The decision to field first after winning the toss at Chepauk seemed to backfire initially for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) when Phil Salt teed off against the bowlers in the first four overs. Subsequently, the introduction of Noor Ahmad drew the first blood before Devdutt Padikal’s cameo ended with a brilliant catch from Ruturaj Gaiwkad in the eighth over. Amidst the strokeplay from the top-order batters, Kohli seemed to be struggling on the day before being awoken by a Pathirana bumper. 

On the first ball of the eleventh over, Pathirana bowled a short of a length delivery that the right-hander intended to pull but ended up getting beaten on the outside edge and incurring a headshot. Subsequently, the physios ran in for a mandatory concussion test, making way for an insane reply by Kohli on the immediate next ball. The Sri Lankan pacer went short again and Kohli swivelled it over fine leg for a six, his first of the match, helping him cross the 100-run strike rate in the innings. Soon after, Kohli stared at Pathirana, who previously apologised for the headshot, creating a spur in the Twitterverse.

Heated

Abusing?

Mini Malinga

Abusive?

Alarm

Gone for runs

Fire

Thanks

Still

waked