IPL 2018, CSK vs KKR: 5 Talking Points

#4 The opening partnership for CSK

Shane Watson and Ambati Rayudu's opening stand yielded 75 runs off just 5.5 overs

While there is no doubt that Sam Billings will hog the headlines following his match-winning effort against KKR on his CSK debut, the role played by Shane Watson and Ambati Rayudu in the hosts' victory cannot be undermined.

Chasing a daunting target of 203, it was essential that CSK got off to a good start and that's exactly what Watson and Rayudu did with a brilliant stand of 75 for the first wicket.

The partnership saw some very good shots being played and while Watson's knock was more about power, Rayudu's innings was laced with some elegant hitting that was very pleasing to the eye.

Watson scored 42 off 19 balls including 3 sixes while Rayudu made 39 off 26 balls with the opening partnership contributing 75 runs for CSK off just 5.5 overs.