RCB Ends 17-Year Wait with Dominant Win Over CSK at Chepauk

Royal Challengers Bengaluru began their IPL 2025 campaign in style by beating Chennai Super Kings by 50 runs at Chepauk. This marked their first victory at the venue in 17 years, ending a long-standing drought. RCB impressed with both bat and ball, securing their second consecutive win of the season.

Strong Start Sets the Tone

Batting first, RCB posted 196 for 7 in their 20 overs. Phil Salt gave them a flying start with a quick 32 off 16 balls. Rajat Patidar played a key role, scoring a confident 51 off 32 balls, while Tim David finished strong with 22 off 8. RCB took full advantage of the PowerPlay and maintained momentum through the middle overs.

Middle Overs: Patidar Piles Pressure

After the early boost, Patidar capitalized on CSK's fielding lapses, hitting boundaries freely and keeping the scoreboard ticking. Kohli showed brief aggression before falling to Noor Ahmed. Despite a few late wickets, RCB finished just shy of the 200-run mark.

RCB Bowlers Seal the Deal

In response, CSK crumbled under early pressure. Josh Hazlewood struck twice in an over, removing Tripathi and Gaikwad. Bhuvneshwar Kumar added another blow, dismissing Deepak Hooda. CSK reached only 30/3 in the PowerPlay and never recovered.

Middle Overs: Spinners Maintain Control

RCB's spin attack tightened the screws further. The slow pitch offered assistance, and the likes of Livingstone and Suyash Sharma kept the runs in check. Yash Dayal took two crucial wickets—Dube and Ravindra—in one over, further pushing CSK into trouble.

Dhoni’s Late Cameo Not Enough

MS Dhoni provided some entertainment towards the end, scoring an unbeaten 30 off 16 balls, including three boundaries in the final over. However, the damage had already been done, and CSK ended on 146 for 8, losing by 50 runs.

Key Highlights

RCB: 196/7 in 20 overs

Rajat Patidar – 51 (32)

Phil Salt – 32 (16)

Tim David – 22* (8)

Noor Ahmed – 3/36

Matheesha Pathirana – 2/36

CSK: 146/8 in 20 overs

Rachin Ravindra – 41 (31)

MS Dhoni – 30* (16)

Josh Hazlewood – 3/21

Yash Dayal – 2/18

Next Fixtures

CSK faces a quick turnaround as they travel to Guwahati to play Rajasthan Royals. Meanwhile, RCB heads home after two strong away wins and will next face Gujarat Titans on April 2.

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