IPL 2025: Patidar's match-winning knock to Dhoni's late heroics - major talking points from RCB's win over CSK

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) secured a landmark victory over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in their recent IPL 2025 clash, ending a 17-year winless streak at Chepauk’s MA Chidambaram Stadium. RCB won the match by 50 runs thanks to brilliant batting and phenomenal bowling.

RCB’s top order contributed again with Rajat Patidar scoring a fabulous half-century to take his team to 196/7 in 20 overs. Josh Hazlewood and Co. then demolished CSK’s batters with their fiery bowling to win their first game at the venue since 2008. Here are the major talking points from the CSK vs RCB match:

Patidar plays a captain’s knock

RCB captain Rajat Patidar played a crucial role in setting up a competitive total of 196/7 with a vital innings of 51 runs off 32 balls. Patidar’s knock came under pressure, especially after being dropped three times. The 31-year-old shifted gears after the dismissal of Virat Kohli. Tim David 22 off 8 balls provided the much-needed late push to RCB as they posted an above-par total.

𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧'𝐬 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐜𝐤! 🫡

Rajat Patidar bags the Player of the Match award for his 51 (32) that set the tone for @RCBTweets's commanding win 👏

Scorecard ▶ https://t.co/I7maHMwxDS #TATAIPL | #CSKvRCB | @rrjjt_01 pic.twitter.com/MuCO6F3pEI

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) March 28, 2025

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RCB’s bowling masterclass

RCB’s bowlers then executed their plans flawlessly, with Josh Hazlewood and Yash Dayal leading the charge. Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s early breakthroughs in the powerplay set the tone for the innings, as they dismissed three batters in the powerplay, leaving CSK reeling at 26/3. RCB spinners further tightened the grip in the middle overs, and Yash Dayal’s twin strikes dismantled CSK’s batting lineup completely.

CSK’s top order collapses

CSK’s top order failed to deliver, with early dismissals causing a significant dent in their chase. The loss of skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad for a duck and Rahul Tripathi for just 5 runs left the team in shambles. Rachin Ravindra played an anchor’s innings but that wasn’t enough to take CSK home, especially after RCB had scored a mammoth total. Shivam Dube showed some promise in the middle but the ship had already sailed by then and CSK kept losing wickets at regular intervals.

CSK’s fielding errors

Fielding played a crucial role in the match’s outcome. CSK’s inability to capitalise on RCB’s early mistakes, including dropped catches of Patidar and Kohli, allowed RCB to build a solid total. After being dropped twice by Deepak Hooda and Rahul Tripathi, Patidar went on to score a half-century and help his team finish with a competitive score.

Dhoni’s late heroics

Despite CSK’s loss, MS Dhoni provided some entertainment for the home crowd with a late flourish, scoring 30 runs off 16 balls. His innings included three fours and two sixes. However, Dhoni’s performance highlighted the fact that it was merely a consolation in a match that saw CSK outclassed in their own den.

A never ending story 😊

Last over 🤝 MS Dhoni superhits 🔥

Scorecard ▶ https://t.co/I7maHMwxDS #TATAIPL | #CSKvRCB | @ChennaiIPL pic.twitter.com/j5USqXvf7r

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) March 28, 2025

RCB gain significant momentum

With this victory, RCB not only claimed a vital win but also gained significant momentum in the tournament. Their position at the top of the points table with four points puts them in a strong position as they look to build on this success.