RCB beats CSK at Chepauk—that’s a sentence fans of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have waited 17 long years to say. In a momentous turnaround, RCB finally shattered their long-standing curse at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, defeating Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by a thumping 50-run margin in IPL 2025. The last time RCB emerged victorious at this venue was in 2008, under Rahul Dravid’s captaincy, making this win all the more special.
Only one player from that 2008 RCB squad remains in the current team—Virat Kohli. His expression after the final wicket said it all: relief, pride, and a sense of redemption. The Chepauk crowd, usually unshakable in their support for CSK, sat stunned as their team was handed their biggest home defeat in IPL history. The 34,000-strong sea of yellow had no answer to RCB’s clinical performance, a performance that now proudly carries the tag: RCB beats CSK at Chepauk after 17 long years.
A Strategic RCB Turns the Tables
Over the years, RCB had been known for moments of brilliance overshadowed by mindless decisions. However, Friday night’s match showcased a completely revamped side—one that played with clarity, composure, and commitment. The game plan was evident from the start: build a strong batting foundation and back it up with disciplined bowling.
The strategy worked to perfection. RCB’s batters provided their bowlers with a solid total to defend, and the bowlers, in turn, executed their plans with ruthless efficiency. This wasn’t just another win—it was a statement, and one that echoed through the corridors of Chepauk: RCB beats CSK at Chepauk, and they did it with style.
Kohli, Salt, and Patidar Lay the Platform
Opting to bat first, RCB’s top order executed a calculated assault. Virat Kohli (31 off 30 balls) played anchor, while Phil Salt (32 off 16 balls) provided the early fireworks. Together, they set the tone against CSK’s seasoned attack.
But the real star was captain Rajat Patidar. After being dropped early by Deepak Hooda, Patidar capitalized on the opportunity with a sublime 51 off 32 balls. His shot selection, especially against spin, demonstrated why he’s considered one of India’s most promising young batters.
With contributions throughout the lineup and a batting depth that saw Tim David at No. 7, RCB’s total was always going to be tough to chase, especially at Chepauk—even more so when the RCB beats CSK at Chepauk storyline loomed in the background.
CSK Crumble Under Pressure
Chasing 197, CSK never looked in control. Josh Hazlewood’s double strike in the powerplay put the hosts on the back foot, and they never recovered. Their approach lacked urgency and cohesion, as though they were playing by a playbook from a different era.
Even the arrival of MS Dhoni—batting at No. 9—couldn’t lift the spirits of the home team. The decision to hold him back, paired with the overly cautious middle-order strategy, left fans and experts baffled. With RCB fielders placing a short-leg and slip for Dhoni, it was clear who held the psychological edge. The scoreboard—and the moment—firmly said it that RCB beats CSK at Chepauk.
A Win for the Ages
For RCB fans, this wasn’t just a win—it was vindication. After years of heartbreaks and close calls at Chepauk, this comprehensive victory over CSK on their home turf will go down as one of the most iconic moments in the franchise’s history.
The players executed a game plan with precision, backed their captain, and shut down critics who questioned their temperament. And as the fans roared in delight across social media, one phrase echoed louder than all others: RCB beats CSK at Chepauk—finally, and emphatically.
With this victory, RCB not only secured valuable points on the table but also exorcised a decade-and-a-half-long ghost. Now, with momentum on their side and confidence restored, they look like true contenders in IPL 2025.
