RCB skipper hails spinners and powerplay strikes as key to 50-run win at Chepauk — the franchise’s first victory at the venue since 2008.
Chennai, March 29: After leading Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to a comprehensive 50-run win over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at Chepauk, skipper Rajat Patidar credited the spin-friendly pitch and Josh Hazlewood’s impactful first over as pivotal in scripting RCB’s first victory at the iconic stadium since 2008.
Speaking at the post-match presentation, Patidar said, “The ball was stopping, not easy for batters. We aimed for 200, knowing it wouldn’t be an easy chase. Hazlewood’s opening over changed the game—getting early wickets really helped us dominate.”
RCB, after being sent in to bat, posted 196/7, thanks to explosive contributions from Phil Salt (34 off 16), Devdutt Padikkal (27 off 14), Patidar himself (51 off 32), and a fiery finish by *Tim David (22 off 8)**. CSK bowlers Noor Ahmad (3/36) and Matheesha Pathirana (2/36) kept things tight, but couldn’t contain RCB’s late surge.
Chasing 197, CSK stumbled early, with Hazlewood removing both Rahul Tripathi (5) and skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad (0) in the same over, reducing CSK to 8/2. Despite a promising 41 off 31 from Rachin Ravindra, the RCB spin unit, especially Liam Livingstone (2/28) and Yash Dayal (2/18), ensured CSK never found momentum. MS Dhoni‘s late fireworks (30* off 16) came too late as CSK ended at 146/8.
“This win at Chepauk is special,” Patidar added. “It’s always tough to play here because of the crowd and CSK’s record. But our bowling unit stepped up brilliantly.”
Patidar was deservedly named Player of the Match for his all-round leadership and match-defining knock. With back-to-back wins, RCB now tops the IPL 2025 points table and looks set for a dominant campaign.