IPL 2024 points table: What second consecutive loss vs LSG means for CSK

Chennai Super Kings slipped to fifth place in the IPL 2024 points table after suffering a six-wicket defeat against Lucknow Super Giants on Tuesday. Ruturaj Gaikwad’s century went in vain as Marcus Stoinis hit an unbeaten 124 to guide LSG to victory. CSK have 8 points from 8 matches at the moment with a healthy net run rate of 0.415. On the other hand, LSG moved up to fourth place with 10 points from 8 matches, but their NRR is not better than CSK’s. Rajasthan Royals are at the top of the table with 14 points, followed by Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad (both with 10 points).

KL Rahul praised Marcus Stoinis’ 63-ball 124 not out against Chennai Super Kings as he felt the home team’s score of 210 for 4 was at least 30 runs above par on that Chepauk track in particular.

Stoinis’ special effort overshadowed a classy century from CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad in their IPL match on Tuesday as LSG won by six wickets.

Rahul, who once said that strike rates are overrated in T20s, admitted that a total like 180, which was considered challenging, may not be enough in the days of ‘Impact Player’.

“Very special (victory), especially when it comes to a game like this. It felt like we were way behind the game in pursuit. Just getting a win is special,” said Rahul at the post-match presentation ceremony.

Rahul said the win against CSK in Lucknow had little context on a very different deck in Chennai.

“They were different conditions. They started well and put pressure on the bowlers. I didn’t think it was a 210 wicket.

“They hit really well. All credits to Stoinis. He was phenomenal to watch. It was not just a powerful hit, but a smart hit. Sending Stoinis at number three was a smart move by the LSG management and Rahul feels they had to make a “courageous” decision.

“We wanted to be much braver as a team. We had three games, some at home and some away, where we couldn’t get past 170. We needed a power hitter in the top three. That was the thought process.

“I also realized that T20 cricket has changed in recent years – 170-180 is not always enough. You have to go harder on the powerplay.

“The Impact player gives depth and more freedom. I haven’t played T20 cricket for a long time. Asked if Nicholas Pooran can fulfill the order, the captain said save him and Quinton de Kock as openers, none of the other positions are fixed.

“There is no defined plan. Apart from the openers, everyone is ready to go at any time. In the last game, Pooran came in at three. I hope to get the prize defender. CSK captain Gaikwad, whose century passed in vain, felt that dew played an important role in the second half of the match.

“A tough pill to swallow, but LSG played a good game in the end. We had the game in hand by the 13th, but hats off to Stoinis.

“Dew played an important role. This took the spinners out of the game. We could have taken the game deeper. But it’s part of the game, you can’t control the uncontrollable.” Man of the match Stoinis said: “It’s not just a try. It was an ebb and flow. We targeted a few bowlers, some we were wary of. Nicky Pooran played a good innings, Hooda too.

“It ebbed and flowed. Inside you are always structuring. You are liking some bowlers and not liking others very much.

(With PTI inputs)