The IPL 2025 Match 52 between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) delivered a nail-biting contest, with RCB clinching a 2-run victory in a high-scoring encounter. RCB posted 213/5, while CSK fell just short at 211/5, setting the stage for a classic rivalry showdown.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru innings 

RCB posted a very decent score of 213/5 in their 20 overs thanks to a destructive two-thirds of an innings from Virat Kohli. The captain got into gear to hit a rapid 92 runs off 33 balls to annihilate the CSK bowlers with his aggressive play. Jacob Bethel played a sensible innings, scoring a quick 55 runs off 33 balls to hold down the middle periods of the innings. A late charge from Romario Shepherd with a *53 runs off 14 balls pushed RCB past the 200 runs with massive swings. The CSK bowlers were blasted for runs against the batter. Matheesha Pathirana (3/36) and Lungi Ngidi scraped together (3), and the amount of wickets taken. Noor Ahmad, Sam Curran, and Yash Dayal each chipped in with one wicket each, but they had too many RCB bats to restrict.

Chennai Super Kings innings 

The run chase of 214 saw CSK push their total to 211/5 in a tense finish, with only 2 more runs chipped away with the run chase. Ayush Mhatre played a brilliant innings, sending 94 runs off 48 balls, keeping his bounds privy and picking up key singles. Ravindra Jadeja's support blasting his classy 77 runs off 45 also struck critical sixes in the middle overs. Shaik Rasheed, undoubtedly, had little benefit in building momentum for the lower order with 14 off 11. The RCB bowlers bought familiar discipline with Krunal Pandya (1/24) and Yash Dayal (1/41), as both bowlers kept runs to a minimum with some key bats to scurry the chase along in the first half. RCB’s Krunal Pandya (1/24) and Yash Dayal (1/41) bowled tightly in the death overs, securing a 2-run victory in a thrilling finish.

Also Read: Top 3 reasons why Chennai Super Kings Lost to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2025 Match 52

RCB vs CSK: Post Match Reactions

Romario Shepherd (Player of the Match): Shepherd was thrilled to finally get his opportunity, looking to end strongly and attribute his power to his base and swing position. He credited DK for helping with big-hitting practice in the nets, which paid off. Shepherd explained that he didn’t have a specific score in mind but aimed to hit each ball for boundaries. He appreciated Tim David's advice to stay composed and hold his base. Despite struggling with the ball, he lauded his teammates Yash Dayal, Bhuvneshwar, and Ngidi for stepping up.

Rajat Patidar (Royal Challengers Captain): Patidar complimented the opposition batters but also showed faith in his bowlers. He showed faith in the risk he took to give the spinner Suyash the 18th over as he was delighted with Romario's finish. He was also happy with Lungi Ngidi's efforts in replacing Hazlewood by bringing white-ball experience. It is good to be at the top of the table, but with three games to go, the focus is on them and not just qualifying.

MS Dhoni (Super Kings Captain): Dhoni said he was accountable for missing a few big shots in a tight chase. He praised Shepherd's incredible hitting at the death and felt it was important to have the bowlers convert their yorkers consistently. He praised Ayush Mhatre's innings, and it had been batting that had been a problem earlier, but today it clicked, although with the bowling they fell short.

Also Read: IPL 2025: KKR vs RR Match 53 - A Head to Head breakdown

Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Chennai Super Kings: Match Scorecard

Royal Challengers Bengaluru – 213/5 (20 Overs)

Chennai Super Kings – 211/5 (20 Overs)