Hardik Pandya won the toss on a charged Thursday evening and opted to bat first in front of a packed stadium buzzing with anticipation for a high-scoring thriller. With swing expected early under the lights, the contest immediately shaped up as a battle of power versus precision — as the in-form Abhishek Sharma faced off against swing specialist Deepak Chahar.
However, what followed in the opening over was pure cricketing chaos — a series of comical errors and missed opportunities that turned the first six balls into a drama-filled spectacle.
Chahar’s opening delivery was a textbook outswinger, curving away perfectly and honing in on the top of off-stump. Abhishek, showing confidence if not caution, danced down the pitch to take it on. But his timing betrayed him — the ball kissed the edge of his bat and flew straight to Will Jacks at slip.
It should’ve been a straightforward take. Instead, to the horror of the bowler, the ball slipped right through Jacks’ hands, not only costing the team a wicket but allowing two bonus runs.
Chahar, visibly animated, regrouped and stayed locked in. Just three balls later, he enticed another error — this time from Travis Head, who attempted to slog across the line. The mistimed shot ballooned toward midwicket where Karn Sharma, perfectly positioned, failed to charge in, letting the ball drop inches in front of him. Another chance missed.
To top off the circus, the very next delivery was gently flicked to square leg, where Jasprit Bumrah gathered cleanly and casually lobbed the ball back toward the wicketkeeper — only for it to soar over his head, slip through Jacks’ hands again, and race to fine leg for an extra single.
— Deba (@Deba192240) April 17, 2025
— Deba (@Deba192240) April 17, 2025
By the end of the over, Deepak Chahar had done everything right — except get the wickets he deserved. And for Chennai, the opening exchanges were less clinical cricket and more a blooper reel in motion.