Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India]: In a high-octane showdown filled with explosive batting and edge-of-the-seat drama, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) narrowly defeated Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in a last-over thriller in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.
Batting first, RCB set a daunting target of 213/5, powered by stellar contributions from Virat Kohli (62), rising star Jacob Bethell (55), and a blistering unbeaten 53 from Romario Shepherd. In response, CSK mounted a thrilling chase, with Ayush Mhatre smashing a magnificent 94 and Ravindra Jadeja delivering a late fireworks display with an unbeaten 77. However, CSK fell just one boundary short, finishing agonizingly close to a memorable win.
Cricket analyst and former India cricketer Aakash Chopra, speaking on JioHotstar, hailed RCB’s comeback and backed them as strong contenders for a playoff spot.
“Historically, no team with 16 points has ever missed the playoffs in a 14-match league,” said Chopra. “While five teams could finish with 18 points, 16 should suffice. The ‘Q’ might not be beside RCB’s name yet, but I believe it’s already there.”
Chopra also highlighted RCB’s impressive squad depth and adaptability in the face of key player absences.
“You lose Phil Salt and Josh Hazlewood—two big names—but RCB doesn’t panic,” he noted. “Jacob Bethell steps up in place of Salt. And without Hazlewood, Lungi Ngidi comes in and arguably does even better.”
Ngidi was instrumental in RCB’s win, delivering a game-changing sixth over that saw him take two wickets and concede just eight runs, shifting the match’s momentum.
“Then Yash Dayal holds his nerve in the final overs. Suyash bowls that critical sixth over, and Ngidi’s on a hat-trick—this is when you feel like the stars are aligning,” Chopra added.
With momentum on their side, RCB are now not just eyeing qualification but pushing for a top-two finish in IPL 2025.