3-time champions Chennai Super Kings are finally giving their fans something to cheer about in the fag end of the Indian Premier League after already being knocked out of the play-off race in Season 13 of the marquee event.
CSK continued to play party spoilers to play off contenders as Dhoni and Co. beat Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) by 6 wickets in an IPL encounter played out at Dubai on Thursday (Oct 29).
While promising young opener Ruturaj Gaikwad laid down a strong platform for CSK's 173-run chase, Ravindra Jadeja provided the finishing act with a whirlwind 11-ball 30 run knock to take the 3-time champions across the victory line.
With 30 runs required off the last 12 delivers, Jadeja and Sam Curran did not panic and hit Kiwi paceman Lockie Ferguson and Kamesh Nagarkoti for a flurry of boundaries to help CSK seal a win in the very last over. Jadeja finished the game in clinical style, hitting the last delivery from Kamlesh Nagarkoti for a massive six.
IPL 13 | This One Was For The Fans: Ravindra Jadeja Thanks Fans For Relentless Support After CSK's 6-Wicket Win vs KKR
Indian head coach Ravi Shastri was one among many in the cricketing circles to hail Jadeja's game changing performance with the willow for the 'Men in Yellow' against Kolkata Knight Riders.
In his typical witty style, Shastri posted a congratulatory message to 'Sir Jadeja' by recalling CSK all-rounder's love for horses and the signature celebrations he is known for.
"Great to see a freewheeling Chakra. Horseman outstanding," tweeted Shastri after Jadeja's match winning exploits for CSK against KKR at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Despite registering the fifth win of the season, Chennai Super Kings continued to languish at the bottom of the table. while KKR are fifth but could fall to seventh if SunRisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals win their games in hand.
Batting first KKR posted a competitive 172-run total riding high on Nitish Rana's fiery 61-ball 87-run knock in their 20 overs. Ravindra Jadeja showed his skill with the white cherry, picking up a wicket and just conceding 20 runs off three overs.