New Zealand all-rounder Rachin Ravindra had an Indian Premier League to remember as defending champions Chennai Super Kings beat Royal Challengers Bengaluru by 6 wickets at the Chepauk Stadium in Chennai. Former India captain Anil Kumble has heaped praise on the CSK debutant for his quick-fire 37 and brilliant performance in the field in the opening match of IPL 2024. The New Zealand all-rounder was roped in by CSK at the IPL 2024 mini-auction following a terrific display at the 2023 ODI World Cup held in India.
Speaking to JioCinema after CSK’s win, Kumble said he was surprised that the five-time IPL champions were able to sign Rachin for such a low price at the IPL 2024 mini-action. The Chennai-based franchise secured the services of Rachin for Rs 1.80 crore at the mini-auction held in Dubai in December 2023. He played a crucial role on his IPL debut as CSK beat RCB at the Chepauk Stadium for the eighth successive time.
“He performed very well in the World Cup, not just with the bat and ball but in the field as well. So I was surprised that he went for a very low price to CSK. Generally, you have the New Zealand players available for the IPL. He’s had a fantastic debut,” said Kumble.
He went on to say that it’s not easy to replace a batter like Devon Conway at the top of the batting-order, while lauding Rachin for play both pace and spin well. Rachin smashed three boundaries and as many sixes in his 15-ball 37 at the Chepauk, while picking the catches of Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli.
“It’s not easy to come in and take Devon Conway at the top of the batting order. He came in and played his shots brilliantly, not just against the fast-bowlers, he was good against spin too. And that’s something to have to do as a batter, especially playing at the Cheapuk,” Kumble added.
CSK vs RCB: AS IT HAPPENED
RCB posted 173 for 6 on the scoreboard in the first innings on the back of a brilliant partnership between Dinesh Karthik and Anuj Rawat following a batting collapse early in their innings. Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman registered his best figures in the tournament, claiming a four-wicket haul.
CSK chased down the target with ease on the back of solid batting displays from all their batters. Impact substitute, Shivam Dube scored an unbeaten 34 while Rachin top-scorer with a quick-fire 37 as CSK chased down the 174-run target with 6 wickets and 8 balls remaining.