RCB End 17-Year Drought at Chepauk with Dominant 50-Run Win Over CSK
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) secured a historic victory over Chennai Super Kings (CSK), defeating the hosts by 50 runs at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL). This marked RCB’s first win against CSK in Chennai since the inaugural 2008 IPL season, breaking a 17-year jinx.
Batting first, RCB posted a competitive total of 196 runs, thanks to crucial contributions from multiple batters. Opener Phil Salt gave the team an explosive start, smashing 32 runs off just 16 balls before being stumped by MS Dhoni in the fifth over. However, Virat Kohli struggled to find his rhythm, managing only 31 runs off 30 deliveries. Captain Rajat Patidar steadied the innings with a crucial half-century, while Tim David provided the finishing touches with an unbeaten 22 off eight balls. For CSK, Noor Ahmad shone with three wickets, while Matheesha Pathirana, returning to the squad, picked up two.
In response, CSK faltered early, losing three key wickets within the powerplay, which significantly tilted the momentum in RCB’s favor. Rahul Tripathi, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Deepak Hooda were dismissed cheaply, scoring 5, 0, and 4 runs, respectively. Despite a promising knock of 41 from Rachin Ravindra, the pressure mounted as wickets kept tumbling. Ravindra Jadeja and MS Dhoni attempted to counterattack, but the target proved too steep.
RCB’s bowling unit delivered a clinical performance, with Josh Hazlewood leading the charge, claiming three wickets. Yash Dayal and Liam Livingstone picked up two wickets each, sealing a comfortable victory for the visitors.
With this emphatic win, RCB now sits atop the points table, boosting their campaign as the tournament progresses. Meanwhile, CSK will need to regroup quickly to stay in contention after a disappointing outing at home.
