Royal Challengers Bengaluru secured a thrilling 2-run victory over Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2025 Match 52 on May 3, 2025, at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru. Royal Challengers Bengaluru posted 213/5 in 20 overs, driven by Virat Kohli’s 62 off 33 and Romario Shepherd’s unbeaten 53 off 14. Chennai Super Kings responded with 211/5, led by Ayush Mhatre’s 94 off 48 and Ravindra Jadeja’s unbeaten 77 off 45, but fell just short. Lungi Ngidi’s 3/30 and Yash Dayal’s 1/41 were pivotal for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. This eighth win in eleven games strengthened Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s second spot with 16 points, while Chennai Super Kings’ ninth loss kept them at the bottom with 4 points. The high-scoring pitch amplified the contest’s intensity.
Table of Contents
Pitch and Conditions
M. Chinnaswamy Stadium’s pitch favored batsmen, averaging 167 in first innings, with 200-plus scores frequent in 2025. Short boundaries (60m-65m) suited players like Ayush Mhatre. Chasing teams have won 53 of 95 games, aided by dew (60% humidity). Weather was partly cloudy, 27°C, with a 10% rain chance, ensuring uninterrupted play. Both teams’ high totals reflected the venue’s run-heavy nature.
Toss and Lineups
Royal Challengers Bengaluru won the toss and opted to bat, capitalizing on M. Chinnaswamy’s high-scoring trend, though 53 of 95 games favor chasing.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s XI included Jacob Bethell, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (captain), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Lungi Ngidi, Yash Dayal, with impact sub Suyash Sharma.
Chennai Super Kings’ XI comprised Shaik Rasheed, Ayush Mhatre, Sam Curran, Ravindra Jadeja, Dewald Brevis, MS Dhoni (captain, wk), Shivam Dube, Deepak Hooda, Anshul Kamboj, Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmed, with impact sub Matheesha Pathirana. Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s batting depth met Chennai Super Kings’ aggressive openers and spin.
Game Plan Executed by CSK
Chennai Super Kings aimed to restrict Royal Challengers Bengaluru to under 200 but conceded 213/5, with Matheesha Pathirana’s 3/36 dismissing Jacob Bethell and Devdutt Padikkal. Ayush Mhatre’s 94 and Ravindra Jadeja’s 77 not out powered a chase targeting 70-plus in the powerplay, falling 2 runs short in 20 overs. Chennai Super Kings’ spinners, including Noor Ahmad’s 1/26, contained Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s middle overs, but Lungi Ngidi’s 3/30 halted their momentum.
Game Plan Executed by RCB
Royal Challengers Bengaluru targeted 200-plus, achieving 213/5 with Virat Kohli’s 62 and Romario Shepherd’s 53 not out overpowering Chennai Super Kings’ bowlers like Khaleel Ahmed (0/65). Lungi Ngidi’s 3/30, dismissing Sam Curran and Dewald Brevis, and Krunal Pandya’s 2/24 disrupted Chennai Super Kings’ top order. Yash Dayal’s 1/41, removing MS Dhoni late, ensured Royal Challengers Bengaluru defended their total on a batting-friendly pitch.
Scoreboard Reference (CSK vs RCB, May 3, 2025)
Royal Challengers Bengaluru scored 213/5 in 20 overs: Virat Kohli 62 (33 balls, 5 fours, 2 sixes), Jacob Bethell 55 (33 balls, 3 fours, 3 sixes), Romario Shepherd 53 not out (14 balls, 4 fours, 4 sixes), Devdutt Padikkal 17 (15 balls, 1 four), Rajat Patidar 11 (15 balls), Jitesh Sharma 7 (8 balls, 1 six), Tim David 2 not out (3 balls). Matheesha Pathirana took 3/36, Noor Ahmad 1/26, Sam Curran 1/34 for Chennai Super Kings. Chennai Super Kings scored 211/5 in 20 overs: Ayush Mhatre 94 (48 balls, 9 fours, 5 sixes), Ravindra Jadeja 77 not out (45 balls, 5 fours, 2 sixes), Shaik Rasheed 14 (11 balls, 1 four), Sam Curran 5 (5 balls, 1 six), MS Dhoni 12 (8 balls), Shivam Dube 8 not out (3 balls, 1 six), Dewald Brevis 0 (1 ball). Lungi Ngidi took 3/30, Krunal Pandya 2/24, Yash Dayal 1/41 for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. This high-scoring thriller underscored M. Chinnaswamy’s batting-friendly trend.
Match Summary
Royal Challengers Bengaluru won by 2 runs, posting 213/5 with Virat Kohli’s 62 off 33, Jacob Bethell’s 55 off 33, and Romario Shepherd’s 53 not out off 14. Chennai Super Kings’ 211/5, led by Ayush Mhatre’s 94 off 48 and Ravindra Jadeja’s 77 not out off 45, fell agonizingly short. Lungi Ngidi’s 3/30 and Yash Dayal’s 1/41, dismissing key batsmen, secured Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s victory. Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s batting firepower and clutch bowling outshone Chennai Super Kings’ valiant chase, boosting their playoff hopes.
Key Players to Watch
-
Ayush Mhatre: 94 runs off 48 balls (9 fours, 5 sixes)
-
Ravindra Jadeja: 77 runs not out off 45 balls (5 fours, 2 sixes)
-
Virat Kohli: 62 runs off 33 balls (5 fours, 2 sixes)
-
Lungi Ngidi: 3 wickets for 30 runs in 4 overs
Head-to-Head Stats
Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru have clashed 34 times in the IPL, with Chennai Super Kings leading 21-13, including one no-result. Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s 2-run win followed their 50-run victory on March 28, 2025, at Chepauk. At M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Royal Challengers Bengaluru have now won 8 of 11 games against Chennai Super Kings. Virat Kohli’s 1,115 runs against Chennai Super Kings and Lungi Ngidi’s bowling edged out Chennai Super Kings’ spirited chase led by Ayush Mhatre.
