 20 overs, he can put together a match-winning performance. 200 is very accessible at Chinnaswamy but not necessarily at Chepauk Stadium,” Matthew Hayden added. “A 150, 130 at times has been plenty of runs when you get guys as good as (Ravindra) Jadeja there who bowls stump to stump with the odd ball to turn and the odd ball that stays low.”
Former India batter Mohammed Kaif echoes Hayden’s sentiments, praising Kohli’s exceptional form and insatiable hunger for match-winning contributions. Kaif acknowledges Kohli’s consistency over the past two years, citing his stellar performance in the ODI World Cup as a testament to his exceptional batting prowess and leadership qualities.
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Adding to the discussion, former India spinner Harbhajan Singh underscores the significance of RCB’s batting strength while expressing concerns about their bowling lineup. Harbhajan emphasizes the need for RCB to set formidable targets, given their bowling vulnerabilities, and stresses the importance of early breakthroughs to tilt the game in their favor.
As CSK and RCB gear up for an electrifying showdown, the focus remains on Kohli’s impact, CSK’s bowling strategy, and RCB’s quest for a balanced performance to kickstart their IPL 2024 campaign on a winning note.
