CSK vs RR IPL 2023 LIVE: Sandeep Sharma strikes early to dismiss in-form Gaikwad

In the match between CSK and RR, Sandeep Sharma proved to be the hero for his team as he struck early in the innings to remove the in-form Gaikwad. With Boult absent from the playing XI, the pressure was on Sharma to deliver, and he did not disappoint. Sharma’s delivery angled in towards Gaikwad, who looked to whip it through the leg side. However, he only managed to get a leading edge, and the ball went high up in the air. Jaiswal, who was fielding at mid-off, called for the catch and held onto it with a brilliant grab. This was a crucial wicket for Rajasthan Royals, and it came at a time when CSK was looking to get off to a good start.

After Gaikwad’s dismissal, Ajinkya Rahane came to the crease to join Conway, hoping to repeat his incredible performance from the previous game. The pressure is now on Conway and Rahane to build a solid partnership and steer their team towards another home win. It will be interesting to see how they approach the situation, given the early loss of Gaikwad. Overall, this match promises to be an exciting one, with both teams looking to gain the upper hand early on.

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Earlier in the game –

The match between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Wednesday, 12th April, started with CSK winning the toss and opting to bowl first. The match began with a positive start for CSK, as Tushar Deshpande took the wicket of Yashasvi Jaiswal early in the innings.

However, Jos Buttler and Devdutt Padikkal carried on the innings well for RR, with the duo smashing 57 runs in the powerplay. This is the fourth consecutive time that RR has crossed the 50-run mark in the powerplay.

Dhoni, the captain of CSK, was visibly unhappy with the team’s fielding performance, with Moeen Ali missing easy slip catches. Despite this, Buttler continued his good form and scored a half-century before being substituted out as impact player Adam Zampa is set to play in the second innings.

Ashwin also contributed with a decent 30 runs, which helped the RR innings go beyond the 150-run mark. Shimron Hetmyer hit well in the last overs and helped RR score 175 runs at the loss of 8 wickets.

Overall, it was a competitive innings from RR, with Buttler and Hetmyer being the standout performers. CSK will now have to chase the target of 176 runs to secure a victory, which promises to be an exciting run chase in the second innings.