MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) were off to a poor start in the ongoing IPL 2021 edition as the Yellow Army fell flat versus the Rishabh Pant-led Delhi Capitals (DC) on Saturday (April 10). Losing their opening game of a new season by seven wickets, in defense of 189, CSK will now lock horns with KL Rahul-led Punjab Kings (PBKS) in a bid to open their account and get two vital points in their kitty.
While the pressure will be on CSK, who are coming to the season following a disastrous 2020 campaign that saw them miss out on the playoffs berth for the first time ever, captain Dhoni will have a lot riding on his shoulders. The 39-year-old was dismissed for a duck, on the second ball, in CSK’s opener versus Delhi Capitals (DC) and was also fined Rs 12 lakh as a fine for his side’s slow over-rate.
As BCCI have given instructions to all eight franchises regarding the maximum limit of 90 minutes for bowling 20 overs in an innings, the captain will get away with a 12 lakh fine for the first time but will face harsh consequences, including a match ban, if the offence is repeated again. The match ban will, however, be determined by the match referee. Thus, Dhoni will be wary of not repeating the same offence for the second time in a row on Friday evening.
As per the IPL Playing Conditions, the officials will calculate the over-rate after the conclusion of each innings. However, some allowances will also be taken into consideration as per clause 12.7.3:
1. The time lost as a result of treatment given to a player by authorised medical personnel on the field of play.
2. The time lost due to a player being required to leave the 22-yard cricket strip on account of a serious injury.
3. The time taken for all third umpire referrals, consultations, and any sort of umpire/player reviews.
4. Loss of time due to time wasted by the batting unit.
5. The time lost due to all other circumstances which are deemed beyond the control of the fielding side.
