Watch: Virat Kohli gives an aggressive send-off to Rachin Ravindra in CSK-RCB IPL 2024 season opener

Despite posting a formidable total of 173 against reigning champions Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season opener, Royal Challengers Bengaluru surrendered to a six-wicket defeat to Chennai Super Kings(CSK). Star batter Virat Kohli, who returned to action last night, who scored 21 runs in the game, the former skipper was spotted giving an aggressive send-off to opposition batter Rachin Ravindra. The incident occurred during the seventh over of the Chennai Super Kings innings after Ravindra was dismissed for 37.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru spinner Karn Sharma came up with a length ball and Ravindra attempted to slam a six but the Kiwi batter failed to connect the shot properly and as a result, he was caught by Rajat Patidar located in the deep backward square leg region. The dismissal was quite crucial for the Faf du Plessis-led side as Ravindra appeared to be in blistering form having scored 37 off just 15 balls. Following the dismissal, an aggressive Kohli was spotted presumably abusing Ravindra. Kohli was even seen gesturing with his finger to send off to Ravindra.

Watch Kohli’s reaction here. 

Kohli’s knock comprised of just one six. Kohli was dismissed by Chennai Super Kings’ left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman. Despite earning a solid start, thanks to primarily skipper Du Plessis’ splendid knock of 23-ball 35, the visitors found themselves reeling at 5/78 at one point.

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Dinesh Karthik and young wicketkeeper Anuj Rawat then weathered the storm by producing a solid partnership of 95 runs. Rawat returned to the dressing room having pulled off a vital knock of 48 off 25 balls while Karthik remained unbeaten on 38.

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Chennai Super Kings’ Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur displayed terrific bowling as he scripted impressive figures of 4/29 in his four overs. The run chase proved to be quite comfortable for the Ruturaj Gaikwad-led side who claimed a convincing six-wicket victory.

“I feel that was a big turning point to get Maxwell and Faf out. We got three quick wickets and it helped us control the next overs, that was the real turning point,” Gaikwad said at the post-match press conference.

“I’ve always enjoyed it (captaincy), never felt it as an additional pressure. I had experience on how to handle it, never felt any pressure, obviously had Mahi (MS Dhoni) bhai as well,” he added.

In their next match, Chennai Super Kings will be up against last year’s runners-up Gujarat Titans on Tuesday (26 March).