RCB Overcomes CSK at Chepauk With Improved Spin Strategy in IPL 2024

Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru faced off in a key IPL 2024 match, with the spotlight on RCB's poor record at Chepauk. Before this game, RCB had only one win in nine attempts at the venue, dating back to 2008. Meanwhile, CSK entered with momentum, having defeated MI with a spin-heavy approach led by Noor Ahmad. In that game, CSK matched their entire 2023 home season spin wickets tally—five—in just 11 overs.

RCB’s recurring issue in recent IPL seasons was their middle-overs performance, especially against spin. Barring Rajat Patidar, consistent power-hitting was lacking. Since 2023, only RCB skipper had a higher strike rate against spin (196.49) compared to pace (164). Others struggled: Virat Kohli (167.61 vs 124.77), Devdutt Padikkal (125.92 vs 103.96), Liam Livingstone (207.48 vs 93.45), and Tim David (173.1 vs 100).

RCB’s Improved Performance Against Spin

In this match, Phil Salt attacked early, capitalizing on Ashwin's errors in line and length. Padikkal found rhythm against Ravindra Jadeja, while Kohli remained cautious with a strike rate below 100. Patidar stood out, scoring 30 off 19 balls against spin, hitting two fours and two sixes off Noor and Jadeja. As a result, RCB managed 95 runs from nine overs of spin. Tim David’s late burst helped RCB post a strong total.

RCB Batters vs Spin (Match 8):

Patidar: 30 off 19

Padikkal: 18 off 9

Salt: 16 off 6

Kohli: 14 off 14

Livingstone: 7 off 4

Jitesh Sharma: 7 off 2

Rajat Patidar’s Efficient Spin-Hitting Approach

Patidar has emerged as one of IPL’s top spin hitters. He relies on direct, powerful strokes—mainly slogs—rather than innovative shots. Around 68% of his runs against spin come between square leg and long-on, and another 15% go toward mid-off. Out of his 39 sixes against spin, all but three landed in these areas.

Best IPL Strike Rates vs Spin Since 2023 (Min. 100 Balls Faced):

Abhishek Sharma: 197.31

Rajat Patidar: 190.97

Heinrich Klaasen: 186.29

Nicholas Pooran: 179.81

Tristan Stubbs: 174.28

While Patidar’s strategy is straightforward, it resembles Nicholas Pooran’s—standing tall and striking from the crease. Unlike Heinrich Klaasen who prefers back-foot play, or Abhishek Sharma who uses both front and back foot with frequent footwork, Patidar plays spin primarily from the front foot.

Scoring Zones – Patidar vs Spin in IPL

Looking Ahead: RCB Returns Home

With two strong away wins, RCB next face a home challenge against a spin attack led by Rashid Khan. Last season, they chased targets of 201 and 148 against the same opposition in 16 and 13.4 overs respectively. Notably, Rashid Khan went wicketless, conceding 76 runs across those two games.

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