Chennai Super Kings (CSK) faced a heartbreaking 2-run defeat at the hands of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in their IPL 2025 clash at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on 3 May.
The nail-biting contest ended with CSK narrowly missing a 214-run target, marking their ninth defeat of the season.
RCB, buoyed by an explosive 94-run opening partnership between Jacob Bethell and Virat Kohli, posted a commanding 213/5.
Bethell scored his maiden IPL half-century with 55 runs, while Kohli added 62 before falling to Sam Curran.
Matheesha Pathirana and Noor Ahmed pulled things back in the middle overs, but Romario Shepherd’s unbeaten 53 off 14 balls turned the game around in the final overs.
Chasing 214, CSK began steadily with a 51-run opening stand. But Shaik Rasheed (14) and Sam Curran (5) were dismissed in quick succession, halting momentum.
Ayush Mhatre gave CSK renewed hope with a blistering 94-run knock, but his dismissal by Lungi Ngidi proved crucial.
Ngidi struck again the very next ball, dismissing Dewald Brevis for a duck, sparking a middle-order collapse.
Despite a valiant unbeaten 77 by Ravindra Jadeja and support from Shivam Dube (8), CSK fell just short of the target.
Even MS Dhoni, known for his calm under pressure, could score only 12 runs before being dismissed by Yash Dayal.
Speaking at the post-match presentation, Dhoni accepted full blame for the defeat. “I should’ve converted a couple more shots. I take the blame,” said the CSK skipper.
He also praised Shepherd for his remarkable innings, noting that CSK’s bowlers failed to contain him effectively.
Dhoni expressed concern over CSK’s death bowling.
“We need to practice more yorkers. Even if not perfect, a low full toss is difficult to hit,” he said.
Dhoni also highlighted the importance of modern shots like the paddle and scoop, which are largely missing from CSK’s current batting arsenal.
“Most of our batters don’t play the paddle shot. It is something we need to practise in the new era,” he added.
Chennai Super Kings will now look to bounce back in their next match against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens on 7 May.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru, reinvigorated by this win, will take on Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on 9 May at the Ekana Stadium.
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