The much-anticipated clash between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) marked the commencement of the Indian Premier League 2024. The high-stakes encounter at the MA Chidambaram Stadium set the stage for an enthralling season ahead.

As CSK embarked on their quest for a record sixth IPL title, all eyes were on the team’s revamped leadership under Ruturaj Gaikwad. With the iconic MS Dhoni stepping down as captain, Gaikwad assumed the mantle, ushering in a new era for the defending champions.

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In the first match of the IPL 2024, it was Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Faf du Plessis who won the toss and had no hesitation in batting first against Chennai Super Kings at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. Despite Brian Lara declaring the surface as a bowl first pitch, du Plessis went with his instincts and felt putting up a target is better option that chasing.

RCB commenced their innings with aggressive batting, led by skipper Faf du Plessis, who set the tone with a blistering start. RCB got off to a cracking start, with skipper Faf du Plessis leading the charge by notching 35 off 23 deliveries with the help of eight boundaries.

Mustafizur’s Impact

Faf du Plessis gave Royal Challengers Bengaluru an electrifying start. He tore into his former teammate Deepak Chahar, but the fiery knock was cut short by left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman. New recruit Rachin Ravindra took a sensational catch in the deep to dismiss the RCB captain.

In the same over, Mustafizur Rahman claimed the crucial wicket of Rajat Patidar for a duck, marking MS Dhoni’s first catch of IPL 2024. The Chennai Super Kings’ bowling attack continued to wreak havoc as Deepak Chahar dismissed Glenn Maxwell for a golden duck within the powerplay, adding to RCB’s woes.

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Royal Challengers Bengaluru, initially cruising at 41 for no loss, suffered a dramatic collapse, losing three quick wickets during the powerplay. CSK’s relentless bowling assault shifted the momentum firmly in their favour.

Wickets in Quick Succession

Mustafizur Rahman returned to the attack in the 12th over, delivering another blow to RCB’s hopes. On the second ball of the over, Mustafizur accounted for the dismissal of Virat Kohli. Ajinkya Rahane executed a brilliant catch, tossing the ball to boundary rider Rachin Ravindra before sliding over the boundary line.

In a further setback for RCB, Cameron Green fell victim to Mustafizur Rahman on the fourth ball of the same over. Green attempted a big shot but missed the delivery entirely, resulting in his stumps being shattered. The loss of two critical wickets in quick succession raised concerns about RCB’s ability to recover in the match, posing a daunting challenge for the struggling side.

Mustafizur Rahman has bowled three overs and he bagged 4 important wickets for CSK. RCB is now 124/5 after 17 Overs.

Transition from MS Dhoni’s Captaincy

The spotlight also fell on Dhoni, whose decision to relinquish the captaincy added an intriguing dimension to the tournament opener. With Dhoni’s unparalleled legacy as CSK’s former captain, his transition to a mentorship role signalled a dynamic shift for the franchise.