IPL 2025: RCB Ends 17-Year Drought at Chepauk, Defeats CSK by 50 Runs

Introduction

The 8th match of IPL 2025 witnessed an intense clash between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on March 28, 2025. Both teams entered the match with winning momentum, with CSK defeating Mumbai Indians at home and RCB overcoming Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens. This Southern Derby was particularly crucial for RCB, as they aimed to break their 17-year losing streak at Chepauk, where CSK had won 8 out of 9 encounters since 2008.

 Toss and First Innings: RCB’s Dominant Batting Performance

CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad won the toss and opted to field first, looking to take advantage of the home conditions. RCB’s innings began with a fiery start from Phil Salt, who smashed 25 runs off just 14 balls before being stumped brilliantly by MS Dhoni. Virat Kohli steadied the innings, scoring 35 off 28 balls, but fell victim to Noor Ahmad’s clever bowling.

Captain Rajat Patidar played a crucial knock, crafting a brilliant 54 off 39 balls, while Tim David’s explosive 28 off 15 balls provided the necessary late flourish. RCB concluded their innings at a strong 196/6 in 20 overs, with Noor Ahmad (3 wickets) and Khaleel Ahmed (2 wickets) leading CSK’s bowling attack.

Second Innings: CSK’s Struggles and Dhoni’s Late Brilliance

CSK had a disastrous start to their chase, as Josh Hazlewood struck early to dismiss both Rahul Tripathi and Ruturaj Gaikwad in the second over, leaving them at 8/2. Rachin Ravindra showed some resistance with a quickfire 41 off 29 balls, but Yash Dayal’s double breakthrough in the 13th over sent both Ravindra and Shivam Dube back to the pavilion, putting CSK in deep trouble.

By the 16th over, CSK had lost 7 wickets for just 99 runs. As the crowd erupted in excitement, MS Dhoni walked in at No. 9, with 98 runs needed off 28 balls. The former captain did not disappoint his fans, smashing two sixes and a four in the final over off Krunal Pandya. However, his valiant effort (30* off 16) was not enough as CSK finished at 146/8, falling short by 50 runs.

Match Highlights

RCB’s Batting: Rajat Patidar (54 off 39), Tim David (28 off 15), Phil Salt (25 off 14)

CSK’s Bowling: Noor Ahmad (3/36), Khaleel Ahmed (2/28)

CSK’s Batting: Rachin Ravindra (41 off 29), MS Dhoni (30* off 16)

RCB’s Bowling: Josh Hazlewood (3/22), Yash Dayal (2/30), Liam Livingstone (2/18)

Conclusion

With this emphatic victory, RCB ended their 17-year drought at Chepauk and climbed to the top of the IPL 2025 points table. CSK, on the other hand, suffered their first defeat of the season and will look to bounce back in their next match against Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati. This historic win has ignited celebrations among RCB fans, while CSK will aim to regroup and rectify their weaknesses.

Stay tuned for more IPL 2025 updates and match analysis!