For the first time in Indian Premier League (IPL) history, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) achieved a league double over the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
With 16 points with this victory, RCB rose to the top of the points table. CSK’s campaign took yet another hit after they were already eliminated from playoff contention in their last game.
Talking Points
1. The RCB openers establish the mood
Virat Kohli and Jacob Bethell, the RCB openers, attacked the CSK bowling attack after being put into bat. The two dominated from the beginning and sped to 71 runs in the powerplay. Kohli hammered 62 off just 33 deliveries, while Bethell struck 55 off 33 balls. They established a strong foundation by adding 97 runs for the opening wicket.
2. CSK bowlers take back command
After the openers were dismissed, the CSK bowlers retaliated with methodical bowling. They reduced the scoring rate in the middle overs and took wickets at regular intervals by tightening their lines and lengths.
3. Romario’s spectacular conclusion
Romario Shepherd delivered a spectacular finish just when RCB appeared to be losing steam. He hit Khaleel Ahmed for 32 runs in the penultimate over and Matheesha Pathirana for 20 runs in the last over. Shepherd led RCB to a score of 213 in 20 overs and achieved the second-fastest half-century in IPL history in just 14 balls.
4. Mhatre and Jadeja spearhead CSK’s comeback
During their pursuit, CSK lost a few early wickets in the powerplay. Ayush Mhatre, 17, made an impressive 94 off 48 balls after hammering 26 runs in one over off Bhuvneshwar Kumar to signal his presence. On 77 off 45 deliveries, Ravindra Jadeja remained undefeated and offered strong support from the other end. Together, they put together a partnership of 114 runs, which kept CSK in the game.
5. RCB maintains composure in the last over
The RCB bowlers maintained their composure until the very end, even with the burst of runs in the middle overs. With the seasoned MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja at the crease and 15 runs needed off the final over, Yash Dayal bowled an outstanding final over, giving up just 12 runs and giving the side a 2-run victory. With three wickets in his four-over session, Lungi Ngidi was the best bowler for the RCB.
Who said what?
MS Dhoni, CSK (Losing Captain)
When I went into bat, with the kind of deliveries and the runs needed, I felt I should’ve converted a couple more shots to ease the pressure. I take the blame. They got off to a good start, in between we pulled it back, but Romario Shepherd was brilliant. Whatever the bowlers bowled, he was able to get maximum runs. We need to practice more yorkers. More often than not, when the batters start to connect, you have to rely on yorkers.
Also the margin of error (yorkers provide) – so if you’re looking for a perfect yorker, if that doesn’t happen, a low full toss is the next best thing. It’s one of the most difficult balls to hit. Somebody like Pathirana, if the yorker isn’t happening, he has got pace. He can bowl the bouncer and keep the batter guessing. At times if he’s looking for yorkers, batters are looking to line it up and if he misses, batters have a chance of hitting.
It can be used, but not all batters are comfortable playing it (the scoop). If it comes naturally, then definitely. If not, it becomes difficult. It is something you need to practice in the new era. Most of our batters don’t play the paddle shot. Jaddu plays it but he’s more comfortable down the ground so he was backing his strength.
Rajat Patidar, RCB (Winning Captain)
It was a tight game. Credit goes to their batters, the way they batted, it was really nice to see. The way the bowlers have shown their (ability), it was incredible. He (Dayal) is the main bowler of our team, a death-overs specialist. It was a clear-cut message to give him the last over. Last year as well, he did the same thing for the team and he did it again (tonight). I had confidence in Suyash also. He has been bowling good overs for RCB. The decision was 50-50 at the moment and I backed my bowler, and the way he bowled, it was really good.
(On Shepherd’s sixes) That was not easy to go straightaway and hit those big sixes. He has the power and the skill, just enjoying his long sixes from the dugout. The way Lungi (bowled), he is a very experienced bowler. I have good confidence in him. As a team, it is a positive to be on the top. We are not aiming for qualification, and these three matches are crucial. (On if there will be a party tonight) A little bit but we will do it at the end.
Romario Shepherd, Player of the Match
I had my opportunity today, was waiting for it for a long time. Wanted to give the team a good finish. (On where his power come from) My base and the way I swing. Even today, I was just trying to hold my shape and took it from there. (Does he train for these shots) DK came and gave us some specific work and tonight, it paid off for the team. I was not thinking about the score. J
ust taking it ball by ball, and wanted to hit each ball for four or six. Was trying to stay relaxed, hold my base and hit. (On if he is more of a batter or a bowler) I try to keep it 50-50, but did not come off with the ball (laughs). Bad day with the ball (for me), but we got over the line with the boys (Dayal, Bhuvneshwar and Ngidi) pulling us out of the mud.
India
