RCB wins
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) suffered a crushing 50-run defeat at home against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), marking their biggest loss at Chepauk in IPL history. The much-anticipated clash, which was expected to revolve around RCB struggle against CSK spin attack, turned out to be a completely different contest as RCB pace duo of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood dominated proceedings with the ball.
RCB Batting Dominance Sets the Tone
RCB batting lineup made an emphatic statement on a pitch that had some assistance for the seamers. Rajat Patidar led the charge with a fluent 51 off 32 balls, while Phil Salt and Devdutt Padikkal provided rapid starts to keep CSK under pressure. CSK had entered the game with a strategy focused on spin, but RCB aggression neutralized it effectively.
Khaleel Ahmed found some early movement, but CSK lacked the kind of fast bowlers needed to exploit those conditions. The decision to open the attack with R Ashwin backfired immediately, as Phil Salt dispatched the first delivery for a six. Noor Ahmad introduction momentarily halted the flow of runs, with his quick stumping of Salt, but Devdutt Padikkal countered it with a fearless attack against Ravindra Jadeja, unsettling CSK plans.
Patidar Brilliance Undermines CSK Strategies
With Ashwin dismissing Padikkal for 27, CSK aimed to regain control, but Patidar presence ensured that the momentum stayed with RCB. The right-hander took an aggressive approach against Noor and Jadeja, capitalizing on a dropped catch at 17. Despite Virat Kohli struggling for fluency, Patidar stroke play ensured that the pressure remained on CSK. His calculated risks paid off, allowing RCB to reach 109 for 2 in just 11 overs.
Jadeja nearly created an opening when Patidar mis-hit a delivery, but Deepak Hooda spilled the opportunity at long-off. CSK fielding lapses compounded their troubles, as Patidar continued to find gaps and score freely. Kohli eventually perished, and Liam Livingstone followed soon after, but Jitesh Sharma and Tim David ensured RCB ended their innings on a high.
RCB wins
RCB Strong Finish with the Bat
Jitesh Sharma played a short yet impactful cameo, striking a stunning inside-out six off Noor Ahmad, while Patidar executed an elegant pick-up shot off a slower delivery from Matheesha Pathirana. These quickfire contributions helped RCB wins cross the 170-run mark, setting them up for a strong total.
Although CSK managed to pull things back with a tight 19th over, conceding just one run, Tim David brutal hitting in the final over—where he smashed three sixes off Sam Curran—took RCB past what CSK had deemed a par total. Curran, who had already endured an expensive outing in the previous game, ended with figures of 4-0-47-0, further adding to CSK woes.
Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Rip Through CSK Top Order
The real game-changer, however, was RCB fast-bowling duo of Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar, who showcased a masterclass in seam and swing bowling. Unlike CSK, who banked on spin, RCB maximized the assistance from the pitch, making life miserable for CSK batters.
Hazlewood, known for his precision, delivered a double strike in his first over. He first removed Rahul Tripathi with a rising delivery and then got Ruturaj Gaikwad caught behind with a beauty that kicked off the surface. At the other end, Bhuvneshwar trapped Deepak Hooda with a perfect outswinger, becoming the first bowler in IPL history to claim 73 powerplay wickets.
CSK Middle-Order Collapse
With three wickets lost in the powerplay, CSK chase soon turned into a formality. Rachin Ravindra and Shivam Dube attempted to stabilize the innings, but RCB spinners maintained tight lines, not allowing them to get into any rhythm. The required run rate kept climbing, and as the pressure mounted, rash shots led to their dismissals.
Jadeja and Ashwin tried to extend the game, but CSK batting unit failed to counter RCB disciplined attack. Unlike RCB wins innings, where calculated risks paid off, CSK attempt at aggression backfired due to a lack of partnerships and the early loss of key wickets.
MS Dhoni Late Cameo Amid a Lost Cause
The biggest talking point in the second half of the innings was when MS Dhoni would walk out to bat. The former CSK captain, known for his finishing prowess, did not enter the field until the 16th over, coming in at No. 9—only the second time in his career that he batted this low.
By the time Dhoni took guard, CSK needed an improbable amount of runs to win. While he entertained the fans with some vintage strokes, including a couple of big hits, his cameo was never going to be enough to salvage the game. CSK eventually succumbed to their heaviest home defeat, finishing at 146 for 8.
RCB Tactical Brilliance Ends CSK Chennai Dominance
This victory was a historic one for RCB, as it marked their first win at Chepauk since the inaugural IPL season. It was a testament to their adaptability, as they overcame the pre-match narrative that revolved around their weakness against spin. Instead, they turned the tables by utilizing the conditions better than the hosts.
Bhuvneshwar and Hazlewood set the tone with a fast-bowling exhibition, while Patidar aggressive batting dismantled CSK bowling plans. This tactical supremacy highlighted RCB ability to execute game plans efficiently, handing CSK a harsh lesson in adaptability.
FAQs
How did RCB manage to win against CSK at Chepauk?
RCB executed their game plan to perfection, using their fast bowlers effectively to exploit the seam and swing-friendly conditions. Their batters also countered CSK spin attack with aggressive intent.
What was the turning point of the match?
Hazlewood double strike in the powerplay completely derailed CSK chase, ensuring they never recovered from the early setbacks.
Why did MS Dhoni bat at No. 9?
CSK top and middle-order collapse forced them to delay Dhoni arrival at the crease. By the time he came out to bat, the game was virtually over.
What role did Rajat Patidar play in RCB victory?
Patidar played a crucial innings of 51 off 32 balls, ensuring RCB maintained a strong scoring rate despite Kohli struggles. His aggressive approach kept CSK bowlers under pressure.
What went wrong for CSK in this match?
CSK misread the conditions and relied too heavily on spin. Their pace attack lacked the bite that Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar brought for RCB, leading to their downfall.
This match was a defining moment for RCB, proving that they could challenge CSK even in their own backyard. For CSK, it was a wake-up call to reassess their strategies and adapt better to match conditions.
