By SRTeam On March 28, 2025, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) achieved a historic milestone by securing their first victory at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium since 2008, defeating Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by a resounding 50 runs.
RCB’s Batting Prowess Sets a Formidable Target
Opting to bat first on a pitch favoring stroke play, RCB’s top order showcased their aggressive intent from the outset. Phil Salt provided an explosive start, amassing 32 runs off just 16 balls, setting the tone for the innings. His quickfire knock included a series of boundaries that unsettled the CSK bowlers early on. Following Salt’s departure, Devdutt Padikkal continued the momentum with a brisk 27 off 14 deliveries, targeting CSK’s premier spinner, Ravindra Jadeja, and extracting 14 runs in a single over.
Captain Rajat Patidar then anchored the innings with a composed 51 from 32 balls, capitalizing on a couple of dropped chances by the CSK fielders. His innings was a blend of caution and aggression, ensuring RCB maintained a healthy run rate. In the death overs, Tim David provided the finishing touches with a blistering 22 not out off 8 balls, including three towering sixes in the final over bowled by Sam Curran. This late surge propelled RCB to a formidable total of 196 for 7 in their allotted 20 overs.
CSK’s Response Falters Under RCB’s Disciplined Bowling
Chasing a challenging target of 197, CSK’s innings stumbled early against RCB’s disciplined bowling attack. Josh Hazlewood led the charge, delivering a pivotal second over where he dismissed both Rahul Tripathi and CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, exploiting the bounce and seam movement off the pitch. His figures of 3 for 21 were instrumental in dismantling CSK’s top order.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar complemented Hazlewood’s efforts by trapping Deepak Hooda lbw, leaving CSK reeling at 30 for 3 within the powerplay. Despite attempts to stabilize the innings, CSK’s middle order crumbled under pressure. Yash Dayal’s double strike in a single over, removing both set batsmen, further dented CSK’s chase. The home team eventually limped to 146 for 8, falling short by 50 runs.
Chepauk Silenced as RCB Fans Celebrate
The typically vibrant Chepauk stadium, known for its passionate CSK supporters, experienced an unusual quiet as RCB dominated proceedings. In a rare spectacle, chants of “RCB, RCB” echoed through the stands, marking a significant shift in the stadium’s atmosphere and underscoring the magnitude of RCB’s triumph.
Reflections from Team Leadership
RCB’s captain, Rajat Patidar, lauded the team’s all-round performance, emphasizing the significance of breaking the 17-year winless streak in Chennai. He highlighted the collective effort, stating that both the batting and bowling units executed their plans to perfection. On the other hand, CSK’s coach, Stephen Fleming, expressed frustration over the team’s inability to adapt to the pitch conditions. He noted that misreading the surface contributed to their substantial defeat and acknowledged that this issue has persisted over the past few years, negating any home advantage.
Statistical Highlights of the Match
50 Runs: CSK’s margin of defeat, marking their largest at Chepauk in IPL history.
Josh Hazlewood’s 3/21: The standout bowling figures that played a pivotal role in RCB’s defense of their total.
Looking Ahead
This victory not only ends RCB’s prolonged drought in Chennai but also provides them with significant momentum in the IPL 2025 season. As the tournament progresses, both teams will aim to build upon this match, with RCB seeking to capitalize on their historic win and CSK striving to rebound from this setback.
In conclusion, RCB’s comprehensive performance in both batting and bowling departments led to a well-deserved victory, breaking a 17-year jinx at Chepauk. This match will be remembered as a turning point in their rivalry with CSK, adding a new chapter to the rich history of the IPL