In a landmark encounter at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) secured a commanding 50-run victory over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL 2025 season. This win marked RCB’s first triumph at Chepauk since 2008, ending a 17-year drought at this venue.
First Innings: RCB’s Commanding Batting Performance
Opting to bat first, RCB set an imposing target by posting 196 for 7 in their allotted 20 overs. The innings was anchored by captain Rajat Patidar, who scored a brisk 51 off 32 balls, including four boundaries and three sixes. Phil Salt provided a rapid start with a 16-ball 32, featuring five fours and a six, while Virat Kohli contributed a steady 31 off 30 deliveries. Despite losing wickets at crucial junctures, RCB’s aggressive approach ensured a formidable total.
Second Innings: CSK’s Struggle in the Chase
Chasing 197, CSK faced early setbacks, losing key wickets in the powerplay. Rachin Ravindra emerged as the top scorer with 41 off 31 balls, displaying resilience amidst the tumbling wickets. Ravindra Jadeja added 25 runs, and MS Dhoni provided a late surge with an unbeaten 30 off 16 balls. However, these efforts fell short as CSK managed only 146 for 8 in their 20 overs, succumbing to a 50-run defeat.
Key Performances and Turning Points
- RCB’s Batting Prowess: The aggressive start by Phil Salt and the captain’s knock by Rajat Patidar set the foundation for RCB’s substantial total. Tim David’s quickfire 22 off 8 balls in the death overs further bolstered the score.
- Bowling Brilliance: Josh Hazlewood led RCB’s bowling attack with impressive figures of 3 for 21, dismantling CSK’s top order. Yash Dayal supported well, claiming 2 wickets for 18 runs, ensuring constant pressure on the CSK batsmen.
- CSK’s Missed Opportunities: Fielding lapses, including dropped catches of Rajat Patidar, proved costly for CSK, allowing RCB to capitalize and build a challenging total.
This match highlighted RCB’s strategic execution and marked a significant shift in their fortunes at Chepauk, providing a morale boost for the team in the ongoing IPL 2025 season.