IPL 2025: RCB bowlers, Patidar steer first victory over CSK in Chennai since 2008

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) broke their 17-year Chennai jinx with a dominant 50-run victory over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in IPL 2025. This was RCB’s first win in Chennai since the inaugural season of the IPL, and it was CSK's biggest home defeat.

RCB posted a total of 196/7, thanks to Rajat Patidar’s brilliant knock of 51 from 32 balls. The total proved to be beyond CSK, who were restricted to 146/8. Despite some late hitting by MS Dhoni (30*), RCB's bowlers, led by Josh Hazlewood (3/21) and Bhuvneshwar Kumar (1/20), restricted CSK effectively, sealing the game with a 50-run margin.

The match was initially billed as a contest where RCB would struggle to face CSK's spin attack. However, the pitch conditions turned out to be favorable for seamers. Bhuvneshwar and Hazlewood exploited the swing and seam movement early on, dismissing key CSK batsmen and reducing them to 26/3 in the powerplay. Hazlewood’s steep bounce and Bhuvneshwar’s swing proved to be too much for CSK's top order, with Rahul Tripathi and Ruturaj Gaikwad both falling cheaply.

RCB’s batters took advantage of the pitch, with Phil Salt and Devdutt Padikkal helping RCB get off to a strong start. Salt was dismissed for 32 off 16 balls, but Padikkal continued the attack, taking down Ravindra Jadeja's bowling with ease. Patidar’s aggressive approach kept the pressure on, and despite losing wickets in the middle overs, RCB managed to reach a competitive total.

The chase began poorly for CSK as they struggled against the seamers in the early stages. With the asking rate climbing, MS Dhoni walked in to bat at No. 9, a rare sight for fans. Though he managed some big hits in the final overs, it was too late to make a difference. 

RCB’s bowlers continued to dominate in the second half of CSK's chase. Even when CSK’s spinners, Ashwin and Jadeja, were introduced, RCB’s batters kept the momentum going. Patidar’s timely sixes and a quick-fire 27-run partnership between him and Jitesh Sharma in the 16th over pushed RCB beyond the par score. 

In the end, despite Dhoni's late cameo, RCB’s all-around performance ensured they came out victorious by a margin of 50 runs, marking a significant milestone in their IPL history. 

This loss for CSK was their largest home defeat in IPL history, with RCB managing to outclass them in every department. The win also marked a major achievement for RCB, as they not only secured their first-ever victory in Chennai but also put up a comprehensive display of both batting and bowling.