RCB Finally Break the Chepauk Curse
RCB vs CSK has always been a marquee clash in the IPL, but this time, Royal Challengers Bengaluru did what they’ve failed to do for 17 long years — conquer Chennai Super Kings at their fortress, the MA Chidambaram Stadium. With a clinical performance marked by high-intensity pace bowling and fearless batting, RCB rewrote history by securing their biggest win, in terms of runs, against CSK at Chepauk — a venue where they’ve historically faltered.
Josh Hazlewood’s thunderous opening spell, Rajat Patidar’s fearless charge, and Virat Kohli’s magnetic influence turned the tide in Bengaluru’s favour, silencing the sea of yellow with both performance and presence.
Josh Hazlewood: The Silent Destroyer
For a brief but unforgettable moment, the match was Josh Hazlewood’s to dominate. The Australian pacer brought pure heat in his opening spell, claiming two wickets and delivering nine dot balls within his first 12 deliveries. His ability to extract early movement and bowl with immaculate control reduced CSK to 8 for 2 in their chase of 198.
Hazlewood’s dismissal of Ruturaj Gaikwad — a prized wicket — sent a ripple of silence through the usually raucous Chepauk crowd. With echoes of past heartbreaks, Indian fans were reminded of the 2023 World Cup semi-final, where Hazlewood’s opening spell broke South Africa’s back. In Chennai, his opening burst rekindled that same fire, and RCB fans rode that wave all the way to victory.
Patidar’s Power Game Against Spin
Rajat Patidar, often overshadowed by RCB’s superstars, delivered a masterclass in spin demolition. Facing one of India’s best, Ravindra Jadeja, Patidar danced down the pitch, exposing his stumps with zero hesitation, and carved an inside-out drive to the boundary like he had a date with destiny.
In three previous matches at Chepauk, Patidar had only managed nine runs. This night, however, was different. He almost single-handedly neutralized the Jadeja-Ashwin threat, restricting the spin duo to just five overs between them, and conceding 59 runs. Despite a lucky escape on 17, Patidar’s brave innings disrupted CSK’s bowling rhythm and anchored RCB’s innings with poise and aggression.
Kohli: The Crowd Controller and Catalyst
Virat Kohli didn’t just contribute on the field — he owned the moment. As he made his way to long-on, thousands of CSK fans erupted in cheers, a rare gesture at a venue known for its fierce loyalty to its home side. Kohli responded with a heartfelt wave, a hand to the heart, and a thumbs-up. In that moment, he wasn’t just an opponent — he was a phenomenon.
The chants of “Arr-Cee-Bee! Arr-Cee-Bee!” — usually confined to the Chinnaswamy — echoed through Chepauk, confirming that RCB had truly arrived. Kohli’s presence not only lifted his teammates but also energized the travelling fans, some of whom even celebrated Deepak Hooda’s DRS dismissal in CSK’s iconic style — with whistles.
Captaincy Brilliance and Team Synergy
RCB’s dominant performance wasn’t just about individual brilliance — it was about a team executing a strategy to perfection. Under the cool-headed leadership of Patidar and guided by Kohli’s senior presence, RCB rotated bowlers smartly, maintained pressure, and kept CSK on the back foot throughout the match.
Phil Salt, RCB’s newest recruit, highlighted this in the post-match conference. “It’s a very, very tough place to win,” he admitted. “But beating the defending champions at their home ground was special. We were aware of the challenge and embraced it.”
Salt also praised Patidar’s composure and skill, especially against spin. “I’ve not seen anyone play spin like he does. And his captaincy? Calm, composed, tactical — exactly what we needed.”
Symbolic Moments: RCB’s Stamp of Authority
Perhaps the most symbolic moment came when MS Dhoni — the heartbeat of CSK and Chepauk — walked out to bat at No. 9. He was greeted not with roaring cheers, but with aggressive field placements and charged-up bowlers. By the end, coach Stephen Fleming couldn’t hide his frustration, walking out to the pitch post-match, possibly questioning the surface and the strategy. But the damage was done — the fortress had been breached.
A Win Years in the Making
RCB had been waiting for this victory at Chepauk for 17 years. It wasn’t just another match — it was a statement. A redemption. A new chapter in the RCB vs CSK rivalry. With this win, RCB secured not just two points, but a surge in net run rate and an enormous psychological edge.
The collective performance — from Hazlewood’s firepower to Patidar’s audacity and Kohli’s emotional connection — reflected a team that had grown, learned, and adapted. For the fans, this was more than cricket. It was a long-awaited celebration of belief paying off.
