Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar poked fun at R Ashwin during the latter’s initial batting struggles against Chennai Super Kings at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.

Ashwin was sent out to bat at No.5, shortly after Ravindra Jadeja dismissed Devdutt Padikkal and Sanju Samson in the same over. The Rajasthan Royals all-rounder was dropped by Moeen Ali off the first ball he faced and did not look comfortable, especially against spin.

In the 14th over, when Ashwin was on 10 off 14, he tried to force the ball through the off side but could only slice it towards extra cover. He then set off for a single, only to see Jos Buttler unmoved at the other end. Ashwin had to scramble back but was saved as Moeen first fumbled and then fired a wild throw that evaded Dhoni.

Manjrekar, who was commentating alongside Matthew Hayden, did not shy away from a cheeky comment, querying jokingly whether Dhoni had deliberately not gathered that throw and effected the run-out.

“Was that a deliberate miss from MS?” Manjrekar asked.

“So sinister, Sanjay,” Hayden replied. “Ashwin now is just absorbing balls and it cannot be possible. We know there is going to be dew later on. Moeen is having an absolute nightmare in the field.”

Ashwin managed to squeeze the next ball away for four.

“He has found some runs here, he will be relieved. You have got to feel for Ashwin as well.” Manjrekar added. “14 off 16 now.”

Ashwin turned things around after the mix-up with Buttler. He belted debutant Akash Singh for two sixes in the next over before being dismissed by the left-arm pacer for a 22-ball 30.

RR found notable contributions from Buttler and Shimron Hetmyer, with the pair playing crucial roles as the visitors made 175-8 from their stipulated 20 overs.