RCB vs CSK – A Win for Royal After 17 Years at Chepuak

RCB’s batting brilliance paved the way, posting an imposing 196 for 7. Rajat Patidar starred with 51 off 32 balls, steering the innings confidently. Phil Salt smashed 32 off 16, while Devdutt Padikkal added 27 off 14 quickly. CSK’s fielders dropped Patidar multiple times, letting RCB build vital partnerships. Late fireworks from Tim David, scoring 22* off 8 with three sixes, boosted the total. The batters attacked CSK’s bowlers relentlessly, showing intent on a tricky pitch. This formidable score laid the groundwork for RCB’s emphatic triumph.

RCB’s seamers, Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, swiftly tore through CSK’s top order. Hazlewood dismissed Rahul Tripathi and Ruturaj Gaikwad in his opening over expertly. Bhuvneshwar removed Deepak Hooda, using seam movement to perfection consistently. Their combined effort yielded 4 wickets for 41 runs in 7 overs. CSK lost three wickets in the powerplay, derailing their chase early. The duo’s tight lines and swing left CSK reeling helplessly. This early dominance ensured RCB controlled the game, like India vs Australia in CT 2025.

Pitch Conditions Favor RCB’s Seamers

The Chennai pitch provided seam movement and bounce, suiting fast bowlers well. RCB’s Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar exploited these conditions, troubling CSK’s batters repeatedly. CSK lacked pacers to match this advantage, putting them at a disadvantage. Khaleel Ahmed tried but couldn’t maintain consistent pressure effectively. RCB’s batters adapted smarter, posting a formidable total despite challenges. Expectations of spin dominance flipped, with seam bowling stealing the show. This tactical edge helped RCB outplay CSK comprehensively.

RCB Overpowers CSK’s Spin Attack

CSK’s spinners—R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Noor Ahmad—were expected to shine. Instead, RCB’s batters, led by Patidar, attacked them fearlessly and successfully. Ashwin and Jadeja leaked 59 runs in 5 overs, which is unusually expensive. Patidar smashed a six off Noor, while Padikkal punished Jadeja. The spinners failed to curb runs or take key wickets. This aggression kept RCB’s momentum alive, building a daunting total. Their spin strength was neutralized, shifting the match decisively.

CSK’s Fielding Lapses Prove Costly

CSK’s sloppy fielding handed RCB a massive advantage, dropping crucial catches. Deepak Hooda and Rahul Tripathi let Patidar off at 17 and 19. These errors allowed Patidar to reach 51, punishing CSK further. Another chance off Khaleel Ahmed went down, compounding their woes. CSK couldn’t pressure new batters, letting RCB extend their score. These mistakes inflated the target, making the chase more challenging. Fielding blunders were a key reason for CSK’s defeat.

CSK’s Chase Falters After Early Losses

CSK aimed to chase 197 but stumbled, losing three wickets in the powerplay. Rachin Ravindra and Shivam Dube tried rebuilding but faced a steep run rate. RCB’s spinners tightened the screws, restricting scoring opportunities effectively. Mounting pressure forced rash shots, leading to their eventual dismissals. The middle order struggled to accelerate, bogged down by tight bowling as RCB did against KKR. Early damage pushed CSK into a defensive shell, sealing their fate. Their batting couldn’t match RCB’s earlier aggression.