In a high-octane clash in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) delivered a commanding all-round performance to defeat Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by 43 runs at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. After being put in to bat by CSK skipper Ruturaj GaikwadRCB piled up a mammoth 250/3 — the highest total of the season — before bundling out CSK for 207 in 19.4 overs.
RCB’s innings began steadily, with Phil Salt (46 off 30) providing early momentum alongside Virat Kohliwho chipped in with 28 off 18. The innings gained further stability through Devdutt Padikkalwho struck a fluent 50 off 29 balls, anchoring the middle phase and setting the platform for a late onslaught.
The team of David and Rajat Patidar unleash carnage
The game turned dramatically in the death overs as Tim David and RCB captain Rajat Patidar launched a brutal assault on CSK’s bowlers. Patidar smashed 48* off just 19 balls, hammering six towering sixes, while David stole the show with a breathtaking unbeaten 70 off 25 deliveries at a staggering strike rate of 280.
David’s innings, laced with 8 sixes and 3 fours, completely dismantled the CSK attack. The duo added an unbeaten 99-run stand off just 35 balls, propelling RCB to an imposing 250/3. Among the bowlers, Anshul Kamboj, Jamie Overtonand Shivam Dubey picked up a wicket each, but struggled to contain the scoring.
CSK’s spirited chase falls short despite fighting knocks
In response, CSK’s chase got off to a shaky start, losing key batters including Gaikwad and Sanju Samson early in the innings. However, Sarfaraz Khan led a counterattack with a blistering 50 off 25 balls, keeping CSK in the hunt.
He found support from Prashant Veer (43 off 29) and Overton, who smashed 37 off just 16 balls to inject momentum into the chase. Despite their efforts, the steep required rate and regular wickets derailed CSK’s hopes as they were bowled out for 207.
RCB’s bowling unit held its nerve under pressure, with Bhuvneshwar Kumar leading the attack brilliantly with figures of 3/41. Abhinandan Singh and Krunal Pandya chipped in with two wickets each, while Suyash Sharma impressed with an economical spell, claiming one wicket for just 21 runs.
David’s extraordinary knock became the biggest talking point of the match, with fans flooding social media in admiration of his power-hitting display. Many hailed it as one of the finest finishing acts of the season, crediting him for turning a strong total into a match-winning one. Supporters also praised Patidar’s fearless captaincy and impactful cameo, while acknowledging the collective batting effort that set up the victory. For CSK, despite glimpses of resistance in the chase, the bowling performance and early wickets proved costly in the end.
Here’s how fans reacted:
