In a match that will be etched in IPL folklore, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) shattered a 17-year-old jinx at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, defeating the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by a commanding 50-run margin. The victory not only solidified RCB’s position at the top of the IPL 2025 Points Table but also marked their first-ever win against CSK at Chepauk since 2008.
Match Recap: A Night of Records and Dominance
RCB’s Batting Masterclass (196/7 in 20 overs)
After being sent in to bat, RCB overcame early jitters to post a formidable 196/7, thanks to a collective effort from their star-studded lineup.
- Virat Kohli (31 off 30) and Devdutt Padikkal (27 off 14) provided a steady start, but it was skipper Rajat Patidar’s composed half-century (50 off 35) that anchored the innings.
- The real fireworks came from *Tim David (24 off 8)**, who smashed three consecutive sixes off Sam Curran in the final over, propelling RCB to a daunting total.
- Noor Ahmad (3/28) was the pick of CSK’s bowlers, including the prized scalp of Kohli, while Matheesha Pathirana (2/32) impressed with his death bowling.
Turning Point:
- MS Dhoni’s lightning-fast stumping to dismiss Phil Salt (15 off 12) off Noor Ahmad’s bowling was a moment of sheer brilliance, showcasing the veteran’s enduring reflexes.
CSK’s Chase Crumbles (146/8 in 20 overs)
Facing a stiff target of 197, CSK’s batting lineup faltered under pressure, managing only 146/8 in their 20 overs.
- Rachin Ravindra (41 off 31) was the lone warrior for CSK, but the rest of the top order collapsed against RCB’s disciplined attack.
- Josh Hazlewood (2/12) and Yash Dayal (2/20) struck early blows, while Liam Livingstone (2/25) tightened the screws in the middle overs.
- Ravindra Jadeja (28 off 22)* crossed 3000 IPL runs, and MS Dhoni (18 off 10)* entertained the crowd with his trademark late flourish, including his first two sixes of the season, but it was too little, too late.
Key Takeaways from the Match
1. RCB’s Chepauk Hoodoo Finally Ends
- Before tonight, RCB had never beaten CSK at Chepauk since 2008. The victory was a massive psychological boost for the franchise.
- Tim David’s explosive finish (24 off 8)* ensured RCB had enough cushion despite CSK’s spin threat.
2. CSK’s Middle-Order Struggles Continue
- Apart from Ravindra, none of CSK’s top-order batters crossed 20, exposing their over-reliance on Dhoni and Jadeja for late surges.
- Noor Ahmad’s three-wicket haul moved him to the top of the Purple Cap race (7 wickets in 2 matches).
3. Kohli’s New Milestone
- Virat Kohli surpassed Shikhar Dhawan to become the highest run-scorer against CSK in IPL history.
Post-Match Reactions
Rajat Patidar (RCB Captain):
“This win means a lot. Chepauk has always been a tough ground for us, but the boys showed character. Tim’s finish was exceptional, and the bowlers executed perfectly.”
Ruturaj Gaikwad (CSK Captain):
“We lost too many wickets early. Credit to RCB, they outplayed us. We’ll regroup and come back stronger.”
Player of the Match: Tim David
“Just wanted to go out there and swing hard. The pitch was holding up, but I backed myself to clear the ropes.”
IPL 2025 Standings Update
- RCB (2 wins, +1.75 NRR) remains at the top.
- CSK (1 win, -0.20 NRR) slips to mid-table.
What’s Next?
- RCB vs Mumbai Indians (April 1, Wankhede Stadium)
- CSK vs Gujarat Titans (March 31, Narendra Modi Stadium)
Final Word
RCB’s emphatic win at Chepauk has sent a strong message to the competition, while CSK will need to address their batting frailties quickly. With Dhoni still showcasing his magic and young talents like Rachin Ravindra stepping up, the season promises more fireworks.
