Cricholic
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) delivered a commanding performance to break their 17-year jinx at Chepauk, securing a resounding 50-run victory over Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Kicking off their season in style, RCB posted a formidable total of 196 before their bowlers dismantled CSK’s batting lineup, inflicting the hosts’ heaviest defeat at home in terms of runs.
Turning Point: RCB’s PowerPlay Domination Ends 17-Year Wait
The game was effectively decided in the PowerPlay. While Phil Salt provided RCB with an aggressive start, CSK failed to replicate the momentum in their chase. Since early wickets put Chennai on the back foot, they never recovered from the initial collapse.
RCB’s Commanding Innings in Their 17-Year Record-Breaking
Score: 56/1 [RR: 9.3, 4s/6s: 6/2]
RCB capitalized on the fresh pitch conditions as Phil Salt took the attack to CSK’s bowlers. Right from the start, the English batter wasted no time, taking on Khaleel Ahmed and then smashing R Ashwin for a six and two boundaries in the same over. While Virat Kohli struggled initially, he managed to find a boundary off Noor Ahmad, who dismissed him moments later. To ensure a strong start for RCB, Devdutt Padikkal closed the PowerPlay with a stunning six off Sam Curran.
Middle Overs – RCB’s Patidar Punishes CSK’s Fielding Lapses
Score: 82/2 [RR: 9.1, 4s/6s: 6/4]
Padikkal carried the momentum forward with aggressive stroke play against Ravindra Jadeja, keeping the Chepauk crowd silent. Although Ruturaj Gaikwad’s spectacular catch sent him back, Rajat Patidar capitalized on dropped chances, punishing CSK’s sloppy fielding. Meanwhile, Kohli briefly gained momentum after being hit on the helmet but perished soon after. However, Patidar continued attacking Jadeja, ensuring RCB stayed on course for a big total.
Death Overs – RCB’s David Provides a Late Surge
Score: 58/4 [RR: 11.6, 4s/6s: 3/6]
The final overs were action-packed. Even though RCB lost Liam Livingstone and Jitesh Sharma in quick succession, they kept the scoreboard ticking. Pathirana’s late wickets briefly halted RCB’s charge, but Tim David’s three massive sixes off Sam Curran provided the perfect finish. Consequently, RCB wrapped up their innings at 196/7, setting a daunting target for CSK.
CSK’s Struggles Against RCB’s Bowlers in Historic 17-Year Breakthrough
PowerPlay – RCB’s Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Wreak Havoc
Score: 30/3 [RR: 5, 4s/6s: 4/0]
CSK’s chase got off to a nightmare start as Josh Hazlewood struck twice in a single over, dismissing a struggling Rahul Tripathi and the crucial Ruturaj Gaikwad. Meanwhile, Deepak Hooda, promoted ahead of impact player Shivam Dube, looked unsettled and fell to Bhuvneshwar Kumar. At 8/2, the pressure was immense on Rachin Ravindra and Sam Curran to rescue CSK.
Middle Overs – CSK Struggle Against RCB’s Spin Attack
Score: 68/3 [RR: 7.55, 4s/6s: 6/1]
RCB’s spinners maintained a tight grip on the game, forcing CSK batters to take risks. Since the required rate was climbing, Curran perished while trying to accelerate. Although Dube briefly threatened with a counterattack, Yash Dayal dismissed him soon after. Given the pitch’s slow nature, stroke-making became difficult, further tightening RCB’s hold on the game.
Death Overs – Dhoni’s Cameo Against RCB Reduces the Margin
Score: 48/2 [RR: 9.6, 4s/6s: 5/3]
With the game all but lost, MS Dhoni entertained the Chepauk faithful with a late flourish. The legendary wicketkeeper-batter struck two massive sixes off Krunal Pandya and remained unbeaten on 30 off 16 balls. Nevertheless, despite his valiant efforts, CSK could only manage 146/8, falling short by 50 runs.
Match Summary
RCB 196/7 in 20 overs (Rajat Patidar 51, Phil Salt 32; Noor Ahmed 3/36, Matheesha Pathirana 2/36)
CSK 146/8 in 20 overs (Rachin Ravindra 41, MS Dhoni 30*; Josh Hazlewood 3/21, Yash Dayal 2/18)
Result: RCB won by 50 runs
What’s Next for RCB and CSK?
CSK need urgent solutions for their batting woes as they prepare for a quick turnaround against Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati. Meanwhile, RCB, riding high on two consecutive away wins, return home to face Gujarat Titans on April 2.
