Published: Apr 11, 2018, 10:30 PM (IST)
Edited: Apr 11, 2018, 10:30 PM (IST)
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) returned to IPL 2018 after a two-year hiatus due to spot-fixing scandal. In addition, they got to play in Chepauk after the same amount of time, leading to a close encounter versus Kolkata Knight Riders on Tuesday. The match, amidst all the drama and flurry of boundaries, witnessed its’ fair share of problems. It saw shoes being hurled towards CSK dug out as a result of massive protests from various groups and activists due to Cauvery water dispute in Tamil Nadu. Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had to step in; resulting in changing CSK’s home venue from Chepauk to Pune.
CSK will play rest of their ‘home’ games in Pune. #IPL2018
— Bharath Seervi (@SeerviBharath) April 11, 2018
While more details are awaited, it would be interesting to see how the Yellow Brigade cope up with the change of surface from Chepauk to Pune. The current table-toppers, Chennai, will have to churn out a different plan with reference to the pitch prepared in their ‘new home.’ Interestingly, skipper MS Dhoni is well aware of his side’s new ‘home ground’ courtesy his previous franchise Rising Pune Supergiant.
How it happened
In the aftermath of the Cauvery protests, demonstrators wore black t-shirts and gathered near Chepauk shouting slogans ahead of the CSK’ match against KKR. The state government had recommended IPL games be moved out of Chennai but revealed it would provide security if need be.
Campaign so far
Chennai played the tournament-opener versus defending champions, Mumbai Indians, at Wankhede Stadium on Saturday. In a riveting clash, Chennai got away off the penultimate ball of the contest. Similarly, they were in trouble in chase of 203 versus Knight Riders. Sam Billings’ memorable CSK debut led to another close-knit affair going in CSK’s favour.
