RCB End 17-Year Chepauk Jinx With Commanding 50-Run Victory Over CSK

In a stunning turnaround at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) secured a historic 50-run win over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in IPL 2025’s much-anticipated clash. This victory marks RCB’s first win at Chepauk since the league’s inaugural season in 2008, breaking a long-standing jinx against their arch-rivals.

A Dominant Batting Display

Batting first after being invited to take on the challenging Chepauk conditions, RCB posted an imposing total of 196 for 7 in their allotted 20 overs. The innings was anchored by captain Rajat Patidar, who led from the front with a swift 51 off just 32 balls. His aggressive knock, punctuated by well-timed boundaries, set the tone for the innings. Support came from openers like Phil Salt, who chipped in with a quickfire 32 off 16 balls, and Tim David, whose late cameo – featuring a hat-trick of sixes in the final over – further boosted RCB’s scoreline.

RCB’s Bowling Masterclass

On the bowling front, RCB’s attack was equally impressive. Josh Hazlewood spearheaded the effort, finishing with figures of 3 for 21 in a crucial 4-over spell that dismantled CSK’s top order. His incisive pace and ability to extract extra bounce troubled CSK right from the start, as he claimed early wickets including those of Rahul Tripathi and Ruturaj Gaikwad. Complementing Hazlewood, Yash Dayal and Bhuvneshwar Kumar maintained tight lines, collectively keeping CSK’s run rate in check during the powerplay and middle overs.

CSK’s Struggle to Chase

Chasing a formidable 197, CSK’s innings never gained momentum. Early wickets fell at regular intervals, leaving the hosts struggling at 8 for 2 after just two overs. Rachin Ravindra emerged as the top-scorer for CSK with a resilient 41, yet his efforts were in vain as the team’s batting lineup collapsed. Even a late cameo from MS Dhoni, who scored 30 not out and attempted to revive the innings with a couple of sixes and a boundary in the final over, could not bridge the gap. The lack of effective partnerships and missed opportunities in the field ultimately cost CSK dearly.

A Tactical Triumph for RCB

RCB’s victory was not just a result of aggressive batting and disciplined bowling but also of astute captaincy. Rajat Patidar’s leadership was evident throughout the match as he tactically rotated the strike and backed his bowlers at crucial junctures. His decision to exploit the early movement on the pitch paid rich dividends, and his team’s cohesive performance ensured that CSK never recovered from their early setbacks.

Looking Ahead

This win propels RCB to a strong position in the points table as IPL 2025 progresses into its second weekend. For CSK, the defeat serves as a wake-up call, highlighting areas such as fielding precision and batting depth that need urgent improvement. With both teams eager to refine their strategies in the upcoming matches, this encounter will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the pivotal moments of the season.

In a game full of dramatic twists and tactical brilliance, RCB silenced the Chepauk crowd and etched their name in IPL folklore by ending a 17-year wait for a win at this iconic venue.