In the 34th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) faced off against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at Ekana Cricket Stadium. After being asked to bat first, CSK posted a total of 176 for 6 in 20 overs, with notable contributions from Ajinkya Rahane (36 off 24) and Ravindra Jadeja (57 off 40). CSK’s innings concluded with a flourish as MS Dhoni played a crucial cameo by smashing 28 runs off just 9 balls at an impressive strike rate of 311.
LSG began their innings with gusto in response, forging an opening partnership of 134 runs. Led by stellar performances from KL Rahul (82 off 53), Quinton de Kock (54 off 43), and Nicholas Pooran (23 off 12), LSG comfortably chased down the target, securing victory by eight wickets with an over to spare.
For CSK, this loss halted their momentum following two consecutive wins. Their defeat was the result of their batting collapse, with even Shivam Dube, who had been in fine form in previous matches, getting dismissed after scoring just 3 runs. Commenting on Dube’s dismissal, former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan took to X and highlighted the vulnerabilities in Dube’s batting technique.
Irfan Pathan throws light on Shivam Dube’s dismissal
Following consecutive overs of spin targeted at Dube and Jadeja, LSG skipper Rahul opted for pace from both ends. The approach against Dube of bowling short and slow appeared straightforward. Yash Thakur executed this tactic effectively, giving away just a single run in the last two deliveries of his over before Marcus Stoinis dismissed Dube at the beginning of the 12th over. Dube attempted to pull a 125.4kph short delivery but mistimed it, resulting in a catch for Rahul at short point.
After Dube’s wicket, Pathan tweeted and emphasised that consistent bowling outside the off-stump caused more trouble for Dube than any variations in pace. He stated that, finally, any bowler used this tactic to take out the CSK batter.
“That shot outside the off-stump line I have been talking abt since long now. Finally, a bowler use that against Dube,” wrote Pathan.
That shot outside the off stump line I have been talking abt since long now. Finally a bowler use that against Dube.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) April 19, 2024
Also READ: IPL 2024- KL Rahul’s cap doff for MS Dhoni steals hearts after LSG’s triumph over CSK
Shivam Dube in IPL 2024
Despite Dube’s underwhelming performance in the match against LSG, it’s important to acknowledge that the 30-year-old batter has garnered praise for his impressive batting in previous outings. In the seven matches he has played for CSK thus far, Dube has accumulated 245 runs at a strike rate of 157.1, including two half-centuries. He currently holds the position of CSK’s leading run-scorer this season, with captain Ruturaj Gaikwad following closely behind (241 runs).
