In a memorable showdown at the Chepauk Stadium, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) etched their name in the annals of IPL history by securing a resounding 50-run victory against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the eighth match of the IPL 2025 season. This triumph marks RCB’s first win at this venue against CSK since the inaugural season of 2008, underlining the significant nature of this clash.
Challenged to chase down a target of 197 runs, CSK stumbled early and ended their innings at 146/8. RCB’s batting lineup, having been asked to set the scoreboard first, amassed 196/7 in their allotted 20 overs, powered by a stunning performance from Rajat Patidar. The middle-order batsman smashed a crucial 51 off just 32 deliveries, striking at a rate of 159.38. His innings was punctuated by four boundaries and three towering sixes, effectively steadying the ship after early losses.
Patidar’s heroics were well supported by an aggressive unbeaten knock of 22 runs from just 8 balls by Tim David, adding the necessary late flourish to RCB’s total. However, it was Josh Hazlewood who dominated proceedings with the ball. The Australian pace bowler made an immediate impact, claiming the wickets of Rahul Tripathi and Ruturaj Gaikwad in the first over, and later adding Ravindra Jadeja to his tally to finish with figures of 3/21 in 4 overs.
Hazlewood’s early breakthroughs disrupted CSK’s batting order, setting a tone that the home team struggled to overcome. Despite a valiant effort from MS Dhoni, who blasted an unbeaten 30 off just 16 deliveries with the aid of two sixes and three fours, CSK could not mount a substantial recovery. The innings also saw a key moment when Liam Livingstone dismissed Ravichandran Ashwin, further derailing CSK’s chase.
As the dust settles on this historic victory, RCB gears up to face the Gujarat Titans in their next encounter scheduled for the following Wednesday. Meanwhile, CSK will look to bounce back when they take on the Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati on the upcoming Sunday. Both teams will have to reflect on this encounter, with RCB relishing their breakthrough and CSK pondering their strategy moving forward in the tournament.