Despite Ayush Mhatre’s explosive 94 and Jadeja’s finishing push, CSK’s chase derailed as Dhoni’s final-over dismissal sealed RCB’s dramatic win.
Bengaluru, May 4:
In a heart-stopping IPL 2025 contest at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) edged past Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by 2 runs, with skipper MS Dhoni taking personal responsibility for the nail-biting defeat.
Tasked with scoring 15 runs in the final over, Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja faced off against RCB pacer Yash Dayal, whose clinical yorkers held CSK at bay. Dhoni’s attempt to take the match deep ended on a low full toss, trapping him LBW, leaving the team six short from victory.
Shivam Dube reignited hope by launching a no-ball delivery for six, bringing the equation down to 6 off 3. But Dayal, showcasing nerves of steel, conceded just four runs off the last three balls, sealing the win for RCB.
Dhoni’s Admission: “I Take the Blame”
Post-match, Dhoni gave an honest reflection on the game:
“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.”
RCB’s First Innings Surge: Kohli, Bethell Set the Tone, Shepherd Finishes in Style
Earlier, RCB’s top order fired in unison as Virat Kohli (62 off 33) and Jacob Bethell (55 off 33) powered the home side to a strong start. Despite a mid-innings slowdown, Romario Shepherd unleashed brutal hitting at the death, smashing an unbeaten 53 off 14 balls — the second-fastest fifty in IPL history — to take RCB to 213/5.
Dhoni credited Shepherd for his exceptional knock:
“They got off to a good start, and we pulled it back in the middle, but Shepherd was brilliant. Whatever the bowlers bowled, he found ways to score.”
Bowling Execution and the Yorker Dilemma
Reflecting on CSK’s bowling strategy, Dhoni pointed to the need for more consistent yorker practice, especially during pressure overs.
“If you’re going for the perfect yorker and miss, the low full toss is the next best option. It’s tough to hit and requires less margin for error,” he explained.
He also noted that batsmen need to adapt, including playing paddle shots and scoops — areas where CSK fell short.
“In today’s era, batters need to develop alternate shots. Most of our batters don’t play the paddle shot. Jaddu does, but he’s more comfortable going down the ground.”
Ayush Mhatre Shines in Defeat
While CSK came up short, 17-year-old Ayush Mhatre was the shining light, scoring a sensational 94 off 48 balls, keeping his team in the hunt till the end.
“He played really well. Batting had been a concern for us, but today as a unit, I felt we did much better,” Dhoni acknowledged.
Match Summary:
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru: 213/5 (20 overs)
- Virat Kohli 62, Jacob Bethell 55, Romario Shepherd 53
- Matheesha Pathirana 3/36
- Chennai Super Kings: 211/5 (20 overs)
- Ayush Mhatre 94, Ravindra Jadeja 77, MS Dhoni 5
- Lungi Ngidi 3/30, Yash Dayal 1/41
- Result: RCB won by 2 runs