RCB Ends 17-Year Chepauk Curse, Crushes CSK by 50 Runs

RCB Ends 17-Year Chepauk Curse, Crushes CSK by 50 Runs

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) defeated Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by 50 runs at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on March 28, 2025, breaking a 17-year winless streak at Chepauk.

RCB Ends 17-Year Chepauk Curse, Crushes CSK by 50 Runs

This victory marked RCB’s first win at the venue since 2008, when they last triumphed during the inaugural IPL season.

Batting first, RCB posted a strong total of 196/7, led by Rajat Patidar’s crucial knock of 51 off 32 balls, supported by Phil Salt (32) and Virat Kohli (31).

Their bowlers then delivered a clinical performance, restricting CSK to 146/8 in their chase. CSK’s defeat was not only their first home loss to RCB in 17 years but also their biggest home defeat in IPL history.

Several key factors contributed to RCB Victory

RCB’s bowling attack, once considered their weakness, became a formidable force. Mohammed Siraj found his form, taking seven wickets in his last four games12. The new ball pairing of Siraj and Yash Dayal proved effective, while the addition of spinners Karn Sharma and Swapnil Singh strengthened their attack

Virat Kohli’s exceptional form

Kohli’s consistent performance was important, amassing 708 runs with a century and five half-centuries at a strike rate of 155.60.

His leadership and batting prowess played a significant role in RCB’s resurgence.

Patidar emerged as a reliable Indian batsman, scoring five half-centuries with a strike rate approaching 180. His six-hitting abilities and consistent acceleration provided important support to the batting lineup.

Foreign players stepping up

Will Jacks and Cameron Green made significant contributions in the second half of the season. Jacks improved RCB’s batting tempo, while Green excelled in his all-rounder role.

The captain’s experience and ability to perform under pressure were vital. His crucial innings, like the 54 against Chennai Super Kings, proved decisive in important matches.

Sharp catches and overall improved fielding, particularly from du Plessis, Maxwell, and Kohli, contributed to RCB’s success.

The team’s middle-order batting, which initially scored at just over 8 runs per over, improved to score at over 10 runs per over in the second half of the tournament

Psychological Momentum

Ending a 17-year winless streak at Chepauk dismantles a longstanding mental barrier, particularly against a rival that had dominated them historically (8-1 head-to-head at the venue prior to this match)

This win could galvanize team confidence, especially after starting the season with two dominant wins.

Bowling Depth and Adaptability

The performance showcased RCB’s reinforced bowling attack, with Josh Hazlewood (3/21) and Yash Dayal stifling CSK’s chase early.

Their ability to exploit varying conditions—whether slow turners (vs. Mumbai Indians) or Chepauk’s two-paced pitch demonstrates tactical maturity.

The addition of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Hazlewood (acquired for ₹23.25 crore) has addressed past weaknesses.

Batting Balance

RCB’s batting lineup, featuring power hitters like Phil Salt and finishers such as Tim David (three sixes in the final over), displayed depth and aggression.

This contrasts with their 2024 struggles, where middle-order scoring improved only in the second half of the season. The current mix of Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, and Devdutt Padikkal offers stability and explosive options.

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While early-season dominance is promising, RCB must sustain this form. Their 2024 campaign collapsed in the Eliminator despite a late surge, underscoring the need for consistency.

This win, however, positions them as early contenders, with a balanced squad and momentum that could propel them toward their first IPL title

This result ends CSK’s dominance over RCB at Chepauk, where the home team had won all eight encounters since 2008. The match also highlights RCB’s improved performance and ability to overcome past struggles at this historically challenging venue.

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