IPL 2018: Ravi Ashwin torments his former side and other talking points as Kings XI Punjab defeat Chennai Super Kings

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  • Ashwin shone against his former side. Image - KXIP/Twitter.

    MS Dhoni’s brilliant knock of an unbeaten 79 (44) went in vain as Chennai Super Kings fell to a narrow four-run defeat to Kings XI Punjab in Mohali on Sunday.

    Requiring 17 runs to win off the final over in their chase of Kings XI’s 197-7, Dhoni’s team fell just short of the finish line as the hosts won their second home match in a row.

    Here, we look at the key talking points from the IPL clash.

    GAYLESTORM ARRIVES IN THE IPL

    It was going to be impossible to keep Chris Gayle out of the IPL limelight for long. The Jamaican was not picked for Kings XI Punjab’s opening two matches but by the time he was dismissed on his debut for the franchise, skipper Ravichandran Ashwin must have been wondering if he had missed a trick by holding him back.

    Gayle struck four sixes and seven boundaries as the Kings XI fans found their voice at the IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali. The 38-year-old brought up a stylish fifty in just 22 balls as Kings XI raced away to 92-0 after seven overs. Gayle formed a 96-run opening stand with KL Rahul as the duo’s blazing start set up Kings XI for a massive total.

    FINCH’S SECOND STRAIGHT GOLDEN DUCK 

    Aaron Finch was dismissed for a golden duck in the defeat to Royal Challengers Bangalore after being struck on the pads by Umesh Yadav. The India pacer had later revealed that the team had analysed Finch and found him to be vulnerable in the first delivery of his innings. The ploy had been to attack his stumps the very first ball.

    That ploy was taken to heart by Imran Tahir who does not need an excuse to attack the stumps anyway. Finch paid the price for playing against the turn as he was given out lbw. Once again, the batsman whose name is being touted as a potential Australia skipper chose to take a review in desperation rather than belief.

    ASHWIN TORMENTS HIS OLD SIDE

    Kings XI skipper Ravichandran Ashwin had a point to prove of his own against his former employers who chose not to retain him ahead of the 2018 season. The former Chennai Super Kings stalwart proved to be a thorn in the flesh for MS Dhoni’s men on Sunday.

    He bowled an economical four overs, giving away just 32 runs while picking up the wicket of the dangerous Sam Billings with his leg-spin. That wasn’t all as the India off-spinner executed a brilliant direct hit to send back the well set Ambati Rayadu (49). These contributions proved to be vital as Punjab won their second home game in a row.

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