IPL 2022 - Match 1

Picture Credit: BCCI/IPL

After a long wait, the 2022 season of the Indian Premier League has officially begun. The defending champions, Chennai Super Kings took on the Kolkata Knight Riders at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. The Men in Purple comprehensively defeated the Yellow Army with six wickets, despite MS Dhoni's brilliant performance. India fast bowler Umesh Yadav lit up Wankhede as he won the Player of the Match award for his spell of two for 20 runs. 

Changes in the table

As it was the first match of the tournament, Kolkata Knight Riders now sit at the top with two points and a net run rate of +0.639. Whereas, the Chennai Super Kings have plummeted to the last spot on the table as they have zero points and a net run rate of -0.639. Ravindra Jadeja and his men will next face the 2022 debutants, Lucknow Super Giants on 31 March at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai. While Kolkata Knight Riders will take on the Royal Challengers Bangalore on 30 March at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. 

Check out the points table here:

Today’s Matchup

On Super Sunday, IPL fans will be greeted with an incredible doubleheader. The five-time champions Mumbai Indians will lock horns with 2020 finalists Delhi Capitals at the Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai. However, in the second game of the day, Royal Challengers Bangalore will be up against the Punjab Kings. 

How did the captains react?

After an enthralling matchup, both new captains had varying thoughts after the game. Shreyas Iyer, captain of the Kolkata Knight Riders was ecstatic with the team's victory. He said, There is always tension when MS Dhoni is batting. I knew momentum was going to shift towards them with the dew around. It was difficult to grip the ball."

“Just need to carry the momentum. It was spongier than we imagined. This is one place I love to play. I grew up here. I thought it would be flat. It was pretty easy for me with the bowling lineup I had. Umesh has worked hard in the nets and did well in the practice games too. Really chuffed to see him perform today.”

Whereas Ravindra Jadeja talked about how the dew will play a key role in the tournament. He opined, “Dew will be the vital part in this edition. If you win the toss, you will look to bowl first. The wicket was a little damp in the first 6-7 overs and then it came on nicely in the back end of the innings. We were trying to take the game deep. Everybody bowled well given the dew. Bravo bowled very well.”