In the 52nd match of the 2025 IPL season RCB defeated their arch rival CSK by just 2 runs. The much anticipated match was played in the iconic M.Chinnaswamy Stadium and this iconic rivalry delivered a classic, which will be remembered by the fans for many years.RCB posted a big total of 213-5 in their 20 overs and in response CSK managed to score 211-5 and lost the match by 2 runs. Romario Shepherd won the man of the match for his out of the world innings of 53 off just 14 balls.
Strong batting display from RCB
RCB who were asked to bat first played like they were out their to finish the match in the first innings itself as we all know how CSK batting lineup has struggled this season. Jacob Bethell who was only playing his second IPL match scored 55 off just 33 balls and showed the world that why is he being called the next “big thing” in England. The King of cricket, Virat Kohli was in a different mood as he smashed CSK bowlers all over the field. Kohli scored 62 off just 33 balls with a strike rate of 187.88 . Kohli answered all the people questioning his strike rate by this innings. CSK bowlers managed to make a comeback in the middle overs and at one time it looked like that the Bengaluru Boys will find it difficult to cross the 200 mark, but then came the strong West Indian player Romario Shepherd who brought back RCB into the game by his blistering knock of 53 off 14. Khaleel Ahmed who has been a positive for CSK this season was smashed for 33 runs by Romario in the 19th over which took RCB to a mammoth total of 213.
A great fight from CSK
CSK who have had a lackluster IPL season according to their standards gave a really strong fight to RCB. Ayush Mathre the 17 year old from Mumbai smashed the experienced RCB attack all over the park and missed out on a well deserved century by just 6 runs. The 17 year old Mathre put his team first over his own personal milestone and preferred to go for big hits instead of completing his century. Mhatre scored 94 off just 48 balls and gave a message to the CSK management that he is their future. Ravindra Jadeja the boy who turned into a man in yellow also played a strong innings of 77 (45) but just came short of winning the game for his team.
A cinematic end to the game
This match was a mixture of all the emotions a human can feel. After Mhatre got out on Ngidi’s ball , the young South African Dewald Brevis walked out to bat and the youngster was dismissed on the first ball. When Brevis tried to take the DRS he was told by the umpires that the time limit has passed as Brevis kept on running even after the Umpire’s finger was raised . IPL saw another example of poor umpiring as Brevis was actually not out as the ball was missing the three stumps whereas he was given out by the umpire. Brevis was not even allowed to review the decision as the 15 second time limit to ask for DRS was over by the time Brevis wanted to review. After this moment the “Main Man” of CSK walked in, MS Dhoni the CSK captain vs Yash Dayal in the final over it looked like CSK would finally take their revenge from RCB for the last season but Yash had some other plans as CSK needed 15 to win but Yash not only dismissed MS on the third ball but he also gave only 12 runs in the final over despite bowling a no ball. RCB held their nerves in the final moments of the match and ensured a big win over their rivals.
RCB reaches the lucky number 16
RCB has now 16 points in 11 matches this season and are sitting on the top of the points table. In the past seasons every team which has reached 16 points has played the playoffs and RCB will now be looking at a top 2 finish to ensure that they get 2 chances in the playoffs.
This match showed why this rivalry is one of the best rivalry in the league and as we all expected fireworks , both the teams ensured that we get a lot of memorable moments. RCB will now be focusing on ensuring a top 2 spot whereas the 5 time champions CSK will be looking to end this season on a high note and will be looking to avoid a last place finish this season as they have never finished last in an IPL season. This will also be the first time in an IPL season that there will be 2 consecutive IPL finals without MS Dhoni.
About the Author
Arpit Sharma is a sports writer and journalism student at Chandigarh University, with a strong interest in sports analysis and storytelling. His writing combines match insights with a fresh, fan-first perspective that brings the game to life.
Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Vygr's views.
With inputs from agencies
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