The comprehensive display by RCB at the Chepauk was a testament to their prowess, as they emerged victorious for the first time at the ground since 2008. The batting lineup, featuring Patidar, Salt, David, Padikkal and Jitesh, produced a dazzling performance. Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar subsequently asserted their dominance with the ball, taking control of the powerplay. A double-wicket over from Dayal, which resulted in the dismissals of Ravindra and Dube, effectively terminated CSK's chase. Dhoni's decision to bat at No. 9, below Ashwin, will likely be questioned, despite his unbeaten 30 off 16, which enabled him to become CSK's highest run-scorer in the IPL. RCB's resounding victories will reinforce their position at the top of the table and generate another NRR boost.
Ruturaj Gaikwad: "I still maintain that 170 was a competitive score on this wicket. Batting wasn't straightforward. Poor fielding proved costly for us. When you're chasing 170, you have some breathing room, but when you're chasing an extra 20 runs, you need to adopt a different approach in the powerplay, which didn't happen today. The pitch became slower and stickier. The new ball exhibited some sticking. Uncertain why that occurred. Rahul and I supported our shots, and sometimes that approach pays off, while other times it doesn't. However, when you have a target score in mind and are chasing an additional 20 runs, you always aim to stay ahead. That was my mindset. Although we didn't lose by a substantial margin, it was still 50 runs. Having three world-class spinners on the team presents a different scenario. You want new batters to face them. Unfortunately, that didn't transpire this time, as we dropped catches, and the opposition continued to score boundaries, sustaining their momentum until the final over. We face a lengthy flight to Guwahati, but we must arrive mentally prepared and pinpoint areas for improvement. I firmly believe that our fielding requires significant improvement, and we must bounce back stronger in that department."
Josh Hazlewood: "Feeling revitalized and refreshed. As a collective unit tonight, we demonstrated exceptional performance. We showed significant improvement from our previous game against KKR. We effectively utilized the conditions and performed admirably as a pace and spin unit. I believe that on this wicket, the fuller ball is easier to face due to the uneven bounce, so focusing on an 8-10m length is crucial. The energy was electric, and the effort from the fielding group was outstanding, with notable run-saving and catches. This exceptional fielding display undoubtedly boosts our morale as bowlers. Whenever one experiences an injury, it's natural to feel disheartened, but utilizing that time productively, especially in the gym, can be incredibly beneficial. I firmly believe that having a left-armer is vital, as every team in the competition possesses a left-arm quick, and his variations in pace were truly exceptional today, showcasing his class."
Rajat Patidar, who is also the Player of the Match: "If I discuss this match, it was a formidable total on this surface because the ball was stopping a bit and it wasn't easy for batters to hit fours and sixes. [On winning in Chennai] It's always special playing in Chepauk due to the fans and their fervent support for their teams. [On his innings] I think it was very significant because we were targeting 200, which wouldn't be easy to chase. My goal was clear that as long as I was there, I would maximise every ball. [On bowling changes] This track was pretty helpful for spinners, so I was just keeping it in my mind that I could use my spinners at the early stage. Especially Livingstone, the way he came in and bowled four overs was incredible. [On Hazlewood] It was game-changing because we got two-three wickets in the first six overs. Amazing to see how they kept it on the hard length because the ball wasn't coming on to the bat easily."
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 has kicked off with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) delivering strong performances and securing wins in their respective opening matches.
The two teams are now set to face off on March 28 at Chepauk Stadium in Chennai, a clash that has generated significant excitement among fans. With both sides featuring star-studded lineups, a thrilling contest is expected to unfold.
Notably, CSK suffered their largest home defeat, with Gaikwad expressing relief that the loss wasn't more severe. Conversely, Patidar's performance was outstanding. The manner in which RCB handled spin was always crucial, and Patidar delivered with his batting, capitalizing on multiple opportunities. Other batters maintained consistent momentum despite Kohli's struggles, demonstrating a collective effort. Furthermore, the bowling was characterized by accuracy, with few loose deliveries until the game's outcome was secure. Bowling changes were also judiciously executed.
This season, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) is led by Rajat Patidar, while Chennai Super Kings (CSK) is captained by Ruturaj Gaikwad. Looking at their head-to-head history, CSK holds a clear edge over RCB.
CSK vs RCB Head-to-Head Record
Throughout IPL history, CSK and RCB have competed against each other 33 times. CSK have successfully defeated RCB in 21 of those matches, whereas RCB have secured just 11 victories. One match concluded without a result. These statistics underscore CSK's dominance in their IPL head-to-head rivalry.
In the history of the IPL, CSK and RCB have faced each other on 33 occasions. CSK have emerged victorious in 21 of those matches, while RCB have secured only 11 wins. One match ended without a result, underscoring CSK's dominance in their IPL head-to-head rivalry.
In last year's IPL, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) played two matches against each other, winning one each. However, in their last meeting, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) secured a 6-wicket win.
Both Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have started their IPL 2025 journey on a high note. RCB clinched a 7-wicket win over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), while CSK secured a 4-wicket win in their opening game.
At present, CSK and RCB share two points each, but their net run rates dictate distinct rankings on the points table. RCB, with a net run rate of +2.137, claims the second position, whereas CSK, with a net run rate of +0.493, sits in fourth place.
RCB: Virat Kohli, Philip Salt, Rajat Patidar (c), Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Rasikh Dar Salam, Suyash Sharma, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal. Impact Players: Devdutt Padikkal.
CSK: Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Rachin Ravindra, Deepak Hooda, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Sam Curran, MS Dhoni (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Noor Ahmad, Nathan Ellis, Khaleel Ahmed. Impact Player: Rahul Tripathi.
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