The MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) started their journey in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 with the tournament opener against Gujarat Titans (GT), where they faced a five-wicket defeat. However, the four-time champions bounced back when they took on Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in their second match of the competition.
It was the return of CSK to their home ground – MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai – as the Yellow Army registered an impressive 12-run victory over Lucknow on Monday. Despite a high-scoring contest, the Super Kings’ bowlers managed to reign in LSG’s strong start during the chase, ultimately securing the win for the team.
During Lucknow’s innings, Ben Stokes, the latest recruit of CSK, exhibited his fielding skills as he bagged a brilliant catch to dismiss power striker Nicholas Pooran. It all happened on the last ball of the 16th over bowled by Tushar Deshpande when Pooran tried to go for the full monty but ended up getting caught by the English superstar.
Deshpande was expensive in his opening over, stuck to his plan of bowling wide to Pooran, and his execution brought wonders. The right-arm pacer bowled full and wide as Pooran reached out and tried clubbing it down the ground. For a moment, it appeared the white leather would sail over the long-off, but Stokes had some other plans as he jumped perfectly at the edge of the boundary rope to take a sensational catch.
Here is the video:
.@benstokes38 pulls off an excellent catch near the ropes!
Impact player Tushar Deshpande gets the wicket of Nicholas Pooran at the right time!
40 off 15 required now.
Follow the match ▶️ https://t.co/buNrPs0BHn#TATAIPL | #CSKvLSG pic.twitter.com/XzUOfQ0wRL
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 3, 2023
Meanwhile, Stokes surprised everyone by returning to bowling earlier than expected, despite previous plans for him to focus solely on batting due to a long-standing issue with his left knee. During his bowling stint, the England cricketer only bowled one over and gave away 18 runs, including two fours and a six by West Indian Kyle Mayers, but failed to take any wickets.
