RCB Triumphs Over CSK by 50 Runs in IPL 2025, Ending 17-Year Wait for Victory at Chepauk
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) pulled off a remarkable 50-run victory over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Friday, marking their first win in Chennai since the inaugural IPL season in 2008. This victory in Match 8 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 came after 17 years of disappointment at the CSK fortress.
RCB’s win handed CSK their heaviest defeat ever at Chepauk, with the five-time champions unable to chase down RCB’s total of 196/7. It was a well-rounded performance from RCB, who broke their losing streak at Chepauk, thanks to some crucial individual contributions with both bat and ball.
Patidar Shines as RCB Set Challenging Target
RCB’s innings started with a flurry, led by England’s explosive opener Phil Salt, who made an aggressive 32 off 16 balls. Salt’s quick-fire knock included five boundaries and a six, with his aggressive approach helping RCB get off to a flying start. However, Salt’s innings was cut short when MS Dhoni executed a brilliant stumping off Noor Ahmad’s bowling.
Virat Kohli (31 off 30) and Devdutt Padikkal (27 off 14) both got starts but were dismissed just as they were looking set. The day belonged to Rajat Patidar, who stepped up in the absence of regular captain Faf du Plessis. Patidar capitalized on two dropped chances when he was on 17, going on to score a quick-fire 51 off 30 balls. He showcased his striking prowess with several boundaries and a six before he was dismissed. His knock gave RCB the momentum to push toward a formidable total.
Tim David played a key role in the final over, hammering a hat-trick of sixes off Sam Curran to propel RCB to a total that proved too much for CSK to chase.
Hazlewood and RCB Bowlers Shine in Tight Bowling Display
In reply, RCB’s bowlers, led by Josh Hazlewood, restricted CSK to just 146/8 in 20 overs. Hazlewood made early inroads, dismissing Rahul Tripathi (5) and CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad (0) in quick succession. The wickets of Tripathi and Gaikwad set the tone, and CSK’s chase faltered right from the start.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Yash Dayal supported Hazlewood well, with Dayal taking 2/18 and Kumar picking up a vital wicket. Despite a promising knock from Rachin Ravindra (41 off 31), CSK could never recover from the early setbacks, and the pressure mounted as wickets continued to fall at regular intervals.
Shivam Dube (19 off 15) and Ravindra Jadeja (25 off 19) tried to fight back but were unable to get the big hits needed for CSK to close the gap. MS Dhoni provided some late fireworks, hitting a couple of sixes to finish unbeaten on 30 off 16 balls. Dhoni’s effort helped him surpass Suresh Raina’s tally to become the highest run-scorer in IPL history with 4699 runs, but it was too little, too late for CSK.
For RCB, Hazlewood was the standout bowler, taking 3/21, while Yash Dayal (2/18) and Liam Livingstone (2/28) also bowled economically, contributing to CSK’s downfall.
CSK’s Struggles and RCB’s Perfect Balance
CSK’s defeat was primarily due to the early breakthroughs and the inability to form partnerships. While Ravindra’s 41 was a good contribution, the lack of support from the other batters made it impossible for CSK to build any momentum. Noor Ahmad’s impressive figures of 3/36 were the only bright spot for CSK, along with Matheesha Pathirana’s death-over brilliance, which saw him claim two wickets in a sensational over.
RCB, on the other hand, displayed excellent teamwork, with contributions across the board. While Patidar’s anchoring knock was key, the quickfire contributions from Salt, Kohli, and David ensured they posted a challenging total. Hazlewood’s early breakthroughs, combined with tight bowling in the middle overs, stifled CSK’s chase and sealed the win for RCB.
Brief Scores:
Royal Challengers Bangalore: 196/7 in 20 overs (Rajat Patidar 51, Phil Salt 32, Tim David 22*; Noor Ahmad 3-36, Matheesha Pathirana 2-36)
Chennai Super Kings: 146/8 in 20 overs (Rachin Ravindra 41, MS Dhoni 30*; Josh Hazlewood 3-21, Yash Dayal 2-18, Liam Livingstone 2-28)
Result: Royal Challengers Bangalore won by 50 runs.
