Key Points:
- Historic Win: RCB defeated CSK at Chepauk for the first time since 2008, breaking a 17-year losing streak.
- Dominant Performance: RCB posted 196/7 and restricted CSK to 146/8, winning by a massive margin of 50 runs.
- CSK’s Struggles: Dropped catches and poor fielding contributed to Chennai’s worst-ever defeat at their fortress.
- Gaikwad’s Controversial Remarks: CSK captain defended the loss, calling it “just 50 runs,” sparking backlash.
New Delhi: In a historic IPL 2025 showdown, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) crushed Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by 50 runs at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Friday, March 28. This victory marked RCB’s first win at Chepauk since the inaugural IPL season in 2008, ending a staggering eight-match losing streak against their southern rivals at this venue.
Led by captain Rajat Patidar, RCB delivered a clinical performance. Batting first, they posted an imposing total of 196/7 on a tricky pitch. Patidar’s crucial knock of 51 off 32 balls was supported by Tim David’s explosive finish, smashing three sixes in the final over. Josh Hazlewood spearheaded RCB’s bowling attack with figures of 3/21, dismantling CSK’s top order early in the chase.
CSK’s Collapse and Fielding Woes
Chennai Super Kings faltered from the start, losing three wickets within the powerplay. Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and Rahul Tripathi were dismissed cheaply, leaving CSK reeling at 26/3. Despite Rachin Ravindra’s resilient knock of 41 off 31 balls and MS Dhoni’s late cameo of 30 off 16 balls, Chennai fell short by a significant margin.
Fielding proved to be CSK’s Achilles’ heel as they dropped multiple catches of Patidar during critical moments. Gaikwad admitted post-match that these missed opportunities allowed RCB to maintain momentum throughout their innings: “They kept going; we dropped catches at crucial times, and there was always an extra six or boundary coming after that.”
Gaikwad’s Controversial Statement
The CSK skipper faced backlash for his remarks during the post-match presentation. He described the defeat as “just 50 runs,” downplaying the significance of such a margin in T20 cricket. Fans criticized his comments as lacking accountability and leadership.
Gaikwad also highlighted fielding lapses as a key factor in the loss: “Bad day in the field cost us really badly. When chasing 20 runs extra on a sticky wicket, you have to bat differently in the powerplay.” He emphasized that his team must improve its fielding ahead of their next match in Guwahati.
RCB’s Resurgence
RCB’s victory not only broke their Chepauk jinx but also solidified their position as strong contenders in IPL 2025. With back-to-back wins and standout performances from Patidar, Hazlewood, and Tim David, RCB appears poised for an impressive season.
As CSK regroups to address their shortcomings, fans will watch closely to see if they can bounce back from this historic defeat. Meanwhile, RCB celebrates their long-awaited triumph over Chennai at one of IPL’s most iconic venues.
