IPL 2025: Hazlewood’s double wicket over in powerplay a ‘game-changing’ one, says RCB skipper Rajat after win over CSK

CHENNAI(Tamil Nadu): Following his side’s win over Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) skipper Rajat Patidar said that the playing surface was helpful to spinners and Josh Hazlewood’s first over during the powerplay was a “game-changing” one.

Tight bowling spells from pacers Josh Hazlewood and Yash Dayal helped Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) secure a 50-run win over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in their Indian Premier League (IPL) match at Chepauk Stadium on Thursday.

Speaking after the match in the post-match presentation, Rajat said that his side posted a total which was more than enough on this pitch.

“Ball was stopping a bit, and it was not easy for batters. It is always special playing at Chepauk against Chennai because of the fans and their support as well. We were targetting around 200 because we knew it was not easy to chase. My goal was clear: as long as I was there, I would keep trying on every ball. We have not changed the batting line up it was the same from the last game. The track was pretty much helpful for spinners. We wanted to use spinners early and the way (Liam) Livingstone came and bowled was outstanding. It (Josh Hazlewood’s first over) was the game-changing moment because I think we got 2-3 wickets in the powerplay.”

It was RCB’s first win against CSK at the Yellow Army’s home ground of Chepauk Stadium after 2008.

Coming to the match, CSK won the toss and elected to bowl first. While Phil Salt (34 in 16 balls, with five fours and a six) powered RCB with some attacking shots in the start, Virat Kohli (31 in 30 balls, with two fours and a six) struggled to stamp his authority. After a 45-run opening stand, Devdutt Paddikal (27 in 14 balls, with two fours and two sixes) played an entertaining cameo, and Rajat Patidar (51 in 32 balls, with four boundaries and three sixes) had some crucial partnerships. In the end, Tim David (22* in eight balls, with a four and three sixes) delivered a magnificent cameo, taking RCB to 196/7 in their 20 overs.

Noor Ahmad (3/36) was the pick of the bowlers for CSK. Matheesha Pathirana (2/36) was also pretty solid with the ball.

During the run chase, RCB was sensational in controlling CSK batters, as Hazlewood (3/21) got Rahul Tripathi and skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad in his first over. Rachin Ravindra (41 in 31 balls, with five fours) tried to put up a fight, but Yash Dayal (2/18) and Liam Livingstone (2/28) made sure he did not get any support. MS Dhoni played a cameo of 30* in 16 balls, with three fours and two sixes. But RCB restricted CSK to 146/8.

Patidar secured the ‘Player of the Match’ title. (ANI)