In the IPL 2025, on Friday, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) defeated Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by 50 runs at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. With this win, RCB finally broke their 17-year jinx of not winning at this venue. This victory marks only their second win here, with the first one happening back in IPL 2008.
Virat Kohli’s struggles
Virat Kohli, the star batter for RCB, faced some difficulties on the crease, scoring 31 runs off 30 balls, before getting out to Noor Ahmad. Cricket analyst Aakash Chopra commented on Kohli’s innings, saying: “It was one of those days where no matter how hard you try, you just can’t find the middle of the bat. Kohli kept connecting with the inner half, dragging the ball toward the leg side more often than not.”
Akash Chopra is disappointed the way Kohli too the innings forward. “He took a blow to the head, managed a couple of decent strokes—a six and a four—but eventually fell playing a lofted sweep to Noor at deep square leg. This wasn’t the fluent knock we’re accustomed to seeing from him, but such days are inevitable.” he added.
Team’s performance covered Kohli’s failure
Despite Kohli’s struggle, RCB managed to score a massive 196 runs. Aakash Chopra praised the team effort. “The bigger takeaway is how the team responded. Despite Virat scoring 31 off 30 balls, RCB still reached 196. That means in the remaining 15 overs, the rest of the team contributed 166 runs.”
Akash believes that now RCB is not dependent on Kohli anymore. They make their way forward even if Kohli doesn’t play well. “This shift in mindset is crucial. Earlier, Kohli would dictate the pace, and others would play around him—often leaving the team 15 to 20 runs short. But now, even if he struggles, the rest of the lineup continues to attack. With batting depth and players in form, the approach has evolved.” he concluded.
Key performances in the Match
Rajat Patidar was the top scorer for RCB with 51 runs off 32 balls, while Phil Salt (32 off 16) and Devdutt Padikkal (27 off 14) also gave crucial contributions. Tim David’s late cameo of 22 not out off 8 balls, including a hat-trick of sixes, added to RCB’s total. For CSK, Noor Ahmad was the standout bowler with figures of 3 for 36. However, CSK struggled in their chase due to RCB’s tight bowling. Josh Hazelwood took 3 wickets for 21 runs, and Yash Dayal along with Liam Livingstone picked up two wickets each, ensuring RCB’s comfortable victory.
Editor's Pick
Cricket
Abhishek dedicates record-setting knock to Yuvi, SKY, "lucky" parents & Orange Army
Top Stories
