The much-anticipated clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL 2025 season took place at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, on March 28, 2025. The match ended in a historic 50-run victory for RCB, breaking their 17-year losing streak at Chepauk.
Match Summary
- RCB: 196/7 (20 overs)
- CSK: 146/8 (20 overs)
- Result: RCB won by 50 runs
- Player of the Match: Rajat Patidar (RCB)
RCB Innings: Dominant Batting Display
After losing the toss, RCB was put in to bat first. Opener Phil Salt and Virat Kohli provided a steady start, but Noor Ahmad struck early, dismissing Salt for 29 runs. Kohli, too, fell after a quick 28 off 19 balls, leaving RCB at 67/2 in 7.3 overs.
The star performer of the innings was Rajat Patidar, who played an explosive knock of 51 off 32 balls. Despite an early dropped catch, he made full use of the opportunity, smashing boundaries and accelerating the innings. Glenn Maxwell (36 off 20) also contributed with some big hits in the death overs.
CSK’s bowling attack had moments of brilliance, with Noor Ahmad leading the charge, taking 3 wickets for 32 runs. However, RCB’s aggressive batting ensured they reached a competitive total of 196/7 in 20 overs.
CSK Innings: Struggles Against RCB’s Bowling Attack
Chasing 197, CSK had a shaky start. Faf du Plessis and Rachin Ravindra attempted to build momentum, but RCB’s disciplined bowling attack prevented them from accelerating. Ravindra top-scored with 41 runs, but wickets kept falling at regular intervals.
RCB’s bowlers, especially Josh Hazlewood (3/21) and Yash Dayal (2/18), made it difficult for CSK to chase the total. Even though MS Dhoni played a late cameo of 30 off 16 balls, it was too little, too late. Liam Livingstone (2/28) also picked crucial wickets, restricting CSK to just 146/8 in 20 overs.
Key Takeaways from the Match
✔ RCB’s first win at Chepauk since 2008
✔ Rajat Patidar’s match-winning knock of 51 (32)
✔ Josh Hazlewood’s brilliant bowling spell (3/21)
✔ CSK’s middle-order collapse
✔ MS Dhoni’s fighting innings (30 off 16), but not enough
With this dominant performance, RCB has gained two crucial points in the IPL 2025 table and will look to carry this momentum into upcoming matches. On the other hand, CSK will need to regroup and address their middle-order batting woes as they prepare for their next game.
This high-voltage encounter proved once again why RCB vs CSK remains one of the most exciting rivalries in IPL history!
