TATA IPL 2025: RCB vs CSK – 52nd Match Report

On May 3, 2025, the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru hosted a thrilling 52nd match of the TATA IPL 2025, pitting Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) against Chennai Super Kings (CSK). This Southern Derby, a clash of titans, saw RCB clinch a dramatic two-run victory, edging out CSK in a high-scoring encounter that kept fans on the edge of their seats.

CSK captain MS Dhoni won the toss and opted to bowl, banking on the chasing-friendly conditions at Chinnaswamy. RCB, led by Rajat Patidar, posted a formidable 213/5, driven by explosive half-centuries from Jacob Bethell (55 off 33) and Virat Kohli (62 off 33). The duo’s 97-run opening stand set the tone, with Bethell’s audacious reverse-sweeps and Kohli’s towering sixes delighting the home crowd. Romario Shepherd’s 14-ball 53 not out, including four sixes in a 33-run 19th over off Khaleel Ahmed, propelled RCB to a daunting total. CSK’s bowlers struggled, with Khaleel conceding a record 65 runs, though Noor Ahmad (1/36) and Ravindra Jadeja (0/28) showed control.

Chasing 214, CSK’s response was powered by 17-year-old Ayush Mhatre’s sensational 94 off 48 balls, laced with nine fours and five sixes. Mhatre’s cover drives and fearless strokeplay announced him as a future star. Ravindra Jadeja’s unbeaten 77 off 45, including a 29-ball fifty, anchored the chase, with their 114-run third-wicket stand keeping CSK in contention. However, RCB’s bowlers, led by Yash Dayal, held their nerve. Dayal’s final over was decisive, dismissing Dhoni (5 off 3) with a pinpoint yorker and restricting Shivam Dube to a single off the last ball, as CSK finished at 211/5.

Key moments included Shepherd’s blistering finish, which turned a par score into a match-winning one, and Dayal’s composure under pressure. Mhatre’s knock, though, was the standout, earning praise for its maturity. Shepherd was named Player of the Match for his game-changing cameo.

RCB’s victory strengthened their playoff hopes, moving them to 16 points and the top of the table. CSK, already out of contention, showed fight but were let down by early losses and the absence of Matheesha Pathirana in the death overs. The electric atmosphere, with “RCB!” and “CSK!” chants echoing, underscored the rivalry’s intensity.