'Saans toh lene de usko': Virat Kohli's witty one-liner with Ravindra Jadeja lights up IPL 2024 opener
PTC News Desk: In a thrilling start to the IPL 2024 season, the Chennai Super Kings emerged victorious against the Royal Challengers Bangalore in a spirited clash in Chennai. This match not only marked the commencement of yet another exhilarating season of cricket but also witnessed a captivating on-field exchange between two stalwarts of the game – Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja.
The Chennai Super Kings, under the leadership of Ruturaj Gaikwad, kicked off their campaign with a bang, clinching a six-wicket win over the opposition. The match was brimming with excitement right from the outset, as both teams displayed their prowess on the field. Notably, this encounter marked a significant shift in leadership for CSK, with Ruturaj Gaikwad stepping into the shoes of the legendary Mahendra Singh Dhoni as the captain.
Amidst the pulsating action, a moment of light-hearted banter unfolded between Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja that added a dash of humour to the proceedings. During one of Jadeja's spells, Kohli, stationed at the non-striker's end, found himself in a jovial exchange with the CSK star. Known for his rapid pace between deliveries, Jadeja wasted no time in returning to his bowling mark after each delivery, eager to maintain the momentum of the game.
However, Kohli, quick-witted as ever, remarked to Jadeja, "Saans toh lene de usko" (Let him breathe, man!), implying a humorous plea for a brief pause before the next delivery. This witty remark from Kohli encapsulated the camaraderie and sportsmanship prevalent among players amidst the intensity of competitive cricket.
Despite the lighthearted moment, Kohli's return to competitive cricket after a hiatus of over two months was met with anticipation. However, his performance with the bat was relatively subdued, as he managed to score 21 runs off 20 deliveries. With the middle-order faltering, Kohli assumed the responsibility of steadying the ship for his team. In an attempt to accelerate the scoring rate, Kohli took on the bowling attack, only to be caught out in the deep midwicket region while attempting a pull shot off Mustafizur Rahman. The dismissal marked a pivotal moment in the match, as RCB's hopes dwindled further.
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Meanwhile, Cameron Green, who found himself at the receiving end of Kohli's jest earlier, also succumbed to the bowling prowess of Mustafizur Rahman, falling victim to a well-executed delivery. Mustafizur's stellar performance with the ball earned him four crucial wickets and the prestigious Player of the Match award.
As the dust settled on an enthralling encounter, it was evident that while cricket is a fiercely competitive sport, moments of camaraderie and banter among players serve to enrich the spirit of the game. Kohli and Jadeja's amusing exchange served as a reminder of the lighter side of cricket amidst the intense competition of the IPL arena.
CSK's fresh leadership
In a significant move, Ruturaj Gaikwad was appointed as the new captain of CSK, just a day prior to their IPL 2024 opener against RCB. Despite the sudden responsibility, the 26-year-old showed remarkable composure as he led the team onto the field for their first match at home.
Adding to his confidence was the invaluable support of veteran MS Dhoni, who not only contributed with his stellar performance behind the stumps but also provided strategic guidance to Gaikwad, assisting him in setting the field during crucial moments throughout RCB's innings.
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(Inputs from agencies)