RCB Defeats CSK at Chepauk with Dominant Pace Attack

At Chepauk, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) faced an unexpected loss against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) after 6,155 days. The game featured several surprising moments: Virat Kohli struggled with timing, MS Dhoni came in to bat at No. 9, and Ravichandran Ashwin’s dismissal was met with cheers from both sets of fans.

Post-match, CSK head coach Stephen Fleming expressed disappointment, admitting his team had been struggling to read home pitches for years.

CSK Spinners vs RCB Batting: The Expected Battle Flips

In the lead-up to the match, the focus was on how RCB would handle CSK’s spin-heavy attack. In the season opener, CSK’s spinners had claimed 5 for 70 in 11 overs. But in this game, with the pitch shifted slightly, the conditions favored seamers. The narrative changed: could CSK withstand RCB’s fast bowling?

They couldn’t. Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar took 4 wickets for just 41 runs in 7 overs combined, setting up CSK’s heaviest home defeat by runs.

Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Deliver Game-Changing Spells

Known for his red-ball skills, Hazlewood’s T20 evolution began at CSK before he moved to RCB. Despite injuries in recent seasons, RCB trusted his abilities and retained him for ₹12.5 crore. He repaid the faith with a sharp spell, leveraging bounce and tight length control.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar, another expensive acquisition at ₹10.75 crore, brought immense PowerPlay experience. He is the top wicket-taker in IPL history in this phase with 73 wickets and an economy of 6.39.

Early Breakthroughs Seal CSK’s Fate

Hazlewood struck early, dismissing Rahul Tripathi and Ruturaj Gaikwad with short-pitched deliveries. Bhuvneshwar then removed Deepak Hooda, reducing CSK to 26/3 during the PowerPlay.

Only twice in IPL history has a team chased 180+ after being three down under 30. CSK couldn’t repeat that feat. Yash Dayal added two wickets in an over, ending any hopes of a comeback.

RCB Turns the Tables with Precision Pace Bowling

RCB executed their bowling plans perfectly. Unlike CSK, who misjudged the pitch and offered little support beyond Khaleel Ahmed, RCB’s pace trio exploited the conditions effectively. Spin took a backseat as seam and swing reshaped the outcome at a venue where CSK once held a strong advantage.

Read More: Punjab Kings Outclass Lucknow Super Giants by 8 Wickets with Dominant All-Round Performance