RCB’s Bowling Fire and Fielding Flaws: Dayal’s Nerve and Ngidi’s Strikes Seal a Thriller vs CSK – IPL 2025 Showdown
Harshini The Chase Begins: CSK Eye a Steep Climb
Chasing a daunting target, CSK’s reply began with intent as Ayush Mhatre and Shaik Rasheed opened aggressively. The early momentum was vital, and Mhatre showcased promise with boundaries flowing from his bat.
- Shaik Rasheed fell to Krunal Pandya after a quick 14(11) [4s-1, 6s-1], breaking the opening rhythm.
- Sam Curran managed only 5(5) before falling to Ngidi, indicating early RCB control.
Ayush Mhatre’s Masterclass: A Star is Born
Ayush Mhatre was the standout performer, taking on the bowlers with fearless strokeplay.
- Reached his maiden IPL 50 in just 32 balls.
- Struck 9 fours and 5 sixes in a commanding 94 off 48 balls.
- Played some sensational shots, including a flat six off Bhuvneshwar and a 98m monster off Shepherd.
Despite nearing a century, his dream was cut short by Ngidi, caught by Krunal at deep mid-wicket—a heartbreak for Mhatre and CSK fans.
Jadeja Unleashed: Timing, Power, and Nerves of Steel
Ravindra Jadeja took charge post-Mhatre’s dismissal, anchoring the middle and late overs with stunning flair.
- Brought up a crucial fifty, celebrating with his signature sword-fling.
- Targeted Suyash Sharma and Ngidi with powerful boundaries and a 109m six onto the stadium roof.
- Punished short deliveries and carved through gaps with precision.
Jadeja’s calculated aggression brought CSK back into contention even as wickets fell at the other end.
The Controversial Twist: Brevis’ Unlucky Exit
Dewald Brevis’ short-lived stay became a talking point due to an umpiring controversy.
- Was given LBW to a high full-toss that ball-tracking later showed missing leg stump.
- Brevis missed his DRS window as the timer wasn’t displayed—a major blow.
- Crowd and commentators were left fuming over the unclear officiating.
Fielding Fumbles and Missed Chances
RCB’s fielders let the pressure slip with crucial errors:
- Kohli dropped a boundary catch at long-on, gifting 4 runs to Jadeja.
- Ngidi dropped a sitter at fine-leg off Jadeja.
- Patidar spilled a tough but takeable catch of Mhatre.
These lapses allowed CSK to stay within striking distance, as the dew made grip and control challenging for bowlers.
Dhoni’s Cameo:
MS Dhoni stepped in with CSK needing acceleration and sent a six soaring over extra cover, sending the crowd into raptures.
- Followed it up with singles, before facing a crucial LBW from Yash Dayal.
- Lost the review and walked off to stunned silence—perhaps his last at MCS?
No-Ball Chaos: Dube Keeps CSK Alive
The climax arrived in the form of high-octane drama:
- Shivam Dube, first ball, launched a waist-high full-toss for six.
- Opted for a no-ball review, and ball-tracking confirmed it was 3cm above waist height.
- Free-hit awarded, breathing new life into CSK’s chase.
What a twist at the death—momentum teetered as RCB’s nerves were tested.
Players Watch
- Ayush Mhatre (Impact Sub): Nearly turned the game with his 94, establishing himself as CSK’s breakout batter.
- Yash Dayal (Impact Sub for RCB): Held nerve in the final overs, dismissing Dhoni and bowling the no-ball six—a rollercoaster outing.
Player of the Match Prediction: Ayush Mhatre
Despite being on the losing side, Ayush Mhatre’s innings deserves top honors. His fearless striking, composure, and confidence made it one of the best innings from a young Indian in IPL history.
RCB Bowling Breakdown: From Powerplay Punches to Final Over Frights
Krunal Pandya’s Early Strikes: Setting the Tone
RCB began strongly with Krunal Pandya removing the dangerous Shaik Rasheed early in the 3rd over. His control in the powerplay:
- Overs: 3
- Runs: 24
- Wickets: 1
- Key Moment: Dismissed Rasheed to break early rhythm.
Krunal maintained tight lines, allowing RCB to stay in the contest despite Ayush Mhatre’s aggression.
Lungi Ngidi’s Middle-Over Comeback: Bumps and Breakthroughs
Ngidi’s spell was a mixed bag but featured two massive breakthroughs:
- Overs: 4
- Runs: 30
- Wickets: 3
- Wickets Taken: Sam Curran & Ayush Mhatre
- Biggest Moment: Dismissal of Mhatre (94 off 48), slowing CSK’s momentum.
Ngidi’s pace and bounce posed challenges, although he leaked boundaries when off-target.
Fielding & Bowling Blunders: Pressure Mounts
RCB’s bowling was let down by poor fielding support and dew-affected grip:
- Ngidi dropped Jadeja at fine-leg.
- Kohli and Patidar missed chances that could’ve turned the tide.
- Extras: 9 (including a critical no-ball six off Dube in the final over).
Yash Dayal: Ice and Fire in the Death
Brought in as an Impact Player, Yash Dayal delivered under immense pressure—almost.
- Overs: 4
- Runs: 41
- Wickets: 1
- Controversy: Bowled the waist-high no-ball six to Dube that turned the match chaotic.
Despite the hiccup, he bowled smartly in the final overs, holding his nerve against experienced finishers.
RCB Bowling Scorecard Summary (Second Innings)
| Bowler | Overs | Runs | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Krunal Pandya | 3 | 24 | 1 |
| Lungi Ngidi | 4 | 30 | 3 |
| Yash Dayal | 4 | 41 | 1 |
Final Take: Mixed Bag for RCB Bowlers
RCB’s bowlers had moments of brilliance—Ngidi’s crucial wickets, Dayal’s death bowling—but were hurt by misfields, full tosses, and one debatable no-ball. Still, they just held off CSK’s late charge to secure a dramatic win.
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