CSK vs RCB, IPL 2025: Bengaluru End 17-Year Drought at Chepauk with Record Win
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 witnessed one of the most historic moments in the tournament’s history when Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) ended their 17-year drought to defeat Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium, commonly known as Chepauk. The high-octane encounter not only marked a historic win for RCB but also added another memorable chapter to the fierce rivalry between two of the most beloved teams in the IPL.
For 17 years, RCB had struggled at Chepauk, consistently falling short in their encounters with CSK, who had made the stadium a fortress. MS Dhoni’s men had always enjoyed an upper hand when playing at home, with their brilliant spin attack and the loyal support of the Chennai crowd. RCB’s inability to conquer this intimidating ground had become a recurring narrative, but in IPL 2025, that story changed as they scripted a stunning victory to secure a massive 6-wicket win.
The Build-Up: A New Era for RCB
Heading into this encounter, RCB was brimming with confidence. Their squad, led by Faf du Plessis, was one of the most balanced in IPL history. With power hitters like Glenn Maxwell, the steady Virat Kohli, and an impressive bowling attack featuring Josh Hazlewood and Wanindu Hasaranga, RCB appeared ready to break free from their previous shortcomings in the tournament.
However, playing at Chepauk against a well-established team like CSK was always going to be a huge challenge. The Chennai-based franchise, under the leadership of MS Dhoni, had maintained an almost unblemished record at this venue, creating an aura of invincibility. The RCB players, though, were determined to overcome the psychological barrier that had haunted them for so long. The chatter of “Can RCB win at Chepauk?” was replaced by a renewed sense of belief, and fans had a strong sense that this could be their season.
CSK Opt to Bat First: The Familiar Conditions at Chepauk
When MS Dhoni won the toss and opted to bat first, there were no surprises. Chepauk’s pitch had traditionally favored spin bowling, and CSK, with their deep arsenal of spin options, were keen on setting a target to challenge RCB. The crowd at Chepauk, as usual, was vocal and passionately behind their team, fully expecting the home side to put up a competitive total.
CSK’s openers, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway, have been in excellent form, and they were expected to take full advantage of the home conditions. However, RCB’s bowlers had a different plan. Josh Hazlewood, who had been in terrific form throughout the season, was brought on early and made an immediate impact. His accuracy and ability to swing the ball were always going to be vital on a pitch that had something to offer to pacers early on.
Hazlewood’s first spell was clinical, and it set the tone for RCB’s dominance in the first innings. In the fourth over, Hazlewood struck by removing the dangerous Gaikwad with a sharp delivery that seamed away. The crowd was stunned, and RCB’s fielding unit erupted in joy. Conway, who had been the backbone of CSK’s batting, found himself under pressure soon after. Hazlewood’s disciplined lines and the support from RCB’s other pacer, Mohammed Siraj, kept the run rate in check.
At 48/2 in the 8th over, CSK’s innings had stalled, and they struggled to get going. Conway (25) was dismissed trying to accelerate, and this prompted a flurry of wickets. The middle order, including the likes of Moeen Ali, Ambati Rayudu, and Shivam Dube, were unable to offer much resistance, as RCB’s bowlers kept chipping away.
Despite MS Dhoni’s trademark resilience, the pressure was mounting. The Chennai captain tried to anchor the innings and play some calculated shots but found it difficult to counter RCB’s tight bowling. In the death overs, the batting collapse continued, and CSK limped to a total of 126/9 in 20 overs.
It was a remarkably poor showing by CSK, especially at home, and RCB had done a commendable job in restricting the home team to a subpar total. Hazlewood was the standout bowler, picking up 3 crucial wickets, while Siraj and Hasaranga also played key roles in containing the opposition.
RCB’s Chase: Faf du Plessis Leads the Way
With a modest target of 127 to chase, RCB’s opening pair of Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli knew they had to play smart cricket, respecting the conditions while ensuring they did not let CSK’s bowlers settle. The pitch, though not overly challenging, still had some assistance for the spinners, and it was essential for RCB to play with patience, especially against CSK’s experienced spinners like Ravindra Jadeja and Moeen Ali.
Du Plessis, in particular, showed his class and composure from the outset. The South African captain played a controlled knock, rotating the strike efficiently and finding gaps in the field. Kohli, ever the stabilizing influence, supported his partner with a steady presence at the crease. Together, they constructed a solid foundation, ensuring that RCB was always in control of the chase.
The CSK spinners tried to make inroads, but du Plessis was untroubled. He cleverly swept Jadeja and used the depth of the pitch to pierce the gaps in the field. His strokes were a display of calculated aggression and technical brilliance. The partnership between the two seasoned campaigners built steadily, and by the 10th over, RCB was already halfway through the target, needing just 64 runs off the final 60 balls.
CSK, despite their experience, could not find a breakthrough, and the required rate never seemed to trouble RCB. With du Plessis (52*) anchoring the chase and Kohli (35) playing his supporting role, RCB inched closer to the target with each over.
The Final Push: Maxwell and RCB Seal the Deal
As the match neared its conclusion, Glenn Maxwell entered the fray, and his power-hitting took RCB to the brink of victory. The Australian all-rounder wasted no time in showing his intentions, hammering a few boundaries and keeping the pressure off his captain. Maxwell’s quick-fire 20 off 12 balls ensured that RCB would complete the chase without any drama, and with a calculated push, they crossed the finish line in the 16th over.
Du Plessis remained unbeaten on 52, and RCB secured a 6-wicket victory — a comprehensive and record-breaking win. It was a massive achievement for the franchise, ending a 17-year drought at Chepauk and sending a strong message to the rest of the IPL.
Conclusion: A Historic Win and a New Beginning for RCB
RCB’s victory at Chepauk was not just about ending a long-standing jinx; it was about proving to themselves that they were a team capable of conquering the big challenges. The win against CSK at their own backyard marked a new era for RCB, one where they could hold their own in the toughest of conditions. The performance was a collective effort, with Hazlewood’s brilliant bowling upfront, du Plessis’ calm and calculated captaincy, and Maxwell’s finishing prowess.
This win was symbolic of RCB’s potential to go all the way in IPL 2025, and for their loyal fan base, it was a long-awaited moment of glory. As for CSK, this loss was a reminder that no team is invincible, even at their home ground. The tournament was far from over, and both teams would look to regroup for the remainder of the season.
But for RCB, this was a night to remember — a night where they finally conquered Chepauk, ending a 17-year drought and creating a historic moment in IPL history.
