Watch: Rachin Ravindra’s first fifty in the Indian Premier League ended in an unfortunate run out during CSK’s crucial game against RCB at Bengaluru on May 18.
Rachin Ravindra had not had the greatest season, making 161 runs in nine innings at an average of 20.1, but he turned around his fortunes with a fine 37-ball 61 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru that threatened to define Chennai Super Kings’ path into the playoffs of the 2024 Indian Premier League.
Needing at least 201 to qualify as the fourth team in the league, CSK were dealt an early blow as they lost skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad to the first ball of the innings. Daryl Mitchell departed soon after as CSK fell to 19-2, but Ravindra combined with Ajinkya Rahane to keep CSK in the fray.
Rahane’s departure for 33 in 22 spelt trouble but Ravindra kept going at the other end, bringing up his fifty in 31 balls. However, he was dismissed soon as he was caught ball-watching while looking for a second run on the last ball of the 13th over.
Glenn Maxwell bowled a flatter delivery to Shivam Dube on the leg stump, who pushed it gently towards deep backward square leg. Dube immediately called for two runs, but Ravindra remained focused on the throw, which slowed him down. Mahipal Lomror was quick to throw it back to the wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik, who had no trouble in whipping off the bails, with Ravindra well short.
Ravindra apologised to Dube before walking back. His dismissal sparking a collapse of sorts. From 115-3, CSK fell to 129-6 as a qualification seemed to be slipping away.
A late surge from Ravindra Jadeja (42 not out in 22 balls) and MS Dhoni (25 in 13) brought CSK closer to the target, but they lost by 27 runs and fell 10 short of the cut-off for a playoffs berth.
